Hello everyone!
My name is Rachel Rodriguez. I spent most of my childhood in the Dominican Republic, but I have lived in Brooklyn, New York for several years. Being Dominican is a huge part of who I am. Spanish was my first language and I have always been exposed to the culture. Most of my family lives there and so I go for a few months every year. My family owns a farm there, so I try to spend days with different animals being a huge animal lover.
I began dancing at the age of seven starting with Ballet. I now focus more on styles such as modern, lyrical, and jazz. I have also learned more cultural dances such as African, Bhangra, Belly Dance, and Salsa. Dancing has not only exposed me to different cultures, but also to different types of music. When I dance I put all of my emotions into actions; like a diary but with movements instead of words. I do it anywhere; whether its at a studio, on a stage, at home, or even in the streets when I’m with friends and I hear music.
Every summer my family and I go to Martha’s Vineyard, which is an island off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is such a calming and beautiful place. I spend most of my time there at Aquinnah Beach. This beach is special because the clay cliffs, which are restricted from the public, are located on this beach. I find it incredible to think that the cliffs have been worn down over the years and created such a beautiful beach. I also like to read, a lot. Whether its an actual book or my Kindle I always have to have reading material on me. My favorite writer is Edgar Allen Poe regardless if people think his themes tend to be too dark.
I tend to be silly and I try to make people laugh. I do this mainly because one can never really know what a person is feeling or going through and instead of ignoring someone going through a tough time I will always try to help. I also like to support different causes. So far I have donated my hair three times to Pantene Beautiful Lengths for cancer patients and I am currently waiting for my hair to grow long enough to cut again.