Press &
Conversations.
Critical perspectives on the choreography. The stories behind the work. Conversations about artistic identity, cultural memory, and the future of ballet.
Caught in
the Crosshairs
In a preview of Ballet Five Eight's Harris Theater performance, Newcity examines Rubio Slager's The Lost Women of Juárez, a work confronting femicide along the U.S.–Mexico border.
The conversation situates the ballet within a larger artistic practice: transforming difficult histories into physical, theatrical storytelling.
Newcity Stage / April 17, 2024
Read the feature ↗Features & interviews
Journalism exploring the choreography, creative process, identity, and artistic leadership.
The Spirit Mover
A profile of Rubio Slager's reimagining of La Llorona, bringing Mexican folklore, motherhood, and postpartum depression into conversation.
Read feature ↗Telling Truthful Stories
A tenth-anniversary interview examining the founding of Ballet Five Eight and the development of a distinctive choreographic institution.
Read interview ↗The Artistry and Advocacy of Julianna Rubio Slager
An exploration of the artistic and personal context behind The Lost Women of Juárez, including cultural identity and advocacy through dance.
Read profile ↗Entering a New Era at Ballet 5:8
A conversation about artistic growth, leadership, repertory, and the continued development of a professional company.
Read interview ↗Reimagining La Llorona for the Modern Era
New Mexico public radio examines the ballet's reinterpretation of folklore and its engagement with maternal mental health.
Listen / read ↗Interview: Julianna Rubio Slager
A conversation about choreographic storytelling, character development, and the artistic choices behind narrative ballet.
Read interview ↗Ballet is more than an aesthetic. It is a language capable of carrying memory, contradiction, and the complexity of being human.
An editorial statement about Julianna Rubio Slager's work.
Reviews & criticism
Critical perspectives on the choreography and its theatrical realization.
La Llorona Reborn: Heritage and Renewal
A review of the ballet's integration of Mexican cultural heritage and contemporary themes.
Read review ↗Reviving the Wings of Butterfly
A critical response to the revival of Butterfly, including its theatrical design and choreographic vision.
Read review ↗BareFace
An assessment of the Harris Theater production, examining its movement, theatricality, and literary inspiration.
Read review ↗Of Light and Shadow
A review of the Harris Theater program featuring Celestia, The Cave, and The Space in Between.
Read review ↗Butterfly at Bowie Center
A critical response to the touring production of Butterfly and its narrative and emotional impact.
Read review ↗The Lost Women of Juárez
A review considering the theatrical imagery and emotional force of the Harris Theater performance.
Read review ↗The artist's voice
Selected listening on choreographic identity, artistic leadership, culture, and the dance field.
The Gift of Uncertainty
On developing a distinctive artistic identity, navigating uncertainty, and embracing change throughout a creative career.
Listen to the episode ↗The Choreographic Process
An extended interview about developing choreography, different perspectives in art, representation, and the responsibilities of mentorship.
Listen to the episode ↗From Survival to Storytelling
A personal conversation about the experiences that shaped Rubio Slager's artistic voice and approach to storytelling.
Find the episode ↗Julianna with Ballet 5:8
A conversation about Mexican-American identity, building a cultural institution, and making space for underrepresented artists.
Listen to episode 112 ↗Art vs. Entertainment
A discussion of artistic intention, audience expectations, and the relationship between expression and entertainment.
Find the episode ↗Why Trust Is Key in the Artistic Process
On choreographic clarity, abstract versus narrative work, and how artists invite audiences into complex stories.
Find the episode ↗On air
Broadcast conversations about the repertoire and its cultural context.
A New Interpretation of La Llorona
Hispanic Heritage Month coverage of Rubio Slager's reimagining of the Mexican legend.
Watch ↗Ballet 5:8 Presents La Llorona
Rubio Slager discusses the emotional and cultural themes of the ballet on Daytime Chicago.
Watch ↗Reimagining the Legend of La Llorona
New Mexico television coverage of the ballet's contemporary interpretation of maternal mental health.
Watch ↗Edgar Allan Poe's Life Comes to the Stage
Coverage of The Curious Life of Edgar Allan Poe ahead of its Baltimore engagement.
Watch ↗Hispanic Heritage and Mental Health Awareness
A public television feature connecting the company's programming with cultural identity and mental health.
Watch / read ↗Bringing Music and Dance to Your Living Room
A public radio conversation about access to ballet and reaching new audiences.
Listen / read ↗Honors & recognition
School of American Ballet
2023 National Visiting Fellow, recognizing artistic and educational leadership.
View fellowship ↗Chicago Dancemakers Forum
Finalist for the 2024 Lab Artists Program, announced November 2023.
View announcement ↗Further reading
Additional reporting, commentary, and program coverage.
Myth and the Bible in BareFace
Read ↗Edgar Allan Poe and La Llorona Come Alive
Read ↗Four Seasons of the Soul
Read ↗Lamentations: Dance and Voice
Read ↗Butterfly at Logan Center
Read ↗Four Photos: Butterfly with Julianna Slager
Read ↗Behind 4501
View ↗Elevating Diverse Voices
View ↗
Continue the
conversation.
For interviews, media inquiries, artistic collaborations, and information about Julianna Rubio Slager's choreography.
jslager@ballet58.org →