Rachel is a NYC based dancer, educator, and social worker

Originally from Utica, NY, she began her dance training at Dancenter of Utica under the direction of Carrie Putrello. Rachel recently graduated summa cum laude from Fordham University with her Master’s in Social Work. She previously graduated magna cum laude from Nazareth College with a B.S. in Dance Studies and Social Work. While in school, Rachel studied under Heather Roffe and had the honor of performing works by the Koresh Dance Company, Hettie Barnhill, Cheryl Johnson, Caitlin Mahon, Heather Acomb, and Mariko Yamada. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Rachel also taught children’s dance classes and worked in the Rochester community with refugees, unhoused teenagers, and children in the foster care system. Rachel currently dances professionally for 32nd Pack Dance Company and also choreographs some of their works. She recently had her choreography presented in Times Square and periodically teaches open company classes for 32nd Pack. Rachel is currently teaching dance in Queens and advocating for dancers’ mental health and safety.

Rachel is passionate about improving working conditions for dancers. She believes the unrealistic standards and norms within the dance industry have caused a mental health crisis among many young dancers. She is a strong proponent of a trauma-informed teaching method and a strengths-based perspective. Rachel believes the vast majority of dance educators care deeply about their students but often need additional training regarding mental health in order to best support their dancers and unlearn some harmful practices embedded in the dance world. Rachel hopes to use her knowledge and platform to provide mental health resources for dancers and dance teachers. She also hopes to assist individuals in connecting with their bodies and finding healing through movement. As a dancer and a social worker, she strives to empower, support, and advocate for young dancers.