Inside the Creative Process; Conversations with Artists, Writers, Performers, & Creatives

In a delightful conversation, Alicia speaks with chroeographer, director, and writer Alexander Beller about empathy, violence, rigor, and not-knowing inside her creative process. As a teacher, Alexandra speaks of helping her students attune to their own creative knowing while simultaneously developing capacity for not knowing. Her recent book The Anatomy of Art supports dance and theatre artists in their own creative process.

More About Alexandra Beller:

1. The Anatomy of Art Book website: https://www.anatomy-of-art.com/ 2. Alexandra Beller's Website: https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/
3. Explore Beller's Choreographic Work: https://vimeo.com/137205732?share=copy

Alexandra Beller (MFA, CMA), Artistic Director of Alexandra Beller/Dances (2002-present) was a Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company member from 1995-2001. Alexandra created 60+ Dance Theatre works in Korea, Hong Kong, Oslo, Cyprus, and the US. University work includes Barnard, SUNY Purchase, Rutgers, Princeton, UCSB, U of MI (Ann Arbor), and The New School.

She taught at Princeton 2015-2022 and is on faculty at the Laban Institute for Movement Studies. She also teaches at HB Studios, Gibney Dance Center. She choreographs and teaches internationally. She wrote two books: The Embodied Conductor: A Somatic Approach to Conducting with Laban and Bartenieff (Publisher TBA soon), and The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theater and Dance (Bloomsbury, 2025).

____ For more from Alicia go to http://www.aliciapetersonbaskel.com or IG: @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia talks about the work an artist can do to encourage inspiration to strike. It's never a guarantee, but when we are working and thinking about an idea we open the door. THEN we need to get moving. Not simply putting pen to paper or ink to canvas. But going out and seeing other people's work, following intuitive nudges, wandering, remembering, and going within.

If you'd like Alicia's support in your creative process, please check out her creative mentoring series - Creative Chrysalis at http://aliciapetersonbaskel.com

To follow along on Alicia's writing adventures, find her on Instagram: @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia shares a new creative journey that she is moving through. Adventures she is taking herself on in order to stimulate a writing practice. She helps us all remember that we don't need to know where we're going with our creativity, we simply have to value ourselves and our creative process enough to get started.

If you are interested in her 1:1 creative mentorship program, please check out http://www.aliciapetersonbaskel.com

Follow Alicia's Writing Adventures series on Instagram @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia shares her reflections on The Invitation Situation, a dance theatre piece by Jeanine Durning. This work features four dance artists, Andee Scott, Mary Williford-Shade, Heidi Brewer, and Clare Croft improvising with both moving and speaking inside Durning's improvisation technique, Nonstopping.

For more information about The Invitation Situation, check out their website: theinvitationsituation.com

For more ways to follow Alicia, check out her IG: @aliciapetersonbaskel

For ways to work with Alicia, visit her website: aliciapetersonbaskel.com

In this episode, Alicia rants about the 11.8 million dollars that are meant to be cut from the City of San Diego's budget leaving funding for the arts in Sad Diego at zero. She pleads with the arts audiences, the parents, and the appreciators to take a stand for the arts in their community. But overall it's about encouraging ourselves to value the art we make and the industry as a whole.

To take action: https://docs.google.com/document/d/192LgknYvbwpaIkRzdCUkYTKNxCkvwVw4gqWqGwFEnRU/edit?usp=sharing

MIGRATION: A dance piece at the San Diego International Airport (terminal 1) Thursdays 5/7 & 5/14 from 5-7pm

Work with Alicia: 1:1 Breathwork for Creativity and/or At the Edge of Sleep audio series: https://mailchi.mp/900f71ff42c6/aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, I talk about the artist's difficulties entering unknown territory. As much as I love the mess in the middle of a process, I find myself blocked at the beginning of a process. I share about my own personal (current) experience of starting something new and the fears that come with it.

If you enjoy this episode, check out this episode about the messy middle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-conversations-with/id1600742208?i=1000701239978

If you'd like to work with Alicia privately in her 1:1 breathwork practice, check out her calendar here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25643833&appointmentType=category:Breathwork

Follow Alicia on Instagram at @aliciapetersonbaskel

There are at least two outcomes that occur as a result of Improvised Dancing: vulnerability of the artist and organic composition. For me, these are two of the most sought after experiences when witnessing art: depth and surprise. In this episode, I look at two pieces of art I've recently encountered: a dance piece called CURRENTING directed by K.J. Holmes and the speculative memoir IN THE DREAM HOUSE by Carmen Maria Machado.

If you'd like to work with me more deeply, join me for a 1:1 Somatic Breathwork Session: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25643833&appointmentType=category:Breathwork

Or Find me on Instagram @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia not only encourages artists to create work that is unedited but she actually embodies this practice by publishing an unedited podcast episode and allowing the final product to live as is. Its a liberating experience but also helps the creation of artwork to be more sustainable, risky, and raw.

Please consider becoming a monthly patron to the podcast: https://square.link/u/qRH77sKf

Follow Alicia on Instagram at @aliciapetersonbaskel

Michelle and Alicia discuss the way dance and creative practice reflects the beauty of life when we as artists and healers make ourselves available to something "bigger" than us. Michelle brings in her knowledge of human design (and a multitude of other embodied modalities) to articulate the importance of each us learning to listen to our own alignment.

You can find more information about Michelle by heading to her website: https://www.michelleboule.com/home/

Or following her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.boule/

If you enjoyed this episode, you will definitely enjoy this past episode with Michelle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-conversations-with/id1600742208?i=1000600879652

And if you enjoy journeying into the spiritual aspects of Creativity, please check out this episode with visual artist Kelly Heaton: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-conversations-with/id1600742208?i=1000610592229

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Follow Alicia Peterson Baskel on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aliciapetersonbaskel/

There's still time to get $50 off your 1:1 Breathwork with Alicia by using the code "healthyholiday" through Dec. 31, 2025 https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25643833&appointmentType=category:Breathwork

We hear the word Consistent often as a goal to aspire to. As a trait that makes us worthy and often the only solution to be productive or gain the attention we seek. But Alicia wants to look at OTHER ways to be productive, creative, and "consistent".

The truth is that we are each uniquely built down to the way we process and create. There is no "one size fits all" approach to getting into your most creative space. So why not explore what works for you?

If community and focus would serve your creative process, join Alicia Monday 12/8 or 12/15 at 9am pst for a 60 minute session that includes both Breathwork and Studio Time. It's all over Zoom. To register for free: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25643833&appointmentType=86491935

If you enjoyed this episode, we suggest:

A conversation with Michelle Boulé : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-conversations-with/id1600742208?i=1000600879652

Alicia's ongoing performance process thus far with collaborator Omar Ramos: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-conversations-with/id1600742208?i=1000722091117

Alicia's picture book writing process: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-conversations-with/id1600742208?i=1000724184254

Thank you for tuning in. If you'd like to stay connected with Alicia, follow her over on Instagram at @aliciapetersonbaskel or subscribe to this podcast to be notified when a new episode is released.

In this solo episode, Alicia shares one of her longest ongoing creative processes to date: 13 years of writing and editing a still unpublished picture book series. She takes you through the pivots and the pleasure of being inside a process that relies heavily on trust and intuition during her agonizingly detailed editing process. If you are a writer, this episode is for you.

If you enjoyed this episode, please check out these other conversations with writers about their creative process:

Conversation with Author and Breathwork Guide Danielle Herring: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-inspiration-from-artists/id1600742208?i=1000556681578

Conversation with Children's Book Author Jonna Watson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-inspiration-from-artists/id1600742208?i=1000673610364

If you are an agent or a publisher you can reach Alicia at aliciapetersonbaskel@gmail.com

In this solo episode, Alicia grapples with her own personal difficulty witnessing creatives deny their creativity and she ponders ways that we can reimagine a creative process that can exist in our current lives. If you need a creative motivational boost, this is the episode for you.

If you want more of this kind of energy, join Alicia for a FREE online workshop: Monday August 25th at 9am PDT for 1 hour. Register here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25643833&appointmentType=74530187

If you'd like more information about the 10 week course (starts Sept. 8th) that will get you moving toward your next masterpiece, check it out here: https://square.link/u/D1GqlHsI

In this episode, Alicia continues her conversation with collaborator Omar Ramos as the two stage artists reveal the emerging process for their next performance piece. Listen in on where they are in their process and how they imagine this work unfolding, as they hold onto the optimistic view that the work already exists somewhere in the future.

Listen to the rest of the conversation with Omar Ramos: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process/id1600742208?i=1000721190527

Sign up for the FREE Creative Rhythms workshop with Alicia on Monday, August 25th @ 9am pacific (recording will be available to anyone who can't make the workshop live): https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=25643833&appointmentType=74530187

In this Episode, Alicia talks with friend and collaborator, Omar Ramos, a multi-hyphenate designer with a passion for integrating emerging technologies into stage performances. Omar speaks about his process when working to support the vision of directors, choreographers, or playwrights and the two artists dive into the details of dance pieces they've made together and how they support and challenge one another and the work they're making.

Check out the performances mentioned in this episode:

Untitled: Center of the Universe - https://youtu.be/QAij4QXIegM?si=2A3qXvd31jpV6zYn

Space Between (trailer) - https://vimeo.com/25787249

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To learn more about the work of Omar Ramos, please check out his website: https://www.omarramosdesign.com

To be in touch with Alicia, please feel free to email: aliciapetersonbaskel@gmail.com or find her on Instagram at @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this first episode of season 4, Alicia speaks frankly about the difficulties in motherhood of maintaining the creative process and seeing ourselves as artists when we are so enamored/distracted by the responsibility of caring for a child. Alicia shares her journey and the shifts that she made to keep making art including shifting genres, creating new processes, and finding ways to be creatively efficient.

If you enjoy this episode, please check out these interviews with artist mothers who speak about how they balance motherhood and their creative process in our conversation.

Conversation with Visual Artist Carolyn Mara: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-inspiration-from-artists/id1600742208?i=1000549121922

Conversation with Playwright Jennifer Barclay: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-inspiration-from-artists/id1600742208?i=1000551417037

Conversation with Opera Director Cynthia Stokes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process-inspiration-from-artists/id1600742208?i=1000555095993

Please follow Alicia on Instagram at @Aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia shares her experience in witnessing and processing the dance piece EVEROTHERWISE by Leslie Seiters. Alicia shares how deeply she is moved by the humanity of this piece as she is transported into worlds she knows nothing about but is encouraged to witness with love.

You may be interested in listening to Alicia's interview with Leslie Seiters before or after listening to this episode.

Follow Alicia on Instagram at @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia speaks about her delightful experience attending an intimate sharing of a work in process trio performance. She was invited to witness a WIP showing of the dance theatre piece, Best Worst Advice, and left satisfied and amazed that she was one of only a few to have witnessed THAT performance. "I highly recommend that if you are in San Diego on July 12 or July 19, you go see it for yourself." - Alicia

Please consider donating to fund Best Worst Advice's journey to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Find the fundraising information here: http://spot.fund/zgzk3wnsc

Find the Open Rehearsal/Performance information here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DL7hU8WuQ-h/

Again, it's July 12 (open rehearsal) 3-5pm at the City Heights Performance Annex and July 19 (performance) 3-4pm at the City Heights Performance Annex.

For more from Alicia Peterson Baskel - follow on Instagram: @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this episode, Alicia talks about that place in the middle or the process where things NEED to be allowed to be messy. She goes from her kid's school Art Show to her own experience making her thesis project in graduate school to watching Idina Menzel in the new musical Redwood last year and how ALL of these very different productions had to experience a messy middle and overcome it.

The Messy Middle is that space in the process when you may know where you are headed, but its not showing up yet in performance, on paper, or in your art work. This is not an end point but rather a test of your own devotion to your work. Take the challenge. Go through it rather than avoiding it.

Alicia also wants to invite you to join her for the second segment of Creative Rhythms; The Art of Pause, Play, & Epiphany which is all about how devotion/dedication supports or sabotages our creative process. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please visit:

https://square.link/u/D1GqlHsI

If you'd like to hear more from Alicia, please follow her on Instagram - @aliciapetersonbaskel

In this solo episode, Alicia speaks about the importance of being in the body when we create. So often, our society prizes the gifts of the mind but forgets the wisdom of the body. When we stop separating them into two parts of us, we can integrate the whole body at once and utilize all of us as we create our creations.

This episode comes in response to studying the head center in Alicia's class Creative Rhythms. If you'd like to join the next three week segment of Creative Rhythms, we'd love to have you:

Sign up for April: https://square.link/u/D1GqlHsI

**Segment Two (April 7 - 25) Finding your Flow; How we align, commit, and emote in our creative process

Wk. 1 - G Center: An Artist's Compass

Wk. 2 - Heart Center: The Drive to Create

Wk. 3 - Solar Plexus Center: The Emotional Pulse of Art

In this solo episode, Alicia examines the human design charts of the actors from the movie WICKED, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera. Alicia has been obsessed with the movie since before it came out and even more after seeing it. When she saw the two main actors' human design charts, Alicia realized how they were truly made for these roles and designed to work together.

If you are interested in looking at your own creative process through the Human Design lens, allowing more alignment into your practice and therefore more breakthroughs, join Alicia in her Course: Creative Rhythms; The Art of Pause, Play, & Epiphany! Class starts March 10th & the early bird bonus ends March 2nd! Check it out: https://square.link/u/D1GqlHsI

To pull up your own chart: https://www.geneticmatrix.com/free-foundation-chart/

If you enjoyed this episode, another episode you may be like is: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-creative-process/id1600742208?i=1000669289666

To find Alicia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciapetersonbaskel/