Hello CAD family! I’m Ms. Rachel—a California native who has spent the last 12 years teaching at more than a dozen studios and performing professionally from Washington, D.C. to Texas. Along the way, I learned how to grow programs by connecting with the community, hiring inspiring faculty, and designing seasons that light up young dancers’ imaginations. A fellow in the School of American Ballet’s 22/23 cohort and a former co-director of a digital dance company during the pandemic, I was drawn to Class Act Dance because it shares my belief that strong ballet roots and a variety of styles create well-rounded artists. From the moment Ms. Cheryle and I met, we knew our visions aligned: preserve her incredible legacy while launching exciting new chapters together. Looking ahead, I’m committed to keeping CAD a family-oriented studio that offers classical ballets productions each year, vibrant company performances and competitions, and engaging in-studio experiences for our youngest dancers. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly this past year; I can’t wait to guide CAD into its next 35 years of artistry, community, and joy!