Alumni stories: Rachel Barlow, MSc Dance Science and Education

Since graduating with a Master’s in Dance Science and Education in 2015, Rachel has set up her own dance school in Edinburgh. She reflects on her time in the Dance Science and Education programme and how she works to instill the programme's values of safe practice, creativity, resilience and inclusivity into her own students and career.

‘This course felt like a logical follow-on’

Coming to Edinburgh to study is the reason it is still my home now, 12 years on! The life and career I have today are a direct result of graduating from the MSc Dance Science and Education programme.

I enrolled in 2014, coming straight from undergraduate study at Manchester Metropolitan University. I chose the MSc Dance Science and Education programme because I was attracted to the focus on health and wellbeing in dance, safe practice and injury prevention. 

My undergraduate studies had ignited my interest in individual development, self-awareness and idiosyncrasies in dance performance, so this course felt like a logical follow-on. I also appreciated being able to tailor the programme with elective modules. I was able to follow my interests by selecting modules in psychology and peak performance in addition to the compulsory modules of research methods, dance pedagogy and preventive dance medicine.

Rachel holding the award she received at the Scottish Dance Awards

‘I’m incredibly grateful for the dance training and opportunities I had [in Edinburgh]’

After graduating in 2015, the decision to stay in Edinburgh was an easy one. I was drawn not only to the beauty of Scotland, but also the cultural diversity and opportunities here. The magnitude of Edinburgh is somewhat different to my small hometown of Cleethorpes, England, but I’m incredibly grateful for the dance training and opportunities I had there – so much of which is at the forefront of my practice today.

‘I strive to develop in my students the attributes I had to draw on whilst studying for a Master’s degree’

I taught freelance across Edinburgh before setting up my own dance school, RMB Dance Edinburgh, in 2021, which is now my full-time career. 

The interests and knowledge gained during my studies are prevalent in RMB Dance’s ethos, which is to foster a love of dance in an inclusive environment where children can be themselves, challenge themselves and share a love of dance with their peers. 

I’m particularly interested in developing good habits for physical and mental health, wellbeing and development, and finding engaging methods to educate my young students in safe practice. 

I also strive to develop in my students the attributes I had to draw on whilst studying for a Master’s degree: being resilient, brave, determined and inquisitive. I encourage them to think critically, be creative, ask questions and not be afraid to experiment and take risks.

The interests and knowledge gained during my studies are prevalent in [my dance school's] ethos, which is to foster a love of dance in an inclusive environment where children can be themselves, challenge themselves and share a love of dance.

Excellence in Inclusive Dance Practice

Underlying all of this is the element of inclusion. RMB Dance celebrates dance for everyone, both in terms of our student base and how we use dance to engage with our community. 

I draw on my knowledge and research to ensure that every child has the opportunity to express themselves and develop at their own pace, and I’m proud to have an extremely diverse community of young dancers. I was honoured to win “Excellence in Inclusive Dance Practice” at the Scottish Dance Awards earlier this year, and I was also a finalist in the Creative Edinburgh Awards 2025.

Wonderful opportunities during and after study

Studying on the programme presented me with wonderful opportunities, not only during study but also afterwards. My dissertation research – titled ‘Proprioception in dance: A comparative review of understandings and approaches to research’ – was published in the Research in Dance Education journal. 

I have also presented twice at the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) conference: in Hong Kong (2016) and Finland (2018). Prior to the MSc, I was unaware that such things as dance conferences existed! Studying here opened my eyes to the world of academia and encouraged me to think much more critically.

Studying on the programme presented me with wonderful opportunities, not only during study but also afterwards. 

‘The hard work was worth it… coming to Edinburgh to study was life-changing!’

For me, coming straight from undergraduate study had its challenges – I found the academic expectation and research requirements a significant step up – but the hard work was worth it, as I think I can safely say that coming to Edinburgh to study was life-changing!

I would advise new students to be open-minded, be brave and embrace opportunities. Doors may be opened for you that you didn’t even know existed! 

Interested in studying Dance Science and Education?

Gain a strong understanding of the science that supports and optimises various aspects of dance education, performance and research. Our students have access to top facilities and a wealth of research resources and archives, as well as opportunities to perform, choreograph and teach.

 


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