Julianna Rubio Slager

Julianna Rubio Slager is a groundbreaking Mexican-American choreographer, educator, and Artistic Director who has reshaped the ballet world with her innovative and socially relevant works. As the co-founder of Ballet 5:8, a Chicago-based company, she has transformed classical ballet into a dynamic medium for addressing contemporary issues, captivating audiences nationwide with compelling storytelling and artistic excellence.

Early Life and Training

Born in Spring Arbor, Michigan, Julianna discovered her love for dance at a young age. Her initial training under Lori Ladwig provided a solid foundation, which she built upon through studies with renowned mentors from the Ann Arbor Ballet Theater, New York City Ballet, the Vaganova Academy, and the Puerto Rican National Ballet. Julianna also danced under Barbara Smith at Greater Lansing Ballet and under Kathy Thibodeaux and Sol Maisonet at Ballet Magnificat.

Her diverse training instilled a deep appreciation for the discipline of classical ballet and the expressive potential of contemporary movement. As a Latina artist, Julianna draws heavily on her Mexican-American heritage, infusing her work with perspectives that challenge and expand ballet’s traditional narratives.

Founding Ballet 5:8

In 2012, Julianna co-founded Ballet 5:8 with Amy Sanderson to address a pressing need in the ballet world: creating innovative works that engage audiences with relevant and meaningful stories. Ballet 5:8 quickly distinguished itself as a leader in blending classical artistry with modern themes, touring to 17 U.S. cities and earning acclaim for its powerful performances.

Julianna’s tenure as Artistic Director has seen the creation of over 55 original works. Her ballets—such as La Llorona, Reckless, Lost Women of Juarez, Butterfly, Día de Los Vivos, The Space in Between, and BareFace—delve into themes of faith, justice, and cultural identity with an emotional depth that resonates across diverse audiences.

Choreographic Vision

Julianna is celebrated for her narrative strength and her ability to tackle complex social issues through ballet. Critics have praised her for breaking ballet’s traditional boundaries, making it accessible and deeply engaging. See Chicago Dance described Julianna as "transforming the oftentimes stiff perceptions of ballet into a malleable clay that we can all touch, be touched by, and play with."

Her works have received national recognition for their technical rigor and storytelling. Reckless confronts human trafficking, La Llorona reimagines the classic Mexican myth, and BareFace, inspired by Till We Have Faces, explores love, trauma, and redemption.

Commitment to Education and Mentorship

Julianna’s passion extends beyond choreography to education and mentorship. With over 20 years of teaching experience, she has guest taught at more than 100 ballet schools across the United States. As Artistic Director of the School of Ballet 5:8, she has shaped programs that serve over 400 students annually, emphasizing both technical excellence and the cultivation of each dancer’s unique artistic voice.

Julianna’s holistic approach to education encourages students to integrate their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds into their artistry. Many of her students have gone on to prestigious companies and training programs, furthering her impact on the dance world.

Awards and Recognition

Julianna’s achievements have garnered significant accolades. In 2023, she was named a National Visiting Fellow at the prestigious School of American Ballet. She has received multiple grants from the Illinois Arts Council and was a recipient of the DCASE Individual Artist Grant in 2015. That same year, she was a finalist for the Chicago DanceMakers Forum, solidifying her reputation as a visionary artist.

Her work has been featured on major platforms such as NBC, PBS, and Fox, and highlighted in publications like See Chicago Dance, Chicago Magazine and Newcity Stage for its innovation and artistry.

Legacy and Vision

As one of the few Latina artistic directors in professional ballet, Julianna has paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the field. Through her leadership at Ballet 5:8, she has demonstrated how ballet can address pressing contemporary issues while upholding the art form’s classical beauty.

Julianna envisions a future where ballet continues to evolve as a medium for dialogue, reflection, and transformation, inspiring new generations of artists and audiences.

Personal Life

Deeply rooted in her faith, Julianna views dance as both an artistic and spiritual pursuit. She is married to Jeremy Slager, and together they raise their three children while remaining committed to Ballet 5:8’s mission of fostering meaningful conversations through the power of beauty and movement.