Rachel James

About Rachel

Rachel James is an Instructor of Dance at Interlochen Arts Academy and Interlochen Arts Camp. James holds degrees from Wayne State University, receiving a Master of Arts in Dance Education; Mercyhurst University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a concentration in Choreography; and from the National Ballet School of Canada, Teaching Training Program. As an educator, James has served on the faculty of Cornish College of the Arts, Evergreen City Ballet, and Mercyhurst University and she has served as Interim Director of Dance at Interlochen Arts Camp. Her choreography has been presented by Interlochen Dance Ensemble, Interlochen Summer Dance Ensemble, Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre, Evergreen City Ballet, and ARC Productions. James' choreography represented Mercyhurst University at the Youth America Grand Prix finals. James is a STOTT certified Pilates instructor and uses Pilates as a conditioning/restorative tool for dancers. Her research on dance conditioning has been featured in Dance Magazine.

My personal mission is to develop students with strong technical skills and a deep appreciation for the process. I utilize the strengths of varying styles, with a background in the Cecchetti, Royal Academy of Dance, and Vaganova techniques and I pair this with a deep knowledge of anatomy and somatic work. Culminating in a curriculum that challenges the students artistically, cognitively, and supports them in developing a strong mind-body connection and autonomy in their process.