Born and raised in Texas, Rachel began her formal dance training at Allen Conservatory of Dance at the age of 13 and joined the student company at Allen Civic Ballet in high school. While in high school, Rachel performed in numerous musical theatre productions, including Oklahoma, Godspell, Once Upon a Mattress, and Fiddler on the Roof as well as choreographed for Annie Jr. and Fiddler on the Roof. Upon graduation, Rachel pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet at Friends University under Stan and Sharon Rogers. She had the opportunity to perform in The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Les Sylphides, and other classical, contemporary, and modern repertoire by many esteemed choreographers. Rachel then relocated to Virginia, where she furthered her knowledge and experience in classical and contemporary ballet. She trained for a year with the Charlottesville Ballet and then spent 3 years as a company member with Stavna Ballet. She had the opportunity to guest with Central Illinois Ballet during their 21/22 season while working for Allegro Ballet Academy in Pittsburgh, PA as their Studio Manager. She is certified in Barre through Barre Above and Level 1 certified for Progressing Ballet Technique. Rachel is so excited to be joining Central Illinois Ballet for her first season as a company member and as the Academy Director for Cornerstone Academy.