Julianna Rubio Slager is an innovative choreographer and experienced ballet coach.
Her work is performed on stages across the country.
Julianna, a ballet dancer and Chicana, finds creating work about real women more compelling than fairytales. She believes good dance makes us feel seen, connecting us to a global family experiencing cycles of pain, hope, joy, and sorrow. Through her choreography, she aims to showcase the depth of human experience, physicalizing our longing to be known and valued. With a background in ballet and a desire to explore authentic narratives, Julianna's work resonates with audiences, fostering empathy and highlighting the diverse stories of women.
Online performances are now available.
Visit online.ballet58.org for details and to purchase tickets.
“Watching a ballet - you can allow yourself to get lost in the beauty. Those two hours in a theater can be a refuge, a moment of stillness surrounded by transcendent beauty. It’s not just two hours of escapism and mindless entertainment. I believe that when we encounter transcendent beauty, we carry that with us back into the world.”
Bio
Julianna Rubio Slager stands as a prominent ballet educator and advocate for minority women in ballet. As the co-founder and resident choreographer of Ballet 5:8, she has spearheaded the company's growth since its inception in 2012, establishing it as a dynamic force in the dance world. With an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and innovation, Julianna has built a diverse company repertoire of over 50 original ballets, captivating audiences across the United States.
Her choreographic voice is both bold and nuanced, seamlessly blending classical technique with contemporary sensibility to create compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. From the hauntingly beautiful "BareFace" to the exhilarating “Día de Los Vivos," Julianna's works reflect a profound exploration of human emotion, spirituality, and the human experience. Her ability to infuse her choreography with depth and authenticity has garnered widespread acclaim, with features in New City Stage, Modern Luxury, Dance Magazine, Dance Data Project, Around Town with Ana Belaval, Chicago Tonight - Latino Voices, and many others.
As the Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8, Julianna has led the company to new heights, guiding its growth into a nationally recognized touring ensemble with performances in 17 states. Under her leadership, Ballet 5:8 has become the resident company of the esteemed Harris Theater in Chicago, further solidifying its position as a leading force in the dance community.
In addition to her work with Ballet 5:8, Julianna is also a sought-after ballet teacher and guest lecturer, sharing her passion for dance with students and audiences alike. From the Grand Rapids Ballet School to Belhaven University, Texas Christian University to Ballet California, Julianna's teaching engagements span the country, having taught at over 100 schools inspiring the next generation of dancers with her expertise and artistry.
In 2023 Julianna was recognized for her distinctive choreographic vision by Chicago Dancemaker’s Forum and was selected as a finalist. She also was invited as a National Visiting Fellow at the prestigious School of American Ballet. Her work in furthering diversity and accessibility in ballet training are an integral part of her teaching practice.
Driven by her deep love for dance and her unwavering commitment to artistic excellence, Julianna Rubio Slager continues to push the boundaries of choreography, inspiring audiences with her innovative vision and profound storytelling. In a world that often feels divided, her work serves as a reminder of the power of art to unite, uplift, and transform lives.
Día de Los Vivos
Julianna created Día de Los Vivos in 2021 and it has been met with deep apprecation by audiences across the U.S. To request to stage this ballet please contact us via email.