Rachel Kempson began her dance studies with the Columbia City Ballet in Columbia, SC at the age of four. She continued with the studio for several years exploring ballet, tap, and jazz before moving to Chicago, IL to join the Chicago Youth Ballet at the age of ten. After a short period of time she relocated with her military family to Atlanta, GA and joined the North Atlanta Dance Academy as a youth company member.

As she became more eager to explore dance she began researching ballet summer programs. In 2001 Rachel attended the Atlanta Ballet summer program and fell further in love with ballet. With this experience she was exposed to new styles of dance like contemporary, hip- hop, and flamenco. The following summer she attended the North Carolina School of the Arts’ summer program for the first of six summers. This particular experience landed her with an invitation to attend high school with NCSA.

After Rachel graduated from high school she attended Appalachian State University for one semester where she met and danced for Laura Valentine at the North Carolina Dance Festival in 2006. Realizing her passion for contemporary dance she moved to Greensboro North Carolina in 2007 where she finished her studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In the fall of 2010 she graduated with a BA in Hospitality Management, a Business Minor, and a Dance Minor.

Shortly after graduating from UNCG she heard news of an audition in Wilmington, NC for The Story Collective. She spent the spring and summer of 2011 working with the company to raise awareness against human trafficking through the original production of The Dollhouse.

Through that incredible opportunity she has found her way to the Glory Academy of Fine Arts where she will be teaching ballet, pointe, and pre- pointe classes. She is absolutely thrilled to be in Wilmington and is eager to grow with the students, staff, and families at GAFA!