Frequently Asked Questions

About Julianna Rubio Slager – Latina Choreographer, Dance Filmmaker, Artistic Director

Who is Julianna Rubio Slager?

Julianna Rubio Slager is a Mexican-American choreographer, director, and movement artist based in Illinois. As a Latina ballet creator, she blends classical technique with powerful, culturally rooted storytelling. Julianna is the founding Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8 and has created over 60 original ballets. Her work explores themes of migration, faith, womanhood, and justice, and has been performed nationwide. She is also a 2023 National Visiting Fellow with the School of American Ballet in New York City.

What kind of work does Julianna create?

Julianna creates original ballet works, contemporary choreography, and dance films. Her choreography draws from personal and collective narratives, often highlighting underrepresented voices—especially those of women, immigrants, and communities of color. Her notable works include La Llorona, The House on Mango Street Ballet, and The Caged Bird Sings.

Is Julianna available for commissions or residencies?

Yes. Julianna accepts invitations for choreographic commissions, residencies, guest teaching, and speaking engagements. She has worked with professional companies, universities, pre-professional programs, and interdisciplinary artists across the U.S.

How does Julianna’s heritage influence her choreography?

Julianna’s work is deeply shaped by her identity as a Chicana and the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She often uses dance to explore the intersections of culture, memory, and womanhood—reclaiming space for Latinas in concert dance and ballet. Her works break stereotypes and elevate the layered experiences of Latiné communities.

What is Chicana Bailar?

Chicana Bailar is Julianna’s current independent project—a short dance film that reclaims and reframes Latina identity through choreography and original sound. Created in collaboration with Latina dancers and Chicago-based artists, the film explores what it means to live between cultures, languages, and expectations. Chicana Bailar premieres online in 2026.

Where can I see Julianna’s work?

You can watch Julianna’s work on sample on her choreography page and by following her on Instagram @juliannarrubioslager. Upcoming releases, performances, and digital premieres are also listed in the press section of this website.

How can I collaborate with or support Julianna’s work?

To collaborate, commission new work, or invite Julianna for a residency, please reach out via the Contact page. You can also support independent projects like Chicana Bailar by sharing her work, attending digital releases, or making a contribution to project-specific funding campaigns.

What makes Julianna Rubio Slager’s work unique?

Julianna’s choreography stands at the intersection of classical ballet and cultural storytelling. Her work is known for its emotional depth, visual power, and intentional inclusion of voices often left out of traditional dance spaces. She creates art that lingers—beauty that provokes thought, heals memory, and reshapes what ballet can be.