From Italy with honors, dancer Rachel Meyer joins Houston's roll call of Princess Grace Award winners

Rachel Meyer of Dominic Walsh Dance Theater (DWDT) returned from a whirlwind tour of Italy with some good news. She won a 2010 Princess Grace Award for excellence in dancing.

Meyer now joins other distinguished dancers, DWDT's artistic director Dominic Walsh and Houston Ballet soloist Joseph Walsh, on the list of Houston dancers who have been honored with this award. The Princess Grace Foundation, founded after the death of Princess Grace in 1982, recognizes artists who excel in performance and choreography.

Meyer is known for her elegant lines and precise technique. A versatile artist, Me she has proved herself one to watch in only one season in the Bayou City.

“Rachel is one of these exciting young dancers with a delicious physicality and understanding of her body, combined with a profound respect of the craft. Every time she takes the stage, she is present and captivating in each role and puts a great deal of thought into her characters and situations," Walsh says. "Yet, she seems to have the un-teachable gift of instinct, which she trusts whole-heartedly.

"Her strength, finesse, and dramatic rapture, are undeniable. I push her very hard, but she has had a fantastic year, and I'm so proud of her. It's a great honor for her and all of us at DWDT."

In November, Meyer will travel to New York for a black- tie Princess Grace Awards Gala held in the presence of HRH The Princess of Hanover. Walsh will accompany his accomplished dancer for the trip.

A graduate of the University of Utah, Meyer joined DWDT for the 2009-2010 season, where she excelled in such roles as Lady Capulet in Romeo & Juliet, The Dying Swan, The Trilogy: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and I Napoletani. Prior to joining DWDT, Meyer guested with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Utah Regional Ballet.