A professional dancer, singer, and choreographer, Rachel has been teaching dance as a certified dance instructor since 1989. A two-time Bronze medalist, 1992 USA Nationals and 2005 Worlds Championships, Rachel has been fortunate to travel professionally for her work to destinations across the US and around the world, including Argentina, Canada, Cuba, France, Spain, Holland, Norway, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, and the Eastern & Western Caribbean.
Known for her joy shared with her students while teaching, Rachel’s dance knowledge includes a broad repertoire of styles, from the competitive level to the social dance level. Teaching all the American and International Style Ballroom dances, (Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Rumba, ChaCha, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Jive, Samba, Paso Doble, Bolero and Mambo) as well as social and street partner dance styles (Argentine Tango, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Country 2-step, Night Club 2-step, Salsa, Cuban Casino Rueda, Bachata, Cumbia, Merengue, Lindy Hop Swing, Charleston, Balboa, Rotary Waltz & Cross-step Waltz), Folk dance styles (Scandinavian, Mexican, Russian, Argentinian, Cuban) and several popular Line Dances, Rachel considers herself blessed to be a forever student as she continues her education to be a better teacher for her students. Rachel offers weekly classes at several locations in Portland and is the owner of Dance with Joy Studios LLC, an Art & Activity Wellness Center. In addition to teaching at her studio, Rachel also teaches at Portland State University, Portland Community College, Lewis & Clark College, the Laurelhust Club, Paradise Dance Studio, the Sesame Club, and several K-12 schools through Young Audiences of Oregon, Right Brain Initiative and Saturday Academy. Her private lessons are taught by appointment. Schedule your private lesson with Rachel Lidskog by contacting Dance with Joy Studios. She is the hostess of her social dance party, the Dance with Joy Party, held every 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Saturday.
In addition to partner dancing, Rachel has a strong foundation in other body movement and music. Her training includes Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Flamenco, Irish, Hawaiian, Polynesian, Gymnastics and Yoga, with a strong dance performance background in musical theater. Rachel’s Musical Theatre Performance credits include the leading and supporting roles of “Nellie” in South Pacific, “Dorothy” in The Wizard of Oz, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” in Scrooge, “Stupefying Jones” in Lil’ Abner and “Old Devil Moon” in On With the Show, as well as a principal dancer and chorus singer in Evita (Argentine Tango), Oklahoma, South Pacific, Annie Get Your Gun, and Cabaret. Rachel’s choreography credits include numerous student and professional showcase routines, local performance groups, local Dance with the Stars celebrity fundraiser routines, Newberg High School’s Show Choir, Newberg High School’s musical production of Guys and Dolls, a community theater production of Haddasah, Forest Grove High School’s production of Brigadoon,Vancouver School of Arts production of Guys and Dolls, and an episode of the television series Leverage for celebrity actors, Jerri Ryan & Roberto Sanchez. Rachel considers it an honor and privilege to teach and welcomes students, from beginning to advanced, to share the joy of dance! <3
Rachel is a firm believer that everyone who dreams to dance can (and should) do so, regardless of perceived limitations such as age, natural ability and the proverbial “two left feet.” Rachel desires to share the beauty and benefits of dance with anyone who has ever wanted to float across the floor, as a Fred or a Ginger, or felt the need to pulse out a rhythm and tap their happy feet. Her warm and genuine teaching style encourages people of all ages and abilities to simply show up, and begin to experience the joy of dance.
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Rachel Lidskog
503-704-5617
2dancewithjoy@gmail.com