In 2001, Rachael set up FRONTLINEdance with Michael King and has since created, devised, fund-raised and delivered many projects and performance work, successfully gaining support from a range of funding bodies since. She has choreographed; collaborated with musicians/film makers/fine artists; performed nationally; taught; created education packs; devised and managed many projects and tours. Rachael continues to manage and lead FRONTLINEdance, both artistically and strategically.
Rachael was introduced to Contemporary dance at the age of 16 by dance lecturers Dee De Wet and Sylvia Farrier, and loved it! She then completed a degree in Dance whilst training at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds (1998). Here she focused on training as a professional dancer and dance for special educational needs gaining a distinction in this area. Rachael also holds a post graduate certificate in ‘dance artist in education’ and has taken part in a Dance for Parkinson training course created by Dance Umbrella and lead by Marc Morris Dance (USA).
Rachael has worked as both a dancer and choreographer, specialising in integrated dance and dance and disability nationally as both a freelance dance artist and for FRONTLINEdance. She has worked for a number of national organisations and agencies, working with all ages and abilities from nursery aged children to professional dancers to older people, and a short stint as a part-time associate lecturer in dance at MMU Cheshire.
Rachael is driven by the people she works with, her son (learning disability, scoliosis and a heart condition) and managing three different health conditions. This has enriched the work she devises for FRONTLINEdance and has informed its current Artistic practice and direction. She is driven to change negative preconceptions of disability, provide opportunities, working in community and health settings, whilst being able to use her love of the art and creativity of contemporary dance to do so.
