Rachel Slater is an award-winning dance artist, filmmaker and educator who currently spends time in both Portland, OR and New Orleans, LA, USA. She is the Co-Artistic Director of Muddy Feet Contemporary Dance with Suzanne Chi. With Muddy Feet she has produced, choreographed, performed in productions across North America as well as four dance films which have screened in 25 countries and at over 45 festivals worldwide, garnering awards such as Best Dance Film, Best Experimental Film and Best Pandemic Film. Rachel has also performed with Minh Tran & Company, Franco Nieto of Open Space, and Tracey Durbin, among others. She has worked with BODYART since 2022, in multiple capacities. Her work as an educator has included time at Tulane University, Reed College, Pacific College, the National High School Dance Festival, Jefferson High School/the Jefferson Dancers, Vancouver School of the Arts, and more. She has received artist residencies from the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (Canada), Hambidge Center (Georgia), New Expressive Works (Oregon) and Sou’wester (Washington). Rachel believes artmaking can be a radical, humanist act which can support and amplify stories and empathy, when at its best. Inspired by lived histories, interpersonal relationships, and location-specific filming, she is deeply committed to respectful, safe, genuine creative spaces.

2:30pm-5pm Dance for Camera Mixer - Friday, September 5

This session invites dancers, filmmakers, and interdisciplinary artists to explore the creative possibilities of dance film in a welcoming, hands-on environment. We’ll consider how movement and meaning are shaped not only by the dancer’s body, but also by the choices made behind the camera and in the edit. Together we’ll dive into concepts like the choreography of the camera, planning for the edit (even before you shoot), and how film allows us to reimagine time, space, and presence. Participants will have opportunities to move, shoot, and discuss. Whether you’re a dancer curious about the lens, a filmmaker drawn to bodies in motion, or someone who wears both hats, you’re welcome in this creative exchange.