Hello
Welcome to Rachel is Dancing. I am a theatre maker, movement practitioner, researcher and mama. I am committed to supporting people into joyful and creative experiences of their bodies, usually alongside other people. My practice is deeply person centred and I am strongly governed by feminist and inclusive principles.
Please click on an images for production info and photography credits.
What do I do?
Usually I work in Theatre, devising new pieces of dance or supporting other Directors with movement elements. I love plays and words as much as I do dancing and the body and I am very excited in projects which explore both.I have extensive experience delivering education projects, for children through to MA students and older people. I love creating professional shows with community groups and I believe firmly in democratising dance. I aim to prioritise embodied agency and remove unhelpful societal information around who has the right to enjoy their body.
Other roles include;
research
I am currently a Phd student under the supervision of Dr Kathryn Stamp at the Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE), Coventry University. My research concerns Intimacy Direction within inclusive dance and aims to understand further the implications and realities of power within a rehearsal room and further.I am always on the look out for people who are keen to chat about the above with me. If this is you please do drop me an email, I would love to hear from you.Previous research experience
Meeting Space - an independent project exploring co-created somatic movement practice with SEN students at Beaumont College, Lancaster. Findings shared internally.Observing my experience of relational peer practice within a Somatic Movement framework; An unorthodox route to knowing? MA research thesis 2013.Publications
National Drama magazine: occasional contributor to Book Reviews.
Education
Me
MA with Distinction - Dance & Somatic Wellbeing ; Connections to the Living Body, UCLan, 2013.BA (HONS) First class - Acting. GSA Conservatoire 2007.Movement experience ; SME, blues, rock and roll, latin ballroom, contemporary dance, physical theatre, european ensemble theatre, historical and period dances, ceilidh calling.
Trained with Philip Zarilli, David Zakowski, Benno Plausmann, Miranda Tufnell, Penny Collinson and Mary Abrams.
Other People
I have been teaching in various ways for over 20 years. I am motivated by modelling positive, inclusive and rigorous learning environments. I strive to both support and challenge students and participants, prioritising what is needed for each person. I aim to demonstrate that education and community participation can be responsive and playful whilst also delivering high quality skill development. Some partners, organisations or projects I have worked on are listed here but please drop me a line if you would like more detail.Leeds conservatoire, ALRA, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, RADA, National Opera Studio, British Council, Toucan theatre, Emily Beaney, Create Arts, Grantham Productions, EFDSS, Trestle Theatre Co, Emergency Exit Arts, Romany Theatre Company.
PLAY GROUND! invites people both big and small to spend time playing, together, with their playful bodies. Designed as spaces to connect and relate to each other in fun and unusual ways, these intergenerational sessions are open to everyone and anyone including children of all ages and their parents/guardians.
Guided by Rachel and her daughter, Amelia, these sessions combine somatic movement, play, improvisation and theatre games.Hosted by Teatro Municipal Lousa in central Portugal, Play Ground! is being tested in 2025. It aims to bring more community into the theatre and into dialogue with their creative expression.