Rachel Carpenter (she/her) is a Cleveland, OH native and a first-year Master of Fine Arts candidate in Dance at the University of Iowa, where she focuses on performance. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Akron. Since graduating, Rachel has performed with Cleveland Dance Project for the 2023-2024 season and became a member of BurlesCLE, a burlesque troupe that allowed her to explore the importance of expressing her femininity, sensuality, and self-love.

Rachel’s current research interrogates the notions of "sexy" and deconstructs the male gaze, critically examining the hierarchical structures in the dance world that often overlook burlesque and its artistic contributions. Her work challenges these norms, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of dance as a tool for empowerment and self-expression. Her work challenges these norms, advocating for greater recognition of burlesque's artistic value and its role in promoting empowerment and self-expression. Through her research and practice, Rachel aims to disrupt traditional dance hierarchies within institutions and push for systemic change.

Looking forward to her time in Iowa City, Rachel is excited to deepen her research and continue her growth as both an artist and an individual in this next chapter of her journey.