For centuries, Cinderella has been a story of transformation, typically focused on a young woman whose fate changes through magic and a prince’s affection. But in Cinder Ella, Ballet 5:8’s latest production, the transformation is her own—a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment.
Ballet 5:8’s Artistic Director, Julianna Slager, describes Cinder Ella as more than a retelling—it’s a reimagining. “Instead of a heroine waiting to be rescued, we see a young woman discovering her voice, strength, and purpose in adversity,” she says. “This version celebrates courage, integrity, and authenticity—qualities that transcend beauty or status.”
Slager believes the production of Cinder Ella will speak directly to the audience’s soul. “When dancers step into these roles, they internalize strength, empathy, and perseverance,” she says. “For audiences, seeing these stories unfold through ballet offers healing and hope.”
In Cinder Ella, the traditional passive princess trope is flipped. Ella’s journey is one of self-realization, rising through courage and integrity rather than external validation. Slager hopes women and girls will see themselves in Ella—not as someone waiting for change, but as someone capable of creating it.
“I hope the audience leaves feeling empowered to rewrite their own narratives,” Slager says. “To step fully into who they were created to be, and to know that even in the ashes, beauty and purpose can rise.”
This spirit of empowerment extends far beyond Cinder Ella. Ballet requires persistence. “We teach our dancers that every challenge is an invitation to grow,” Slager explains. Progress in ballet takes years of dedication. The lessons learned in the studio—discipline, resilience, and creativity—extend far beyond the barre.
Perfectionism is a common struggle for dancers, especially in an art form that demands technical excellence. At Ballet 5:8, instructors counteract this pressure. “We focus on excellence over perfection—on the process over the product,” Slager says. “Our instructors create a safe space where students can try, fail, and try again without shame. We celebrate curiosity, creativity, and courage.”
This approach fosters an environment of support rather than pressure. The studio culture prioritizes collaboration over comparison, promoting a mindset where setbacks are stepping stones rather than failures. “Growth isn’t linear, and that’s okay,” Slager emphasizes. “What matters most is the character being forged in the process.”
Ballet 5:8’s mission goes beyond technical training—it’s about shaping leaders. As a female-led organization, the company’s leadership team brings both expertise and empathy to their roles. “As women leaders, we bring our whole selves to the table—our compassion, our fire, our lived experience,” Slager says. “Our leadership is rooted in a desire to elevate the next generation of women—not just as dancers, but as visionaries, advocates, and creators.”
Slager believes ballet’s lessons extend far beyond the studio. “Ballet teaches us that the hard things are worth doing. Showing up, again and again, builds more than muscle—it builds character,” she says. “The lessons learned in the studio will shape them into someone who leads with strength, humility, and grace.”
With Cinder Ella, Ballet 5:8 is proving that ballet is not just about tradition—it’s about transformation. This fresh take on a beloved story invites audiences to reconsider what it means to be strong, to persevere, and to reclaim one’s own narrative.
“Dance gives women a voice,” Slager says. “On stage, they can embody courage, defiance, tenderness, and transformation—all in a single performance. Off stage, the confidence gained from training shows up in boardrooms, classrooms, and communities.”
Through movement, mentorship, and empowerment, Ballet 5:8 is shaping confident, resilient women ready to take center stage in their own lives.
“We want our dancers to know they are more than their technique—they are storytellers, leaders, and whole people.