Rachel’s Capoeira journey began in 1993. While attending a showcase of emerging artists at Sadler's Wells, she witnessed her first Capoeira performance—led by London School of Capoeira Mestres Silvia Bazzarelli and Marcos dos Santos.
What she saw intrigued her. Each performer seemed to tell a story, expressing their own personality through incredible movements. Having never encountered Capoeira before, Rachel was, unsure what she was watching. The movements appeared too skilful to be entirely improvised, yet too spontaneous to be choreographed. Above all, she was drawn to the dynamic "conversation" between the players and the powerful connection between movement and music. More than thirty years later, she still believes these elements are at the heart of what keeps Capoeira vibrant, evolving, and alive.
Within the London School of Capoeira (LSC), Rachel found far more than a place to train. She discovered a supportive community that combined physical challenge with creativity, fun, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Capoeira became an important part of her life, and she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have been able to dedicate so much of her adult life to this extraordinary art form.
Rachel's involvement with the LSC began by organising workshops and performances for the Mestres throughout the UK and internationally. She started her own Capoeira training in 1994 and, after a decade of dedicated practice and development, began teaching and performing with the school.
Over the years, she has performed and delivered workshops at a wide range of venues and events, including primary and secondary schools, festivals, theatres, and cultural institutions such as the Laban Centre, National Maritime Museum and the British Museum. Her performances include Waterloo 3 with Passo Co at the Arts Depot, alongside numerous demonstrations and artistic collaborations.
Rachel has taught regular Capoeira classes across London, including in Greenwich, London Bridge, and Morley College. Working alongside Mestre Silvia, she also helped deliver a Capoeira module as part of a Performing Arts degree programme. Her work has brought Capoeira to wider audiences through appearances on television, radio, and film, including features for the BBC World Service, Woman's Hour, and a British Airways short film exploring Capoeira in London.
At the London School of Capoeira, Rachel taught beginner Capoeira classes as well as music classes and children’s classes at the LSC studio, helping students develop both the physical and cultural aspects of the art form.
Through Capoeira and her connection to the LSC, Rachel has visited Brazil, learned Portuguese, and had the privilege of visiting many exceptional Mestres across Europe in Brazil and the USA. She has trained continuously at the LSC since 1995, and her commitment, skill, and contribution to the art have earned her the grade of Contra Mestre.
Today, Rachel continues to share her passion for Capoeira, inspiring others through her dedication to an art form that has shaped her life for more than three decades.