Baptized Imagination is a breathtaking mixed bill with original ballets by Ballet 5:8 Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager and Matthew Rushing, Associate Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Ballet 5:8 is a faith-based company recognized for remarkable artistic excellence, innovation and beauty. Ballet 5:8 creates dynamic and captivating performances drawing from life, faith, current events and diverse perspectives that tell relevant stories of the 21st century.

Baptized Imagination will feature well-loved fan favorites including Día de Los Vivos, Gospel Impressions, Todo Raba and more! Additionally, this will be Rushing's first collaboration with the artists of Ballet 5:8, bringing his world-class choreography to Messiah University. Día de Los Vivos is a love letter to those battling clinical depression. Gospel Impressions is inspired by artist Makoto Fujimura's exquisite paintings, The Four Holy Gospels. Rubio Slager composes geometric movement that illuminates the gospel stories further and captures Fujimura's unique paintings through dance. The evening will conclude with Todo Raba, meaning "thank you very much" in Hebrew. The ballet is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to God.