Julianna Rubio Slager’s Cinder Ella was created in 2025 for the School of Ballet 5:8. The work is a striking reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale. Drawing on historical adaptations—from Perrault’s fairy-tale elegance to the Grimm brothers’ darker Aschenputtel—Slager replaces the archetypal Fairy Godmother with a powerful Fire Spirit, symbolizing resilience and self-transformation. Rubio Slager’s interpretation challenges performers and audiences alike to embrace inner light amid adversity, underlining Ballet 5:8’s mission to tell meaningful, values-driven stories through dance. Danced by 300 students, the athleticism and artistry in the ballet are intricate and moving. Please enjoy our production of Cinder Ella!