Our NeighboursRachel Meyer
Rachel Meyer isn’t your typical ballet dancer.
Originally from St. Louis, she’s danced with many companies in the states before settling in Vancouver, where she had a six year tenure at Ballet BC. Since 2017, she has left the company and has focussed on choreography, where she is is most interested in the in-between moments. What makes Rachel’s work different from other dancers/choreographers is that she pays attention to all the elements - venue, invitations, lighting, etc - and works them to create a complete experience for the guest.We caught up with Rachel right before the second mounting of her performance Transverse Orientation, which takes inspiration from the life cycles of moths. Rachel performed some of her role for us, in the comfort of her home studio.
What gets you up in the morning?
My daughter saying "mama" on the baby monitor.
Do you have a daily routine?
When I’m creating, I usually take a morning ballet or contemporary dance class before heading to rehearsals.
What are you currently reading?
“Bandoneon: Working with Pina Bausch” A Diary by Raymond Hoghe.
What is your favourite meal?
Spaghetti and meatballs.
Favourite garment that you own?
A beautiful, vintage black dress.
One song you will never tire of?
“La Vie en Rose" by Edith Piaf.
What’s the next thing you’re going to make?
Choreograph a new work.
Any recommendations?
Dance works by the company Peeping Tom, Dimitris Papaioannou, and Crystal Pite.