Library Hosts Free Ballet Interpretation of The House on Mango Street by Ballet 5:8

The Orland Park Public Library invites the community to experience a powerful fusion of literature and dance as Ballet 5:8 brings Sandra Cisneros’ beloved classic The House on Mango Street to life through movement. This free, live performance will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. at the library and is open to the public with advance registration through the library’s online calendar.

Performed by Ballet 5:8’s Second Company, this original ballet interpretation uses expressive movement, music, and narrative to illuminate Esperanza Cordero’s journey of identity, belonging, and hope. Through dance, audiences will experience the emotional depth and poetic beauty of Cisneros’ iconic coming-of-age story, which has resonated with generations of readers and remains a staple in schools and communities nationwide.

This special event is made possible through an NEA Big Read grant awarded to Ballet 5:8, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The NEA Big Read supports innovative programming that encourages shared reading experiences, meaningful dialogue, and creative responses to literature while elevating diverse voices and strengthening community connections.

Founded in 2012, Ballet 5:8 is a women-led, Latino- and ALAANA-led professional ballet company based in Chicago’s South Suburbs. Established by Julianna Rubio Slager and Amy Kozol, the company was created to reflect the richness of its community and to tell meaningful stories through dance. Ballet 5:8 embraces both classical and contemporary forms, blurring the lines between sacred and secular, urban and suburban, and prioritizing artistic excellence alongside equity and holistic development.

In addition to its professional company, The School of Ballet 5:8 serves more than 400 students annually across campuses in Orland Park, Beverly, and Lakeview. Students range from early childhood learners to pre-professional dancers and benefit from nationally credentialed faculty, performance opportunities alongside the professional company, and pathways to advanced training and professional dance careers across the country.

The House on Mango Street, a National Bestseller and a TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick, is widely regarded as one of the most important coming-of-age novels of the last fifty years. Told through a series of poetic vignettes, the novel follows Esperanza, a young Latina growing up in Chicago, as she discovers her voice and imagines her future. The book celebrates storytelling, community, and pride in one’s roots, making it an ideal centerpiece for NEA Big Read programming.

The library encourages readers, students, educators, and arts lovers of all ages to attend this unique cultural experience. Space is limited, and registration is required.

What: Ballet interpretation of The House on Mango Street

Who: Ballet 5:8 Second Company

When: Saturday, Jan. 31 at 1 p.m.

Where: Orland Park Public Library

Cost: Free

Registration: Required via the library’s online calendar

For more information and to register, visit the library’s website.