Meet Julianna Rubio Slager | Artistic Director & Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julianna Rubio Slager and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julianna, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
As an artist I’ve had to incorporate many small habits into my daily life in order to stay on track with my goals. I’d say the first thing is that successful habits are small things – they aren’t huge or revolutionary. For me it starts with my morning routine. I always prioritize sleep. For me that’s 8-9hrs a night, and I try to be very disciplined about that even in busy seasons. The second is that I spend 10-15mn in natural light at the beginning of everyday. Typically for me that means sitting in my room with the window open, and sometimes it means walking my kids to school. I always get a good breakfast with protein and I try to spend 10-15mn doing prayer and meditation. All these little habits center my emotions and my mind to be able to face the challenges of my day. At work I’ve learned to “batch” my emails. I only answer my email 1-2 times a day, otherwise I find that it is a constant distraction. I also try to spend a few hours on Monday planning my week, and at least an hour on Friday reflecting on the past week, and looking ahead to the following week. Each day at the end of my work day I write a list of things that I need to prioritize for the following day. I write a lot! I find that it’s a lot more effective to write my thoughts down than to try to keep them all in my mind. If I feel anxious I try to write down what’s making me feel that way, and if there are any action steps. These small habits allow me to stay peaceful during hard times, and give me the emotional capacity I need to create.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m deeply interested in creating art that allows us to grow in empathy. I love to bring stories to life that give us a deeper look into ourselves and our communities. Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is one of the best ways to heal our world. In order to change the world, we must challenge our prejudice and assumptions and recognize that our experiences shape how we view each other. Through my art, I hope to create a place for honest dialogue surrounding issues of life, social change, and spirituality. The universal nature of dance allows us to connect deeply through the sacred utterances of our body language. Getting here has not been easy in any way. As a Latina with a loud voice, curvy body, and strong sense of self, the ballet space has not always been a welcoming space. I’ve never been invited to have a seat at the table, so instead I decided to create my own table. New voices in ballet are needed to help bring new perspectives, and I’ve been hard at work the past twelve years honing my skills to be an effective communicator both in word and dance. I’ve learned that you have to trust yourself, while simultaneously listening to feedback. I’ve learned you have to filter your feedback, and know who you want to listen to. Know who you are and what you came here to do. Not everyone will agree with who you are, but that is ultimately a blessing. Knowing what you stand for, and what you bring with you allows you to find the people who are truly in your corner. Don’t give up. Many times it’s not the most talented, but the most tenacious who ultimately succeed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Chicago is absolutely the best city in the U.S. It’s small enough to feel like home, but it’s big enough to offer some of the best art and culture in the world. Cafe Baba-reeba is an amazing tapas restaurant in Lincoln Park. It’s my go to spot for dinner whenever I have friends in town! Right down the street is Steppenwolf theater. They are an ensemble theater that produces a lot of original plays. They challenge me to think more deeply about the world around me! If you’re going to be in Chicago for a few days you absolutely have to visit classical like the Art Institute, The Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium and Millenium Park. While you’re in Millenium Park check out a show at the gorgeous Harris Theater, home to companies like Hubbard Street, Chicago Philharmonic and Ballet 5:8. After you see a show I highly recommend going to the Chicago Athletic Association. They have a really fun bar/restaurant called the Game Room where you can play games like pool, shuffle board, air hockey etc. while sipping cocktails and eating tasty bites. I’d also recommend splurging on dinner at the Cherry Circle Room, located in the same building. Their fine dining is exceptional, with lots of delicious gourmet options. One of the hidden gems of Chicago is the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. I love how they support local artists and the depth of understanding they bring to the stories of immigrants who have bravely made Chicago their home. While you’re in Pilsen you can stop at literally any restaurant for some authentic Mexican food! Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen is one of my personal favorites. Last but not least, if you want Chicago-style pizza make sure to stop by Giordanos for a cheesy, heart attack inducing slice of pie. It’s cliche, but if you come to Chicago you’ve got to try this greasy favorite!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shoutout goes to my team at Ballet 5:8! The dancers, the students, the teachers and the administrative staff are such a huge part of any success. We have learned to work well with each other through thick and thin, and I’m particularly grateful to be inspired by their hard work and talent on a daily basis. I also want to include my beautiful children and supportive husband! My community is truly what drives me, what centers me and what inspires me to continue.

Website: ballet 58.org and juliannslager.com

Instagram: @juliannarubioslager

Linkedin: /ballet58

Twitter: @ballet58chi

Facebook: /ballet58

Image Credits
Jeremy Cowart (Photos of Julianna) Kristie Kahns (Ballet photos)