A Santa Monica native, Rachael Simmons has been studying and teaching yoga since the winter of 1996. Up until that point she dedicated her life to being a professional modern, ballet and Mexican folk dancer, touring the world extensively as a member of the renowned Ballet Folklorico De Mexico. Upon returning to LA she began practicing yoga at YogaWorks in Santa Monica where she has been teaching since 1998 and where she is also currently a member of the Teacher Training faculty. In her classes she strives to create a safe and sacred, non-competitive space. She leads students through a slow, steady warm-up into a strong, sweaty flow, always encouraging them to go deeper when appropriate or back off when needed, and always reminding to listen to their body’s innate wisdom.