Just Keep Dancing: Eileen Kramer
Followers of Light Heart Collective will be familiar with the series of captivating interviews we conducted with talented artists from the South West on The Light Heart Collective Creative Podcast. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Kirsty Wyatt and myself in 2023, saw us delving into the worlds of various artists and creatives, offering listeners a glimpse behind their studio doors. As the end of Season 1 approached we set our sights on securing an interview with the remarkable Eileen Kramer.
To provide some context, allow me to introduce those of you who haven’t met yet, to Kirsty. Kirsty is a passionate soul whose enthusiasm knows no bounds. Last year when we were doing the podcast, she approached me cradling a book like a precious treasure, insisting that I delve into its pages. The book in question was “Life Keeps Me Dancing” by Eileen Kramer which promises readers a glimpse into “108 years well lived, grounded in creativity, adventure and love.” Intrigued by Kirsty’s recommendation, I immersed myself in the book. Soon after, Kirsty proposed a brilliant idea - “Let’s interview Eileen for the podcast”. Initially sceptical at securing such an interview, I couldn’t underestimate Kirsty’s unwavering determination. Before long, we found ourselves in conversation with Eileen and her collaborator, Sue Healey (pictured below with Eileen). Regrettably, technical issues plagued the audio recording of this interview, leaving it dormant as we pondered its fate. Today I made the decision that this remarkable encounter should no longer remain shrouded in obscurity, promoting me to encapsulate its essence within these words.
Eileen Kramer stands as a beacon of inspiration in the world of Australian arts. A dancer, choreographer, artist and writer born in 1914 continues to create art at the age of 109. Eileen’s journey traces back to her roots as an original member of the groundbreaking Bodenwieser Ballet, Australia’s pioneering modern dance company that indelibly shaped the country’s dance landscape. Joining the company in 1940 opened a world of opportunities for Eileen, allowing her to embark on captivating tours across Australia and beyond its borders. Over the course of 60 years spent living and working abroad, her experiences were nothing short of extraordinary. From showcasing her talents on international stages to painting mesmerising murals in Karachi, and from posing as an artist’s muse in the vibrant cities of Paris and London, to rubbing shoulders with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Chico Marx, Eileen’s journey was a tapestry of remarkable encounters and artistic endeavours. She even learned the twist from the legendary Louis Armstrong, collaborated on a feature film with her partner, and lent her creative genius to a performance collective where she not only danced but also crafted costumes and choreographed innovative works.
Eileen’s return to Australia at the age of 99 saw her creative energy remain strong. She continued to make waves in the artists realm. Eileen choreographed and took centre stage in two dance dramas, forged a fruitful partnership with acclaimed dance filmmaker Sue Healey on a series of captivating short films, graced the stage in Belvoir’s production of The Wizard of Oz (2015) and the Foxtel series The End (2020). To top it off, she showcased her timeless talent in music videos alongside luminaries like Lacey Cole and Sarah Belkner.
To say Eileen has led a full and creatively enriching life would be a huge an understatement. A deep dive into her book and our engaging interview with her reveal a woman who has embraced life’s creative possibilities with an unwavering spirit of adventure. Eileen’s resounding “yes” to artistic pursuit, coupled with her penchant for following her heart along uncharted paths, has been the cornerstone of her extraordinary journey. While her path may not have always been smooth sailing, the sheer richness of her experiences paints a portrait of a life lived to the fullest – one that is as challenging as it is rewarding.
In a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of collaboration and creativity, Sue Healey, a distinguished choreographer, educator, filmmaker and installation artist from Sydney, has shared a profound connection with Eileen Kramer for over a decade. For Sue, working with Eileen is akin to holding a tangible link to a bygone era – a sentiment that underscores the timeless essence of their creative partnership. Even today, Sue marvels at Eileen’s unwavering dedication to her craft, noting that she is always in motion, whether it be through dance, drawing, storytelling or costume design. Eileen’s ceaseless creativity serves as a beacon f inspiration, showcasing a spirit that refuses to be confined by age or expectation.
Surprisingly, the opportunity to work with fellow artists at this stage of her life came as a delightful twist for Eileen. Initially envisioning a leisurely existence by Coogee Beach, Eileen finds herself immersed in a whirlwind of artistic pursuits, continuing to weave her unique narratives and share her boundless creativity with the world. Reflecting on her partnership with Sue, Eileen speaks glowingly of Sue’s technical acumen and praises the flourishing creative landscape in Australia, where innovative ideas and meaningful expressions abound.
In turn, Sue acknowledges the invaluable lessons she has gleaned from Eileen, particularly drawing from Eileen’s rich background as a film editor in the 1950’s. Through their collaborations, Sue gains insights into Eileen’s unique perspectives on visual storytelling and the art of selective editing – wherein the power of omission is as potent as inclusion. Together, they embark on filmmaking journeys filled with joy and camaraderie, shaping narratives that resonate with audiences far and wide. Their collaborative efforts have even achieved viral success, with one film reaching an astounding 12.5 million viewers – a testament to the universal appeal of their creative endeavours.
While Eileen modestly downplays the reception of her memoir, “Life Keeps Me Dancing”, both Kirsty and I wholeheartedly recommend it as a source of inspiration and upliftment for readers of all backgrounds. Should your curiosity be piqued, I invite you to explore a selection of Eileen and Sue’s collaborative projects here. When asked for advice to impart on fellow creatives, Eileen’s words are simple yet profound: “just keep dancing”. In this succinct mantra lies a profound truth – a reminder to persevere, to create and to embrace the joy of artistic expression, no matter the circumstances.