Blake Campbell is proud of their movement foundation being grounded in Latin and West-African dance traditions. They began their dance training at Ballet Hispanico’s pre-professional program under the tutelage of Carridad Martinez. There, they studied Cuban Ballet method, Flamenco, Limon and Graham technique, Hip Hop, and Afro-Cuban dance. Throughout Blake’s early education as a dancer, they had taken pride in exploring and developing dynamic movement, athleticism, musicality, and discovering the edges of their corporeal capabilities. In high school, they continued their studies through the Andover Dance Group with Erin Strong, Judith Wombwell, and Tai Jimenez. At Berklee-Boston Conservatory, they studied West African dance with the late great Marianne Harkless Diabate. She brought Blake back to the world of dance after an intermission in their own life for which they are forever grateful.
When they first became disabled four years ago, Blake believed that their dance journey had ended. They’ve never been so happy to be wrong. Through the support of the New England and NYC disabled dance communities, they’ve had the opportunity to engage newly in the medium within a disability justice framework. The mentorships of Leslie Taub, Toby Macnutt, Krishna Washburn, and Ellice Patterson have been invaluable in transforming their approach to movement and embracing adaptive dance techniques. Over the past 2 years, they have cultivated practice in the principles of adaptability, advocacy, well-being, and accessibility. This will be their second show with Abilities Dance Boston and Intersections v5 will be their debut live show on crutches. They’re excited to keep dancing and to inspire others of all bodyminds to do the same.
Outside of dance, Blake is a singer and songwriter, digital artist, facilitator for QPS Music Group in Brooklyn, and baby Python programmer.