Learning through Ease + the Never-Finished Process of Creative Practice w— Blake Beckham

Dance artist, educator + somatic practitioner Blake Beckham highlights the power of pleasure + play in our learning processes. We explore the aesthetics of failure, how creative work is never done and finding ease to unlock new pathways.

we discuss

• The evolving role of the artist
• What the Feldenkrais method teaches us about how learning happens
• Deconstructing narratives around pain and how it applies to embodiment
• Experimenting with the aesthetics of failure
• Intentionally queering dance in a way that dismantles normative ideals
• The similarity between the scientific method + the creative process
• A moment of perceived failure in her own life that she considers a success
• How letting go of “should” can lead to a greater sense of freedom
• The simple acts + attention that contribute to healthy partnership 
• How reiki has helped her become more curious + open to the metaphysical

BLAKE BECKHAM is a choreographer, performing artist, educator and producer in Atlanta, GA. She co-directs The Lucky Penny, a non-profit arts organization that serves as a production outlet for Blake's choreography and a platform for  experimental performance projects. 

Beckham has produced her own choreographic works since 2001. Her most recent pieces have been widely celebrated for their deft craft, ambitious scope and emotional impact. These include OneAnother (2016), Dearly Departures (2014), Threshold (2012) and PLOT (2011). These recent works are emblematic of Beckham’s ongoing interests in blending striking stage design with cinematic imagery, visceral emotion and unadorned physical effort. 

Blake earned a BA in English and Dance from Emory University, where she received The Sudler Prize for highest achievement in the arts. She attended Ohio State as a University Fellow, to complete her MFA in Choreography. She has held teaching appointments at Emory University and Agnes Scott College. In 2012, Beckham received a Community Impact Award from Emory University's Center for Creativity & Arts.  In 2013, she was honored to receive the Tanne Foundation award in recognition of her outstanding artistry. Her work has been supported through residencies at Theater Emory (2013, 2014) and Performance Works Northwest (2014). Her accomplishments as director of The Lucky Penny have been recognized with honors from The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation (SEED Fund Award), Center for Civic Innovation (Civic Impact Award), ArtsATL (Kindle Award), Creative Loafing Atlanta (Best Of) and more. 

If you enjoyed the episode, check out —
Episode w— Michael J Morris
Episode w— Aaron Samuel Davis
Episode w— Stephanie Miracle

More about our guest —
Blake Beckham’s website
Blake’s email or blake@theluckypenny.org

Mentioned in the episode —
Hez Stalcup
Pamela + Her Sons
Feldenkrais
Reiki

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