Val Rainbow originally trained as a theatre designer and worked briefly in professional theatre, creating costumes, props and sets. She set up business with a partner, making and hiring costumes for theatre, television and parties. During this period she became interested in alternative therapies and trained as a Reiki practitioner.

Val has performed as actor, clown and dancer, both professionally and at amateur level for many years and has studied tap dance, jazz dance, Tai Chi, physical theatre and clowning.

She started attending Middle Eastern Dance classes in 1995, and quickly became hooked! She originally trained with Linda Markey, but since then has studied and taken workshops with various teachers including Rita Barker, Jaqui Jamal, ZaZa Hassan, Yousry Sharif, Aida Noor, Heather Burby, Maggie Caffrey and Raqia Hassan.

Val's style is predominantly Egyptian with influences from Turkish and Hilal style.