Meet Our Dancers: Rachael Jensen!

When did you start dancing?
I started at around 2 1/2. The class was for 3 year olds and older, but I was so well behaved that they let me take the class before I was 3. My parents got me into ballet, but I stuck with it because I love to perform and be on stage.


What’s been your favorite role?
My favorite role was Giselle. When I was around 8, I learned every part of the mad scene. I would put on shows for my parents and friends going back and forth between all the characters. Then I got to dance it my senior year of high school with Footworks Youth Ballet. It was the greatest opportunity, experience, and memory of my dance career so far.

How do you get ready for a performance? Do you have any particular rituals?
When I was growing up, my dad worked backstage of all my shows. We used to listen to Dreams by Van Halen on the drive to the theater and have a handshake that we would do before each show in the wings. Now that I’m older, I don’t get to do the hand shake, but I still listen to the song before every show.

What’re some items in your ballet bag?
Thera Band, pointe shoe glue, sewing kit ( floss,needles,scissors), make-up, extra hair pins and hair nets, ibuprofen, pointe shoes, flat shoes, extra ribbon and elastic, Icy Hot, snacks (Luna or Cliff bar, almonds, dried fruit), water.

What do you do when you’re not dancing?
I love to watch football!

What’re your favorite foods and restaurants?
I like to go to a family owned Thai restaurant in Sacramento called PGR Thai Noodle. It is the best Thai food I’ve ever had. I also like Greek, Japanese, and Indian food.

What’re your favorite TV shows?
I love The Office, Law and Order: SVUToddlers and Tiaras, and Dance Moms.

What’s something that people don’t know about you?
I was on the cover of Max Muscle Sports Nutrition Magazine April 2011. I can also throw a mean football!

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