Rachel Bodi, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began her professional career in 2008, and has enjoyed performing in St. Louis for the past 10 years. She co-founded Ballet 314 with Robert Poe, and has enjoyed careers with Missouri Ballet Theatre (2011-2017), Common Thread Contemporary Ballet (2018), Nashville Ballet 2 (2008-2011) and Texture Contemporary Ballet (2011, 2012).

Rachel has choreographed many original works both alone and in tandem with Co-Director Robert Poe, most notably premiering Ballet 314’s adaptation of The Nutcracker & the World’s Fair; also co-authoring this story as a children’s book and interactive ebook in 2020. Other original works include llama llama and friends, Assemble, and the Dance the Story programming collaboration with Sheldon Concert Hall. Each of these children’s educational programs highlight literacy through the arts.

At MBU, Rachel teaches classes such as Fundamentals of Dance and Ballet I, as well as private lessons in ballet and pointe.