Rachel, born and raised in Milwaukee, began dancing at the age of 8 at Young Dance Academy. She soon began intensive pre-professional training and competed in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary. She received numerous national awards and scholarships for her soloist and group work. After high school, Rachel attended Marquette University and kept dancing as a hobby. She continued to teach a variety of ages and styles of dance, while also working with local movie productions, dance companies, and theater companies as a musical choreographer.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Marquette University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Broad Field Sciences, she planned to pursue a career in dancing after being accepted to the American Musical and Drama Academy in New York City. However, after a spontaneous decision to try ballroom lessons at Fred Astaire as a graduation present, she decided to pursue training in ballroom. After a short two year amateur career that brought numerous Pro-Am National Championship titles, she decided to pursue the professional circuit.
Rachel has been with the Fred Astaire family for a total of almost 10 years. She transitioned from being a student, to becoming a teacher, and then becoming training director of the studio. As a teacher, Rachel has had much success with her students in a variety of styles, including students who have become notable National and International Champions. Rachel was also consistently the Wisconsin Region’s Top Female Teacher across all categories for many years, receiving many plaques and honors for her hard work and dedication to developing her students. During her time as a training director, Rachel helped to lead a team of teachers to becoming a Top 20 studio in the country across the entire Fred Astaire company. The instructors she worked alongside also had much success, winning top awards for their accomplishments.
Professionaly, she is currently competing in the International Latin style with her partner Alex since 2019. In just a few short years, even amidst a global pandemic, they have already accomplished quite a bit in a short time. They are most proud of their finalist placements in all Rising Star Latin events at major U.S. competitions, including USDC Open to the World, Ohio Star Ball, New York Dance Festival, Emerald Ball, and more. They also travel internationally to all of the major Latin competitions where they have become Rising Star semifinalists, including at the most prestigious Blackpool Dance Festival and International Championships held in the United Kingdom as well as at World Masters held in Innsbruck, Austria.
Her areas of specialty include International Latin, International Smooth, American Rhythm, American Smooth, Theater Arts/Cabaret, Showdance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Beginner Students, and Wedding Choreography.
Rachel is very excited to be opening her first school in the Wisconsin area. She cannot wait to share her passion for dancing with the area of New Berlin and is beyond grateful to become a part of your dancing journey!
