Ph: 0419 273 454
Email: info@rewarddance.com.au
Instructors
Dr Rachel Ward
All classes at Reward Dance are taught by Dr Rachel Ward.
Rachel is a former professional dancer who has performed with international dance companies including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, appeared in musical theatre productions including Cats and The Lion King, and danced in the feature film Mao’s Last Dancer.
Rachel has completed tertiary qualifications including a Bachelor of Medical Science, Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies, Graduate Certificate in the Pilates Method, Diploma of Dance Teaching and Management, Masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Her PhD thesis was titled “Biomechanical Perspectives on Classical Ballet Technique and Implications for Teaching Practice”.
Rachel is currently Director of Teaching in the School of Health Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). In this capacity she maintains a busy teaching and research schedule and has presented the findings of her research at numerous conferences held by the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS). She is currently a member of the IADMS Dance for Health Committee and Associate Editor of the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. She is a Registered Teacher and Practical Teaching Supervisor of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), and a Licensed Teacher of the RAD’s Silver Swans ballet program. She is also an Accredited Exercise Scientist and Accredited Exercise Physiologist with Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
Rachel is a dedicated dance teacher and researcher, who enjoys sharing the joy and benefits of dance with people of all ages and abilities.
The impact of Rachel’s research in dance for health has been highlighted through media coverage on ABC TV, ABC Radio Sydney and ABC print media. Most notably, Rachel recently appeared as Science Program Lead in the ABC TV series, “Keep on Dancing”, in which a group of over 65’s attempt to slow the effects of aging through dance. Hosted by Myf Warhurst, the show follows the dancers across 12 weeks of rehearsals with leading choreographer Kelley Abbey, culminating in a one-of-a-kind performance for friends and family.
Throughout 2023, Rachel has been an invited guest speaker for various arts and education organisations including the Victorian Dance Festival, Australian Dance Festival, Royal Academy of Dance, Radford College, the Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts and the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA).