The statement “Study the science of art. Study the art of science. Develop your senses — especially learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else” is generally attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Whether or not history’s most revered multitasking genius spoke those exact words is unclear; however, for Rachel Rohrich — a full-time member of The Washington Ballet’s corps de ballet who is also completing her premed molecular biology degree at George Washington University as a pathway to becoming a doctor — the simultaneous pursuit of two seemingly disparate vocations has taught her that in life’s bigger picture, unlikely passions can be very connected indeed.
A Young Dancer With a Scientific Mind Merges Her Emerging Passions
As a girl growing up in Texas, Rachel Rohrich had a passion for performance that couldn’t be denied. She was competing with a jazz dance drill team by age 8. Her early mentor, Jacqueline Porter, the founding artist and executive director of the prestigious Dallas Conservatory, recognized Rohrich’s potential and encouraged the budding talent to make the transition from jazz to ballet. Rachel was a quick study and talent as thing things clicked rapidly for her, as Rohrich threw herself into mastering the new dance vocabulary with gusto and eventually became a 2-time Hope Award and 2-time Youth Grand Prix Winner in ballet by age 14!
But as much as her love of ballet and its immersive discipline consumed Rachel Rohrich, it didn’t wholly define her. In addition to her captivation by all things dance from an early age, Rohrich was also excited and energized by exploring the world of science. “I have a huge passion for ballet,” says Rohrich, “but also I love science, biology, and medicine.”
The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Rohrich’s parents are both physicians, so it’s no surprise she’d find the professional role of doctor appealing. Her mother’s dual careers as a successful, sought-after plastic surgeon and highly involved mom served as a tremendous inspiration for Rohrich, who notes that while her folks have always been her biggest fans as well as pivotal role models and true-life mentors, they never put any pressure on her to follow in their professional footsteps.
Neither did they suggest she limit her professional focus. Instead, Rohrich’s parents advised her to always follow her passions and live her dreams. It was a sentiment she truly took to heart. “If you have an interest outside, go pursue it — and don’t care what anybody else thinks [because] it might lead to something really awesome that can help inside your realm of work,” she says.
Rachel Rohrich: ‘It’s OK To Have an Identity Outside of What You May Be Dedicated To’
Rachel Rohrich came to understand she didn’t have to choose between her love of dance and her passion for science to find fulfillment. Ultimately, she decided to embrace her divergent interests and pursue multiple ambitions without sacrificing one for the other. “I sometimes know, there’s [an] all-or-nothing mentality in lots of lines of work … but it’s OK to have an identity outside of what you may be dedicated to,” she affirms.
The big takeaway from this lesson, for Rohrich and others who’ve chosen to embark on unconventional paths, is that harnessing synchronicity of complementary energies can result in enjoying the fruits of a long, satisfying professional life that encompass multiple roles — from ballet to medicine. The common bond being that of intense focus, hard work and passion for excellence !
The Intersection of Art and Science: How Rachel Rohrich Is Shaping Her Future
Rachel Rohrich’s daily schedule is a bit mind-boggling. From 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, she’s in the studio rehearsing with the corps de ballet, after which she spends a great deal of her evening and weekend time immersed in college coursework. (On a typical day, Rohrich isn’t off the clock until 10:30 p.m.)
But rather than being overwhelmed by the demanding pace, Rohrich is energized by the challenge. “I’m actually … working on my EMT certification [right now] … That’s something I can do on the weekends or night shifts to supplement my work in the ballet,” she says. “I’m hoping to have that done by the summer.”
Rachel Rohrich understands that her career as a professional ballerina — while in its nascent stages now — may not have an extended shelf life. While she says she never plans to give up dance entirely, she hopes that by blending its powerful elements into a larger history that also incorporates her passions for science and medicine, dance will remain a vibrant and beautiful opening to her libretto, even as other ambitions overtake the narrative of her yet to be written coming acts.
For Rachel Rohrich, combining her twin loves of dance and science has created a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and agility — physical and mental — that fuel both her current career and her future aspirations. “I hope to continue my exploration in both,” Rohrich confirms. “I don’t see myself leaving the ballet world ever fully, as it has provided me with the discipline and focus that will help me become a caring and compassionate physician … just like I don’t ever see myself stopping learning or growing in all that I love and have passion for in my life.”
Certainly, the teamwork involved in any success story — in Rohrich’s case, her parents, her mentors, her fellow dancers — is a source of strength and support.
Says Rohrich: “If I’m having a challenging day, where I’m feeling super exhausted, I reach to my inner self and say – This is worth it as I can getting stronger and better each and every day! I know that all of us can feel challenged but that is a great thing as it stimulates us to be the best we can be and that truly helps me- just knowing that I’m not alone, we’re all doing this together.”
