Rachel Natsumi Gibbs
Rachel Natsumi Gibbs brings a rich international background and a passion for storytelling through dance to her debut season with Roxey Ballet. Born in Japan and raised in Canada, Rachel began her journey at the prestigious Goh Ballet Academy in Vancouver, B.C., where she trained until the age of 17. Early highlights of her training included beloved roles such as Clara in The Nutcracker, the whimsical title role in Alice in Wonderland, and Anna from Frozen in the junior production—roles that ignited her love for performance and character-driven ballet.
In 2018, Rachel continued to build her foundation by joining the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s trainee program, where she remained until 2021.
During her time in Winnipeg, she had the opportunity to perform alongside the professional company in major productions including The Nutcracker (tour), Romeo and Juliet, and La Bayadère, further refining her technique and stage presence on a national stage.
Rachel returned to the West Coast to join Coastal City Ballet, dancing four vibrant seasons in leading and featured roles such as the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Martha in Giselle, Nykiya in La Bayadère, and the dynamic Paquita. Her performances consistently captivated audiences and showcased her versatility and depth as an artist.
Now, Rachel steps into an exhilarating new chapter as she joins Roxey Ballet for her first season. She is thrilled to be working under the visionary direction of Mark Roxey, whose fearless approach to dance and storytelling has inspired her from afar. Rachel is equally excited to collaborate with the talented and diverse dancers of the company, and she looks forward to pushing creative boundaries, growing as an artist, and sharing unforgettable moments with audiences throughout the season.