Rachael Walsh was drawn to classical ballet because it was hard. And being a country kid, she was told many times that she would never make it. But thanks to a wonderful ballet teacher, Rachael discovered that her body could become an amazing instrument of dance. For 18 years she danced with the Queensland Ballet, and for 13 of those years she was the Principal Dancer with the Company.  In 2014, a chronic hip issue meant that Rachael had to retire from the profession and artistic outlet that she loved.  In the years leading up to retirement, Rachael had been deliberately absorbing the inner workings of the Queensland Ballet Company -  she seems to have instinctively known that if she wasn’t dancing, she needed ballet to be a part of her world. And under the fresh leadership of Li Cunxin, Rachael has delighted in working in the organisation and is now the Director of Foundation for the Company.  Like so many retired athletes (myself included!) Rachael still feels like she’s in transition. I absolutely understand how she feels when she says that nothing can really replace the experience of elite athletic perfection. And what is your identity if you can no longer refer to yourself as an athlete in your sport? Enjoy listening to this more artistic athletic chat - it really was so good for my soul. Libby x  You can find more about Rachael Walsh and the Queensland Ballet at: https://www.queenslandballet.com.au/company/team/dancers/rachael-walsh-1 Contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities.  Host: Libby Trickett Instagram: @allthatglitterspod Produced by: Strozkiy Media (@strozkiymedia) www.strozkiymedia.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.