Rachel Emms

Rachel Emms is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the BA (Hons) Performing Arts at the University of Sunderland. Originally trained in Dance and Drama at the Roehampton Institute, she has extensive experience in freelance artistic work and community engagement. She leads the Dance University of Sunderland Company (DUSC), which includes youth and graduate divisions, emphasizing community outreach. Her teaching focuses on performance practices, experimental site-specific work, choreography, and arts industry preparation, including professional tours to schools.

Her research collaborations include developing Learningbods© (e.g., Numberbods and Sciencebods), an innovative model using dance theatre to teach curricular subjects in primary schools. She also co-created children’s musicals performed at Whitley Bay Playhouse, directly informing university course modules. She holds roles as Mental Health First Aider for Performing Arts and Mental Health Champion at the university.

Her expertise spans choreography, dance theatre, and musical theatre, with a focus on issue-based performance and community education. Recent projects highlight interdisciplinary approaches to arts in education and health advocacy.