Classically trained in ballet since the age of three, Rachel is a ballerina turned aerialist, showgirl, and variety performer. Modern, belly dance, and lyrical jazz make up some of her versatile background, as well as two years of aerial acrobatic training at the Circus Center of San Francisco. Rachel’s cross training gives her the ability to deliver a wide range of movements from lithe and ethereal to earthy and visceral. After moving to California to train in circus, Rachel found a home in the Nekyia, an elegant belly-dance fusion troupe, and the illustrious dark circus phenomenon, the Vau de Vire Society.

Rich, extravagant movements and strong, multifaceted technique are her trademarks. Captivating audiences with an eloquent musculature and a capacity to deliver roles from comedy to mystery, she is based out of Seattle, Washington.

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Training

Trained since the age of three in classical ballet, with emphasis on the Royal Academy of England methods as well Cecchetti. Trained under Bonita Simpson of the Charlotte Ballet, Philip Burnam of the Royal Academy, and Lisa Leone of the Charlotte Ballet.
Company member of the Union County Youth Ballet for seven seasons (Monroe, NC).

American Tribal Style Bellydance, two years with Onca O’ Leary of Baraka Mundi (Asheville, NC).

Modern dance, five years at the University of North Carolina at Asheville under Connie Schrader according to the methods of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and others (Asheville, NC).

Ballroom/Partnering Dance- Lindy Hop and Blues, one season at Herrang Dance Camp. Trained under Frankie Manning and others (Herrang, Sweden).

Two years training in aerial acrobatics, aerial tissue, hoop, and flexibility acrobatics at the Circus Center of San Francisco (San Francisco, CA).

Performance and Professional Experience

Performer by Private Contract
Cast for various collaborative and solo performance pieces, demonstrational films, and corporate productions.


The Vau de Vire Society; company member

Recent appearances:
National Tour of The Moscova Affiar presented by Stoli Vodka ~ classical ballet (pointe) soloist, corps, pole acrobat
Outside Lands Festival 2009 ~corps
Edwardian Ball 2009 ~corps and pointe soloist
Storytime Festival 2008 ~corps


The Nekyia; company member

Recent appearances:
"Tales of Desire;" a Tribal Belly Dance Experience (film) produced by Hollywood Music Center 2008
Teatro Zinzanni's Cabaret Lunatique 2008
"Stravinsky's Firebird; A Fire Ballet" presented by The Crucible 2008


Temple Nightclub; Zen Compound-San Francisco
Dance Director
September 2007-July 2008
Choreographer, costumer, dancer, director


Specialties:

Pole dance/acrobatics
Proficient in Swing, Blues, Tango, Salsa.
Proficient in demi and en pointe
Modelling; photography and painting portraiture in solo and classroom settings
Singing
Burlesque (Drag)
Horseback riding



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