Professional Biography

A professional dancer, singer, and choreographer, Rachel has been teaching dance as a certified dance professional since 1989. Her Ballroom Dancing career began during her second year of college, as a part-time job/ apprenticeship with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, while attending Lewis and Clark College. An Honor's student, her Biology Premed studies were eventually placed on the back burner to pursue a greater love, her passion for dance. She has since traveled the globe for training, teaching, and competing in destinations such as Argentina, Cuba, Canada, France, Holland, and Sweden, as well as many cities throughout the US.  A two-times Bronze Medalist, Awarded a Bronze medal at the 1992 Las Vegas Fred Astaire National Ballroom Competition and a Bronze Medal in the January 2005 World Championships for Country Western and Swing.

Known for her joy in teaching and her great versatility of styles, Rachel's dance knowledge includes a broad repertoire:  All the Ballroom dances (Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quick-step, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Samba, Cha-Cha, Bolero, Jive), Country Western, Swing Dance (East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy-Hop, Charleston, Balboa, Nightclub 2-step & Hustle), Latin Dance (Salsa, Merenge, Cumbia, Cuban Casino Rueda) and Argentine Tango. 

In addition to partner dancing, Rachel has a strong foundation in other body movement and music.  Her training includes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Flamenco, Irish, Hawaiian, Gymnastics and Yoga.  Her Musical Theatre Performance credits include the leading roles of “Nellie” in South Pacific, “Dorothy” in The Wizard of Oz, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” in Scrooge, “Stupefying Jones” in Lil' Abner and “Old Devil Moon” in On With the Show, and a principal dancer and chorus singer in Oklahoma, South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun, and Cabaret. Rachel's choreography credits include 2 years with Newberg High School's Show Choir, as well as choreographing Newberg High School's musical production of Guys and Dolls, a community theater production of Haddasah, and Forest Grove High School's production of Brigadoon.

Rachel is a firm believer that everyone who dreams to dance can, and should, do so, regardless of perceived limitations such as age, natural ability and the proverbial “two left feet.” Rachel desires to share the beauty and benefits of dance with anyone who has ever wanted to float across the floor, as a Fred or a Ginger, or felt the need to pulse out a rhythm and tap their happy feet. Her warm and genuine teaching style encourages people of all ages and abilities to simply show up, and begin to experience the joy of dance.

Rachel can be found teaching weekly group classes and private dance lessons at several lovely locations: Portland State University, Ankeny Street Dance Studio, the Laurelhurst Club, OHSU March Wellness, Metro Family YMCA, Miklja Studios, Sesame Club, and Special Events. Her private lessons are taught by appointment at Ankeny Street Studio. She is the hostess of her own dance, the “Dance for Joy” Dance, held the 4th  Saturday of each month.