Rachel Dawson

RAD RTS, ARAD, TCP Diploma in Dance Performance

Faculty – GRADES

Rachel is a highly experienced dance educator and choreographer whose career spans over two decades in New Zealand and the UK. A graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance, she went on to achieve her RAD Teachers’ Certificate with distinction and ARAD status, before building an extensive teaching career with the Royal Ballet School, the Royal Academy of Dance, and leading dance institutions across Cambridge. Passionate about inspiring students through creativity and technical excellence.

Rachel trained at the New Zealand School of Dance, graduating with a 3-year diploma in dance performance. She achieved her RAD Teachers’ Certificate with distinction in 2001, and her ARAD initials in 2019. She then moved to England in 2007 with her two children and husband.

Since 2010 she has been employed by the Royal Ballet School, as a teacher on their ‘Primary Steps’ programme, and workshop tutor in Primary schools across East Anglia.

Rachel has also worked as a RAD ballet teacher, private coach and choreographer for 18 years, heading up both junior and senior ballet schools at Cambridge theatre school and as an associate teacher at Colours of Dance Studios. For 14 years, Rachel taught as a vocational ballet tutor for Cambridge Performing Arts and cover teacher for Centre for Advanced training. She was invited to teach on the Radiate Programme for 5 years developed by the RAD to offer creative dance to children with specific additional needs.

Additionally, Rachel co-delivered primary sector dance-based lectures to teachers for the ISTD and was invited to create video content for the RAD during covid and for The Royal Ballet School’s Primary Steps on Demand.

Rachel is delighted to have had students regularly gain placement in the JA /MA associate programme, White Lodge and full time at the Royal Ballet School.

She has a passion for choreography and enjoys inspiring students through creativity and technical knowledge. She is excited to have recently made the move to come back and live in New Zealand and join the team at En Pointe Dance Academy, Wellington.