Alisa Nipp | The Rough-Face Girl

Based on Algonquin folklore, The Rough-Face Girl tells the story of one of the most powerful, haunting versions of the Cinderella story ever told. Learn about Julianna Rubio Slager’s new work from the artists themselves.

Q. What is one thing that has stood out to you through the creation process?

A. We’re really pushing our boundaries and trying something new in our repertoire. Because we’re branching out, the choreographic process involves a lot of improvisation, discussion, and experimentation.

Q. Describe the style of movement: how does it relate to your character, and how has your experience been dancing it so far?

A. We have 4 different movement phrases based on 4 elements in nature: earth has a connection to the ground; light has a quick, airy, playful feel; rain is very rhythmic; and trees have a gentle strength that is rooted in the earth. The movement phrase for The Rough-Face Girl is very cheerful and innocent. Each movement phrase is very different from the rest, but each provides a fun challenge.

Q. Why see The Rough-Face Girl?

A. The Rough-Face Girl is different from the rest of our repertoire with its story-line from The Algonquin tribe’s folklore and with some of its movement inspired by elements of nature. None of our repertoire is similar to each other. You really have to see it all to see everything that our company does.