Balancing Artistry with Business as a Choreographer in someone else’s studio -- with Rachael Markarian

Dance Careers: Unfiltered

Rachael is a past guest on the podcast and is such a badass. Any kind of job you can think of as a dancer, she has done it - world tours, super bowl halftime shows, feature films, TV shows, the grammy’s, and most recently, was an actress in Top Gun: Maverick. We chat about everything from the writers and actors strikes, to recognizing the ebbs and flows of being a working artist, the nuances of working as a guest choreographer in someone else's studio, and saying no to jobs with grace.
Website - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/
Online Workbook - https://www.rachaelmarkarian.net/store
IG - https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmarkarian/

Rachael Markarian is a successful, multi-hyphenate artist with over 20yrs of experience working in the Entertainment Industry as a Pro-Dancer, Actress, Choreographer and Master Teacher. Her dance career began in Los Angeles and took her around the world, touring and dancing for artists like Rihanna, Beyonce, Katy Perry, Pink, Cher, Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, Panic at the Disco and several others. Additionally she’s performed in numerous Music Videos, Awards Shows (The Grammy’s, American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, MTV Movie & Music Awards), Print Campaigns, Commercials (Target, Farmer’s Insurance, MAC Cosmetics, Microsoft, Absolut Vodka, Chevy, Toyota, H&M) and Super Bowl Halftime Shows (Beyonce/Destiny’s Child and
Katy Perry/Lenny Kravitz/Missy Elliot).
Rachael’s Film credits include TOP GUN: MAVERICK, BANDIT, ON A WING AND A PRAYER, RUSH HOUR 3, NO STRINGS ATTACHED, BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, MASCOTS, THE STALKING FIELDS and SOUTHLAND TALES to name a few.
Her television credits include roles on TALES OF THE WALKING DEAD, ALL AMERICAN, SWEET MAGNOLIAS, FIRST WIVES CLUB, QUEENS, THE FIRST LADY, THE MS. PAT SHOW, JOHNSON, LEGION, THE MORNING SHOW, GILMORE GIRLS, GLEE, TRUE BLOOD, DOLLFACE, CSI, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, AMERICAN PRINCESS, PARKS & RECREATION and more.
Rachael has choreographed Film, TV and Commercial projects including I WANT YOU BACK (Amazon Prime), TARGET, TACO BELL, CABI CLOTHING, FARMER’S INSURANCE, WELLA HAIR, and several others. She’s also a Faculty Member on NRG DANCE PROJECT Convention and for CLI STUDIOS, as well as a Guest Choreographer, Master Teacher & Mentor at several studios throughout the US and Canada. Additionally, she created THE DANCER’S EDGE, an in-studio Intensive bringing LA, NYC & ATL Master Teachers & Choreographers into studios across the country providing them with Classes, Choreography & Industry Seminars to help
support their journey into the professional world.
Rachael used her skills and success as a dancer and parlayed them into her acting career. Proving that dancers can have success in multiple fields, and that a hybrid artist is one that brings versatility and unique qualities to the table. She enjoys pursuing her passion and working in the industry, while also consulting and mentoring young artists.

Hey y'all! I'm Justine, the voice behind the DC:U pod and MNTR MGMT. After 15+ years in the industry as a choreographer, dancer, producer, educator and more, I'm now working closely with dance artists on professional development, business skills and digital enhancement. Curious? Book a free 1:1 Career Call. You can also help support the podcast! Subscribe and receive exclusive member benefits --> Pod Producer/Supporter
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