About
Rachel Van Buskirk is a celebrated dancer, choreographer, educator, and co-founder of Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, founded in 2017. She began her dance training with the Royal Academy of Dance, earning her Advanced R.A.D. certification, and continued her studies under Li Yaming of Coastal City Ballet.
Rachel danced professionally with Atlanta Ballet for 13 years, performing in featured roles across a wide range of classical and contemporary works by renowned choreographers. Highlights include North American premieres of David Bintley’s Carmina Burana as the principal lead “Fortuna”, Liam Scarlett’s Vespertine, and the world premiere of Lauri Stallings’s big with Big Boi from Outkast. Her favorite roles include "Lucy" in Micheal Pink’s Dracula, “Autumn” in James Kedulka’s Four Seasons, and the duet in Ohad Naharin’s Minus 16. Other featured works include Ohad Naharin’s Secus, Alexei Ratmanksy’s Seven Sonatas, Yuri Possakhov’s Classical Symphony and Christopher Wheeldhon’s Rush.
Rachel has been recognized for her artistry and leadership, appearing on the cover of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” named to ArtsATL’s “30 Under 30,” and honored with a Nonprofit Leadership Award. After co-founding Terminus, she acted as Marketing Director, Assistant Director of Terminus Student Company, and served on the board, contributing to the company's growth from its founding vision to a nationally recognized organization. Rachel expanded her role as a choreographer with works on the company such as Secrets, Treaty, and Peter & the Wolf, a cross-discipline collaboration with Alliance Theatre. While co-directing the artistic programs at Terminus Ballet School, she created The Nutcracker Suite and The Wave Breaks, recipient of Regional Dance America’s National Choreography Award in 2025.
Rachel is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and she is completing her Bachelor’s degree in Management at Georgia State University with a 4.04 GPA, expected to graduate in Fall 2025. In addition to her artistic and academic work, Rachel is also embracing her newest and most rewarding role—motherhood.
