Elena’s first introduction to dance happened before she was even 3 years old.
She began in a toddler class that combined ballet, tap and tumbling, but ballet quickly stood out to her. “Out of the three, I found I enjoyed ballet the best,” Elena said. That early preference led her parents to look for a professional program where she could grow more seriously as a dancer.
By around age 5, Elena joined Ballet 5:8, a professional ballet school founded by Julianna Rubio Slager. What started as a childhood activity soon became a major passion and commitment. Since then, ballet has been a constant presence alongside school and rehearsals, shaping how she spends most of her time.
Now a high school student, Elena recently stepped into the lead role of “Beyond the Nutcracker,” a holiday production she has been part of for most of her life.
A goal that came full circle
For Elena, the role carries special meaning.
When she was about 8 years old, she wrote a bucket list with one dream at the very top: becoming the lead in a ballet. She rediscovered that list just before casting was announced. “For me, realizing that this is now more than a dream, but my reality, has been a huge honor,” Elena said.
She first appeared in “Beyond the Nutcracker” at age 5 and has returned year after year in different roles. That long history gives her a unique perspective on the story and how it resonates with families.
She describes the production as intentionally inclusive, both in its casting and its message. Christmas, she says, is a time when families come together, and the ballet reflects that sense of shared experience across ages and backgrounds.
Bringing Emma to life on stage
This version of the story is told through the character of Emma, a young girl living in 1940s England. Preparing for that role involves more than memorizing choreography.
Elena relies on a mental routine to step into character. She listens closely to the music, visualizes each movement and lets the story guide her emotions. “Each step feels as though it tells a story,” Elena said, explaining how the choreography helps her understand who Emma is and how she moves through the world.
At the same time, Elena is mindful about separating herself from the character once rehearsal or performance ends. That balance allows her to explore emotion onstage while still protecting her own well-being offstage.
A message families can connect with
At its heart, “Beyond the Nutcracker” focuses on peace, connection and goodwill. Elena hopes families in the audience feel that message clearly.
“Through my dancing, I hope to show a celebration of love and connection, regardless of your diversity or background,” Elena said. She wants audience members, especially children, to feel included and valued as part of the story.
That theme is reinforced by the wide range of performers involved. The production includes Ballet 5:8 professionals alongside many student dancers, creating a multigenerational cast that mirrors the families watching from the seats.
Learning within a supportive cast
Sharing the stage with hundreds of dancers could feel overwhelming, but Elena describes the experience as grounding. Working alongside both peers and professionals has challenged her while also reinforcing a sense of community.
“Dancing with so many other beautiful and talented people has been both empowering and humbling,” Elena said. She credits the supportive environment created by the school for making the experience feel healthy and encouraging.
The year’s production also included live music from the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, adding another layer to the performance. Dancing with a live orchestra requires careful listening and flexibility, but it also helps Elena feel more deeply connected to the story unfolding onstage.
Elena says she is most proud of the collaboration behind the scenes. For families who attended the performance, she hopes they left feeling the care, effort and shared purpose that went into every show.
