Rachel Carpenter
First Year MFA in Dance Candidate, Performance Track
Biography
Rachel Carpenter (she/her) hails from Cleveland, OH, and is currently a first-year Master of Fine Arts candidate in dance at the University of Iowa, focusing on performance. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Akron. Since graduating, Rachel has performed with Cleveland Dance Project Company for the 23-24' season. She also embraced her expressive side as a member of BurlesCLE, a burlesque troupe that illuminated the intricate connections between movement, self-expression, and community engagement.
In her current research, Rachel explores the concept of "sexy" through a feminist epistemological lens. She critically examines the hierarchical structures within the dance world that often overlook burlesque and its artistic contributions. Her work seeks to challenge these norms and advocate for a broader understanding of dance as a means of empowerment and expression. By interrogating why certain forms are valued over others, Rachel aims to elevate the discourse surrounding dance in academic spaces.
Excited to continue her artistic journey, Rachel looks forward to her time in Iowa City, where she plans to deepen her research and aims to grow both as an artist and as an individual throughout this next chapter.
