narayana

In the Beginning… Dance!

Rachael began her journey into the world of dance at a young age. She attended Ryerson Theatre School in Toronto, Canada. Soon after graduating, she left home and traveled around the world performing on cruise ships. Rachael visited a friend in New York one summer and tried out at Radio City Music Hall to be a Rockette – a dream she had since she was a little girl, and one that came true. She kicked onstage as a Rockette for seven years, even performing on “Oprah” - a true highlight of her career!

In 1997, Rachael moved to Las Vegas, where she performed in shows at Harrah’s, the Flamingo, Luxor and Caesars Palace as well as acted as the Artistic Director, managing all phases of show production. With five successful projects under her belt, she counted herself blessed to receive this opportunity for growth.

During the performance phase of her life, Rachael was heavily involved in fitness. She disciplined her body to compete in figure competition and win the opportunity to appear in Oxygen and other fitness magazines. She became passionate about teaching other dancers that a strong will and strong body create a strong mind. This was important to Rachael, because she herself struggled with body image. The pressures of stage life led her to suffer an eating disorder for many years.  The fitness part of her life was an inner search of strength that she lacked in physical body.  Struggling with professional and personal pressures this struggle influenced her search towards emotional wellness and 'Yoga." 

The Healing Power of Yoga

Rachael's curiosity, a personal obstacle and an injury led her to Yoga.  What began as a search for physical strength and flexibility blossomed into a passion for something much more profound.  She discovered an inner strength and inner acceptance that she never realized she had. Today, her yoga practice is a spiritual and meditative exploration of a place where she feels safe and authentic.  

Certified by the Yoga Alliance, Rachael has been teaching since 2002. On her path, she has met many influential yogis who have inspired her practice and teaching methods.  She has studied very closely for the past 5 years with her mentor Annie Carpenter and is eternally grateful for her wisdom.  She continues to study different lineages, allowing her unique creative abilities to shine through a Vinyasa Flow style.

Living in a world defined by entertainment, Rachael’s intention is to lead students out of their preoccupation with the ideals of outward perfection and help them tap into their inner truth of love, kindness, gratitude and joy. Her challenging Vinyasa classes combine her knowledge of alignment, dancer’s grace and appreciation of music in a fun, flowing practice.

A World of Well-Being

In November 2009, Rachael completed a Thai Yoga Certification Intensive with Saul David Raye. This momentous experience led her to offer Thai yoga massage and deepened her curiosity about other body work modalities. In February 2010, Rachael went to India with her mentor Annie Carpenter and immersed herself in Ayurvedic healing and self-study. These two life-changing experiences helped Rachael recognize that she wants to educate herself more in the realm of mind, body and spirit. Rachael Sellars is a driving force behind the growth of yoga in Las Vegas. Her background includes 11 years as a devoted student and 7 years as a teacher, providing both beginners and advanced students a safe, loving environment to explore, heal and integrate body and mind. She has taken her education one-step further by attending European School of Massage Therapy which included 150+ hours of clinical experience and certification. She recently achieved the requirements for the National State Board of Massage and Bodywork.  Refer to massage page if interested in more information or booking appointment.

Rachael currently teaches group classes at Yoga Sanctuary.  She teaches yoga at Notable Las Vegas spas, private therapeutic facilities, Theatre groups, Athletic Clubs and has a large private client base throughout the city.   Rachael is also excited and honored to assist her mentor Annie Carpenter's in her upcoming 200Hr Yoga Teacher Training in January of 2012.  Details soon.

Rachael sees yoga as a gift that was presented to her.  As such, she considers it an honor and blessing to share yoga with anyone who crosses her path.