Artist Statement
As a long-time practitioner of site-specific and site-adaptive performance, Beacon Dance, led by Artistic Director D. Patton White, has sought to transform the physical realm through a process of research, discovery and response. In this time of uncertainty and the need for physical/social distancing, Beacon Dance seeks to respond through the expression of physical bodies in space to the many emotional states that people are feeling as we are encouraged to embrace the ‘new normal’. As we are all bombarded with information from a wide spectrum of sources, we seek to distill the science from the politics, the facts from the propaganda and the real from the imagined. At Least Six Feet leverages humor and pathos to explore through movement and sound the range of emotions that we are all experiencing in this once in a lifetime event.
Artist Bio
D. Patton White has worked as a performing and creative artist based in Atlanta, GA, since 1987. He has danced with numerous companies throughout the metro Atlanta area, including The Atlanta Ballet II, Ruth Mitchell Dance Theater, The Georgia Ballet and Core Dance. He has served as the Artistic/Administrative Director of Beacon Dance since 1990, where he has performed since 1982. He has taught on the faculty of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, and is currently on the faculty of Emory University in Atlanta, GA. White has toured nationally and internationally as a performer, and his choreography has been performed by numerous companies throughout the US. He has been a member of Alternate ROOTS since 1997 and has trained extensively in the realm of community-engagement and social change through art making.
Paula Larke is a storyteller, motivational speaker, spoken word/vocal innovator, bassist and percussionist. She has used her music, passion, and humor nationally for over 40 years to unite, chide, inspire, and restore faith in the human potential for harmony. Her primary work is in community – schools, churches, state fairs, businessmen’s luncheons, workplace employee training – every kind of community gathering affording her access. Most recently, Paula has been teaching artist in Eastern Kentucky and Clarkston, GA, adapting her storytelling and musical delivery for Appalachian and international refugee audiences.