MSP 176: Clare Cook
We are back! This season we will focus on interviews and discussions with vibrant artists from cities across the United States. Up first - Clare Cook in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Clare is the Founder and Creative Director of Basin Arts, a non-profit arts incubator dedicated to helping Louisiana artists develop sustainable creative practices. Basin Arts aims to expand access to professional contemporary arts experiences while fostering genuine connections between artists and the broader community. In our interview, we explore how dance was positively cultivated in different spaces throughout her life, what she\u2019s grateful for, and unpack her decision to pursue a life in dance. She shares insights into being the youngest in her NYU Tisch Dance program, her passion for storytelling and collaboration, and her interest in the theatre-dance hybrid. We also discuss her experience with an observership, the decision to return to Lafayette, and go deeper into the heart and vision behind Basin Arts. For all this and much more, be sure to tune in!\xa0
Key Points From This Episode:
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 We\u2019re introduced to our guest Clare Cook and her life and dance journey.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 She reflects on how dance was cultivated in different spaces throughout her life and what she\u2019s grateful for.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Clare unpacks her decision to pursue a life in dance.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 How she thought of dance as a way to become more of herself.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Her love and interest in storytelling and collaboration.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 How she got her first gig choreographing a musical.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 She talks about her interest in the theatre-dance hybrid.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Clare shares about her opportunity to do an observership.\xa0
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 The impetus to move back to Louisiana and what it was like navigating that transition.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 How the concept for Basin Arts started to unfold.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 She speaks to the idea of trajectory as continued evolution along the path of creative process, collaboration, and community.\xa0
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Clare breaks down what creating authentic relationships with the community looks like through Basin Arts.
\xb7\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0 Clare shares what she\u2019s excited about and upcoming events.
\u201c[Basin Arts] was this idea of how can we, in the simplest, least encumbered way, find a space for people to come together and do their work.\u201d \u2014 Clare Cook
Clare Cook is a hyphenate artist working simultaneously as a choreographer, dancer, teacher, and arts administrator through her work as Founder & Creative Director of Basin Arts, a interdisciplinary arts incubator in Lafayette, La.
Special thanks to season supporters: The Ohio State University Dance Preservation Fund and a special Anonymous Donor!
For more on this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast