Testimonials

Rachel Blackwelder has played a major role in shaping who I am as a performer and artist. She is unwaveringly determined, versatile and passionate. 

Having trained my entire life and now as a working professional dancer, I know firsthand how hard it is to find reliable, generous, and most importantly- safe mentors. I was lucky enough to have Rachel beside me through my formative years of dance training. She laid the foundation that continues to impact the way I approach my artistic practice. I cannot overstate how important it was for my professional career to have a mentor who empowered me to create and become anything I wanted. Rachel led with curiosity and a sense of childlike enthusiasm and wonder. I felt so excited to show her my creations and progress knowing that she would share that same passion and excitement with me. I never felt ashamed when I couldn’t understand something, instead Rachel would treat me with patience and empathy as we worked through a new move or concept. We trained together in contemporary, ballet, acrobatics, choreography and more. Her vast understanding of classical technique and dance history made jumping between genres a breeze. She observed and understood the ways me and my peers worked in such an acute way. She was able to pinpoint exactly what I needed in my workout plans, choreographic creations and technical training. That focused attention to detail and personalization can be so hard to find in the industry. I feel privileged to have experienced it. 

I could go on! I cannot recommend working with Rachel enough. I wouldn’t be the artist or person I am today without her. Any young dancer would be lucky to receive the training I was given.