The Gift of Uncertainty with Julianna Rubio Slager

The Gift of Uncertainty with Julianna Rubio Slager

From The Ballerinatist by The Ballerinatist

August 1, 2025 · 29 min · Season 6 · Episode 5

About this episode

Julianna Rubio Slager discusses her journey in ballet, the founding of Ballet 5:8, and the importance of embracing uncertainty in the artistic process.

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…

People in this episode

Guest: Julianna Rubio Slager

Topics covered

  • ballet
  • artistic direction
  • identity
  • uncertainty
  • faith

Keywords

  • Ballet 5:8
  • dance education
  • artistic voice
  • personal authenticity

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Ballet 5:8

Books & works: Ballet 5:8

Places: Chicago

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