Julianna Rubio Slager is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet 5:8—a nationally recognized company based in Chicago. She trained 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 at Greater Lansing Ballet and Ballet Magnificat. In 2012, Julianna co-founded Ballet 5:8 with Amy Sanderson, aiming to elevate ballet as a medium for discussion of life and faith. With over two decades of teaching experience, she oversees programming for over 400 students at Ballet 5:8 annually, guiding them to pursue both technical excellence and personal authenticity. Her approach honors each dancer’s unique story, encouraging the integration of culture, faith, and self-reflection into their artistic voice. 

She was named a National Visiting Fellow at the School of American Ballet in 2023. She is a recipient of multiple Illinois Arts Council grants and was awarded a DCASE Individual Artist Grant in 2015. Her work has been featured by NBC, PBS, Fox, Chicago Magazine, Newcity Stage, and See Chicago Dance.

In our conversation, Julianna shares about sculpting a unique identity for Ballet 5:8, leaning into uncertainty, and finding beauty in every stage of life as an artist.

Learn more about Julianna and Ballet 5:8 at https://www.ballet58.org/

You can learn more about dance education and career planning for dancers at theballerinatist.com