Our People
Rachel Catalano
Artistic Director
Rachel Catalano (she/her) is a Southern California-based multi-disciplinary artist and creator whose work passionately explores the power of narrative to immerse and connect with audiences on a profound level. Her artistic journey began in the Midwestern United States with a rigorous foundation in formal dance disciplines, instilling in her a deep understanding of movement vocabulary and technique. This early training provided a crucial springboard for her current artistic focus: a compelling exploration of contemporary movement, characterized by a nuanced engagement with floorwork and a dynamic physicality.
Driven by a relentless curiosity and a desire to expand her artistic horizons, Rachel has had the distinct privilege of training under a remarkable cohort of dance icons. These influential figures, including Vancia Flores Messick, Banning Bouldin, Corinne Lanselle, Stephanie Chatton, Sophie Daviet, and Julie Magneville, have each contributed uniquely to the evolution of her artistic voice and movement philosophy. Their diverse perspectives and expertise have enriched her understanding of movement principles, performance practices, and the expressive potential of the human body.
Rachel's choreographic endeavors have resonated across a diverse range of national and international platforms, captivating audiences in cities such as Kansas City, Chicago, Nashville, New York, San Diego, and even reaching the vibrant artistic landscape of Paris, France. This exposure to varied cultural contexts has further informed her artistic sensibilities and broadened her understanding of the universal language of movement.
In 2021, Rachel's entrepreneurial spirit and deep connection to her artistic roots culminated in the founding of Fresh Congress Dance. This visionary initiative serves as a vital bridge, thoughtfully connecting the foundational elements of her early dance training with the expressive freedom and innovative spirit of her current contemporary movement language. With a steadfast commitment to community building as its central tenet, Fresh Congress Dance has quickly garnered enthusiastic support, with its initial two productions being warmly embraced by the local dance community.
Beyond her role as the Artistic Director of Fresh Congress Dance, Rachel's talent and vision have been widely recognized. She was honored as Disco Riot’s 2022 SPACE Resident, providing her with valuable time and resources for creative development. Furthermore, she has been entrusted with prestigious commissions from esteemed organizations such as Malashock Dance, for their "Every Day Dances" project, and San Diego Dance Theater, for their innovative "Trolley Dances" series. Demonstrating her continued artistic growth, Rachel recently produced the world premiere of her original work, Rose Colored Griefs, a testament to her unique choreographic voice and storytelling abilities.
At the heart of Rachel's teaching ethos lies a profound belief in the transformative power of art. She passionately advocates that artistic expression serves as an unparalleled vehicle for fostering deep empathy and understanding, enabling individuals to feel truly seen and acknowledged. Looking towards the future, Rachel is filled with anticipation for continued artistic expansion, the forging of new connections within the dance world, and the opportunity to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the movement style she deeply cherishes within the dynamic San Diego dance community.
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Miranda Reed
COMPANY
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Rachel Torres
COMPANY
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Araceli Carrera
CHOREOGRAPHER & COLLABORATOR