Julianna Rubio Slager’s Cinder Ella is a striking reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, choreographed for the School of Ballet 5:8 by its Artistic Director. 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. Set to Prokofiev’s lush score, the ballet follows Ella, an orphan scarred by fire, whose inner beauty and strength are kindled through the magical “Giving Tree” planted by her late mother. With more than 300 students bringing the narrative to life, the choreography emphasizes themes of perseverance, self-worth, and personal growth—shifting focus from romantic rescue to authenticity and empowerment. 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. Performed by over 300 talented students at the School of Ballet 5:8, Cinder Ella pushes their athleticism and artistry to new heights.