Ballet 5:8 has launched two virtual field trips designed for schools, libraries, and community organizations, offering a new way to experience literature through dance. The programs – The House on Mango Street and The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe – are now available for online rental, each accompanied by educational resources and the option to book a live virtual artist Q&A.
Built for easy access and strong classroom and community value, the virtual field trips extend Ballet 5:8’s growing work in schools and libraries across Illinois, translating live performance into a flexible, discussion-ready digital format.
“Collaboration is the way forward,” said Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager. “Literature has always been a dialogue between generations. Art allows us to step into that conversation—to connect across time and culture, and to engage questions of life, faith, and human dignity in a way that feels immediate and shared.”
Ballet 5:8 virtual field trips provide two distinct literary experiences.
The House on Mango Street offers a visually rich dance adaptation inspired by Sandra Cisneros’ beloved novel. Designed for upper elementary through high school students, as well as libraries and family literacy programs, the virtual field trip invites audiences into Esperanza’s world through movement and music. The experience centers on themes of identity, home, language, and belonging, creating an accessible entry point for students to connect literature to their own lives.
The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe presents a more cinematic and contemplative experience, exploring Poe through grief, imagination, and historical context. Designed for high school, college, and adult learners, the virtual field trip pairs performance with a multi-part educational lecture series developed in collaboration with the Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia. The work invites deeper discussion around American literature, cultural memory, and the moral complexities of Poe’s world.
Each virtual field trip includes simple online purchase and streaming access; educational resources to support discussion and learning; a performance-centered approach to literature; and the option to book a live virtual artist Q&A.
Ballet 5:8 has built a strong foundation of community engagement through partnerships with schools, libraries, and cultural organizations. These virtual field trips expand that reach, offering a scalable way to bring arts-integrated learning into classrooms and community spaces across Illinois.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in Ballet 5:8’s marketing and outreach strategy toward clearer audience pathways and education-focused engagement, ensuring that each offering is tailored to the needs of specific audiences rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Both virtual field trips are available now for rental at $39.99 through Ballet 5:8’s online platform. Educators, librarians, and community organizations can also book a live virtual artist Q&A to extend the experience and deepen engagement.
For more information or to purchase, visit Ballet58.org/virtual-field-trips
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