Posted 15 months ago in Trending, Guest Blog by Ballet 5:8
2 MIN READ -- In the world of dance, female choreographers have often been overlooked, but one artist is leading a transformative movement: Julianna Rubio Slager of Ballet 5:8. Her choreography is not just dance; it's a compelling narrative demanding a stage.
A recent report by the Dance Data Project® highlighted the underrepresentation of female choreographers in ballet. While progress has been made, there's still much work to achieve gender equity. Julianna Rubio Slager's work serves as a testament to her talent and a beacon of hope for the future of dance.
Slager's dance journey is marked by innovation, courage, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Her choreography defies norms, breathes life into human stories, and evokes emotions, celebrating the human spirit.
In the 2022/2023 season, only 32% of programmed works were by women, revealing the ongoing underrepresentation. Slager's contributions to this transformation are invaluable, showcasing the storytelling power of dance. This Fall, Ballet 5:8 brings BareFace back to Chicago at the Athenaeum Center. Slager's choreography reimagines the Cupid and Psyche myth from the perspective of the jealous older sister, offering a captivating narrative of love and jealousy. D'onminique Boyd-Riley from See Chicago Dance says the choreography, "flows like chimes, leaving an enduring impact long after the wind has passed. The performance is nothing short of phenomenal."
The dancers in BareFace shed societal expectations, revealing their true selves through Slager's choreography. It invites audiences to reflect on their own identities and masks. Human connection takes center stage as dancers' movements depict love, longing, and the universal desire for connection. Kathy D. Hey from Third Coast Review says, "With technical precision and graceful beauty, the talented artists of Ballet 5:8's dance company convey a range of emotions, from moments of grief and longing to lighter moments of comedy.”
Showcasing female works on stage is crucial. Slager's choreography challenges the status quo, breathing new life into ballet. In a world where female voices in dance have often been marginalized, her work shines as a ray of hope. The DDP report emphasizes the need to elevate female voices in dance. It's a call to action, highlighting how diversity in choreography enriches the dance world. Julianna Rubio Slager's work demonstrates what can be achieved with resources and opportunities for female choreographers.
In a world hungry for innovation and fresh narratives, Slager's choreography is a gift. It transcends movement, conveying emotions, stories, and celebrating the human spirit. It's time to bring her work to the global stage, letting her voice resonate with audiences worldwide. Learn more about Julianna Rubio Slager and her choreography at Ballet58.org.
