Biography
Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Rachel Bodi began her professional career in 2008, and has enjoyed performing in St. Louis for the past 10 years. Prior to founding Ballet 314 in 2019 alongside Robert Poe, she enjoyed careers with Missouri Ballet Theatre (2011-2017), Common Thread Contemporary Ballet (2018), Nashville Ballet 2 (2008-2011) and as a guest artist with Texture Contemporary Ballet (2011, 2012).
Most notable roles performed with Ballet 314 include “Snow Princess” in The Nutcracker & the World’s Fair (2019) and “Wife” in Robert Poe’s adaptation of Ragtime: The American Experience (2021). Rachel has also enjoyed performing a variety of roles from her career with Missouri Ballet Theatre, including the title role in Cinderella (2012, 2016), “Sea Witch” in the Little Mermaid (2015, 2017), and as “Lucy” in Dracula (2012, 2014). Since founding Ballet 314, Rachel has also co-choreographed many original works both alone and in tandem with Co-Director Robert Poe, most notably premiering Ballet 314’s adaptation of the classic The Nutcracker & the World’s Fair; also co-authoring this story as a children’s book and interactive ebook (2020). Other original works include llama llama and friends, Assemble, and our upcoming Dance the Story programming collaboration with Sheldon Concert Hall. Each of these children’s educational programs highlight literacy through the arts.
Rachel has enjoyed a dance teaching career since moving to St. Louis, and has spent time leading classes at dance studios throughout the St. Louis region. Presently, she teaches at Devine Performing Arts, and also shares her love of dance with senior citizens through Vitality Ballet. Through founding Ballet 314, Rachel aspires to continue fostering a deeper sense of community both within our organization and in the arts community as a whole, and to continue to provide accessible, inclusive, and diverse arts education programming.