Leading with Care: Rachael Lieblein-Jurbala & Aimee Graham Step into New Roles at DEL
“It’s people like Rachael and Aimee who will help us identify our areas for potential growth, and pave the way so DEL can keep growing into the future.” — Erin Lally, Director of DEL
As DEL enters its 30th year, we are thrilled to celebrate two leaders whose care and creativity will guide our community into the future. Rachael Lieblein-Jurbala and Aimee Graham are each stepping into expanded roles on our team!
“One of our strengths is we really care about people.”
Rachael (in blue, arm outstretched); photo by Cherylynn Tsushima
Aimee (in blue); photo by Cherylynn Tsushima
For Rachael, who is transitioning into the role of Associate Director, Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) and Artistic Programming, what feels most important about this new chapter is deepening connection with the DEL community. Rachael and Aimee are the faces behind [email protected]!
“We have holistic conversations with our community members about their needs. Given that we are a professional learning community designed for folks outside of a traditional educational structure, we really value access, care, and understanding that people have whole and incredibly busy lives,” she said.
Aimee, who is transitioning into the role of Assistant Program Manager, Harkness Dance Center, spoke about her excitement for shaping programs with the community in mind.
“The personal experience of each individual who goes through our courses is something we are really focused on in designing our programs. Whether it’s choosing between independent study or facilitated study asynchronous courses, we’re listening to what our community says and trying to make changes based on that. We want to keep experimenting, listening, and adapting with you.”
Expanding the reach and application of the DEL Model
Both Rachael and Aimee are excited to continue opening DEL’s doors even wider. They are excited to engage the community more deeply while also extending DEL’s programs to new audiences.
Aimee (in green pants); photo by Cherylynn Tsushima
Rachael; photo by Cherylynn Tsushima
Aimee shared: “We want to create more opportunities that feel accessible and inviting to folks who are curious about DEL but not yet ready to commit to our larger programs.”
She brings both fresh perspective and deep commitment: “I have a lot to learn about dance in the public school education system, but I also have so much to give from an outside view, coming from a background in performing*. That combination excites me, building new connections and finding ways for DEL to be relevant in every context.”
*Pssst! DEL Founder Jody Gottfried Arnhold spoke about this on the podcast, “Detours & Destinations!” Listen on Instagram @danceedlab!!
Rachael shared: “We want to continue to emphasize that the DEL Model can be applied to so many different teaching contexts. I’m excited to do more outreach to organizations, educators, school networks, and universities to make more beautiful connections with the dance community.”
Honoring the past, celebrating the future, and launching what comes next
Erin Lally, Director of DEL, reflected on the significance of Rachael and Aimee’s expanded roles within DEL, naming them both as “strong leaders” whose dedication and skills deserve to be celebrated and made visible, not only for their own growth, but for the strength of the organization as a whole.
As DEL enters its 30th year, Erin connected their leadership to the organization’s broader theme: honoring the past, celebrating the future, and launching what comes next.
“Looking back at even my six years here, it’s remarkable how much we’ve grown,” she shared. “It’s people like Rachael and Aimee who will help us identify our areas for potential growth, and pave the way so DEL can keep growing into the future.”
Join us in celebrating Rachael and Aimee, and read more about them below!
Aimee & Rachael; photo by Cherylynn Tsushima
Rachael Lieblein-Jurbala, Associate Director, Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) and Artistic Programming
Rachael Lieblein-Jurbala (she/her) joined the 92nd Street Y, New York Harkness Dance Center in 2022, where she serves as Associate Director, Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) and Artistic Programming. As an administrator, producer, dancer, and choreographer, Rachael fervently believes in the power of dance to impact lives and build community. At 92NY, she is proud to help steward programs that expand access to dance and dance education for children, families, artists, and educators.
Prior to joining 92NY, Rachael was Program Manager for the Spencer Educational Foundation where she managed five educational grant programs dedicated to funding opportunities for students in the risk management and insurance fields. From 2019 to 2020, Rachael taught dance and led community programming for young people at the Center for Family Life Beacon Community Program at PS1 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and served as Teaching Artist for the Lifelines Interdisciplinary Arts Program at M.S. 136 and M.S. 821.
Rachael is the director of Rachael Lieblein-Jurbala Dance Works – a company creating narrative-driven, socially-engaged performance since 2020. Since 2022, Rachael has served as co-producer and curator of the WestFest Dance Festival, an annual festival presenting the works of emerging and established movement artists in New York City, housed in the historic Westbeth Artists Residence. She is proud to serve on the board of the Sasamani Foundation – an organization based in Bagamoyo, Tanzania dedicated to increasing access to education and employment opportunities for women and girls through holistic sponsorship and empowerment-driven programming.
Rachael holds a bachelor’s degree in Dance and Sociology with a certificate in Community Action and Public Policy from Connecticut College.
Rachael; photo by Becca Marcela Oviatt
Aimee Graham, Assistant Program Manager of the Harkness Dance Center and Dance Education Laboratory (DEL)
Aimee Graham joined the 92nd St Y in 2023 as Program Coordinator and now serves as the Assistant Program Manager of the Harkness Dance Center and Dance Education Laboratory (DEL). She holds a BFA in Modern Dance and a BA in Business with a concentration in Advertising and Promotion from Marymount Manhattan College, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Aimee brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to program development and arts administration, with a strong focus on patron experience. During her time at Marymount, Aimee had the opportunity to work closely with, and perform works by, Paul Taylor (rehearsed by Lisa Viola), Caleb Teicher, Netta Yerushalmy, Nancy Lushington, Sekou McMiller, and Megan Williams. Passionate about building meaningful experiences in the performing arts, she is dedicated to strengthening programs that foster community and connection.
Aimee; photo by Becca Marcela Oviatt