We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cherrise Wakeham a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cherrise, appreciate you joining us today. We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

Best investment: giving back to my body.

When covid hit, we were prompted to go inside. Inside our homes, our relationships, our minds, our bodies. Feeling misaligned with the dance world and my path within it, I deeply craved a reset. I registered for a virtual 200-hour yoga teacher training course, and it was probably the single best thing I’ve ever done for my adult self – both personally and professionally.

Throughout YTT, I entered into a new conversation with my body. Beyond simply listening to my body, I was now honoring her wishes. I treated her like my captain rather than pushing and pulling her along for the ride.

I learned to sit with discomfort. To pay attention. To breathe and make space for sensations, to notice without judging, and release. I began to heal.

That investment of time, energy, and money was key to unlocking a mind-body connection that allowed me to take responsibility for my thoughts and actions and the part I played in my own unhappiness. I found freedom in that.

Cherrise, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I moved to Atlanta in 1998 and was invited to become a founding member of The Phoenix Dance Project, under the direction and choreography of John Mattson, to whom I attribute my professional start as a performer, choreographer, and educator.

Since that time, I’ve been performing, educating, touring, choreographing, directing, and mentoring. I graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Psychology in 2007, which I use to enrich my work in cultivating creativity, discipline, and self-worth in my students. I’m currently on faculty as an instructor and choreographer for several studios in the Atlanta area.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think what drives my creative journey is watching others develop a sense of agency. I love seeing my students understand their own power and be emboldened by their choices. And I enjoy the challenge and imagination it takes to create an environment that fosters that.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I feel resilient each day I wake up and choose to move. As a dancer, I am constantly aware of the pressure of time ticking away on the body. So I try to remember that the art of dance is not a race. There may be limits to the realm of physical possibilities, but there is no limit to process. No expiration on inspiration. And no one to compete against or answer to but ourselves.

When I start thinking in linear terms, I pause to remind myself that this journey as an artist is neither flat nor predictable. Growth is not an upward trajectory but an outward (and inward) expansion. It’s a rugged trail. Inconsistent and bumpy. Dirt, hills, roots, rocks – uneven, windy, curvy. We will trip, fall, climb and dodge. So we need to train for the terrain. Account for stops, variety, trying, falling and failing. What matters is that we start again, and again, and again. Have a sense of humor. Stay true to your path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: cherrise77

Image Credits
Roman Naumov, Tif Lester