Rafael Molina is a Paris-based dancer who has worked for contemporary dance companies in France and in the USA since 2004. He has toured in Europe, Israel, Singapore and the US. He has danced on various stages, including theaters as well as museums, fashion runways and open spaces.
Rafael trained in ballet and contemporary dance at the St Etienne Conservatory where he graduated in 2006. He interned at the TanzTheater München – Staaststheater am Gärtnerplatz in Munich in 2009. He then specialized in modern dance while studying at the Martha Graham School from 2012 to 2014 under a Fulbright scholarship and performing the repertory with Graham 2.
Rafael received the 1st certificate of merit in 1998 and the Gold Medal in 1999 at the National Dance Competition of Saint-Chamond with a jury supervised by Alain Davesne from the Paris Opera.
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Rafael Molina has been working as a professional dancer since 2004 and performed in several theater productions as well.
In addition to his dance training, Rafael received an acting training: at the Comédie de St Etienne and at the Conservatoire in Nancy and alter in New York City at the Martha Graham School (with Eli Danker) and at HB Studio (with Sam Groom).
Discover my show reel : https://youtu.be/6s09ivrK9sI
Rafael Molina worked as a Assistant Choreographer for Cie Ifunamboli between 2017 and 2022. He collaborated for three shows: Petites Pièces, Vivantes! and De Homine which received the 1st prize at the Concours Chorégraphique Contemporain Jeunes Compagnies of Sens (France).
Since 2011, Rafael has choreographed pieces for theater companies, dance schools and dance festivals:
Marias Callas. Choreography commissioned for Dance Athens Youth dancers. Performed in Athens, Paris and Bray (Ireland)/ 2023-2024
Cauchemar Intime. Performed in Issy-les-moulineaux and Paris, France/ 2018-2019
Vivaces. Choreography commissioned for the St Etienne Conservatory advanced students. Performed at Théâtre Copeau in St Etienne, France/ June 2017 and June 2018
L’Appel de la danse. Choreography commissioned for the Rick Odums Dance School advanced students. Performed at the theater of the Villejuif Conservatory, France/ November 2017.
Concerto pour l’Afrique. Co-choreography with Emily Regen. Performed at Théâtre El Duende in Ivry-sur-Seine, France/ October 2017.
Concerto pour l'Afrique. October 2017, Paris. Credit Photo- Eva Doreau
Lamentation. Collaboration with Alix Reigner, Artistic Director of Cie Polypous. Performed at Institut du monde arabe, Paris/ May 2016.
Lamentation. May 2016, Paris. Credit Photo: Slash/Art
Rafael Molina graduated both from Sciences Po Paris with a research master in political theory and from the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. He is teaching dance and specifically Graham Technique throughout Europe and beyond. He has also taught English at the Université de Paris for the Computer Science Bachelor program and the Mathematics Master program.
Rafael believes in a modern and innovative pedagogy. Both the content and the learning process must be constantly rethought within an evolving environment. He considers care, trust, integrity, empathy, and self-knowledge central to quality teaching. His teaching approach respects individual specificities (bodies, histories, abilities) and encourages autonomy. He creates a safe space for his students to explore their singularities as individuals/artists, in order to unlock possibilities for artistic interpretation.
Rafael is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Graham For Europe, an initiative dedicated to promoting and expanding the legacy of Martha Graham’s technique across Europe
➣ Micadanses, Paris
Yoga-Graham-Improvisation, Introduction to Graham floor work. February 23-24-25-26. grahamforeurope.com/blog/2023/9/6/-yoga-graham-amp-improvisation-paris-2023-24
➣ Wicklow ScreenDance Laboratory, Dublin / Wicklow / Bray
Graham technique, repertory and composition. March 23-27. https://www.screendance.ie
Rafael Molina published his first novel Et Dieu créa la star in November 2018.
The book is available online: amazon.fr/Dieu-cr%C3%A9a-star-Rafael-Molina/dp/1726370593
In 2006, Rafael received the magna cum laude distinction at the Salon des poètes de Lyon with his poem « Cœur en sang ».
He has worked as an online Editor since 2009: MyLittleParis (2009), MerciAlfred (2012-13) and MyNewYork (2013-10). He toured the world in 2009 and created a travel/lifestyle blog, Le Metropolitan Blog, among the finalists at the Golden Blog Awards in Paris in 2012.
My research on dance pedagogy and specifically Graham educational practices brings me to NYC, Israel, London, Paris and Lausanne. An endless exploration and a human adventure I like to reflect on through some writings here.
