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Regenerative July – 2026 Month 7 Reflection

In the seventh month of 2026 I celebrated 7 years living in Cologne, Germany with my beloved partner, brought another schoolyear to an end, celebrated Gay PRIDE in Cologne and lots more!

View of the Kona Coast sunset from where I popped the question

Jazzy July

In the month of July:

  • Wrapped up the school year with reporting, celebrations, and goodbyes
  • Got an automatic extension on my work visa, but not yet able to renew again because the responsible office is in such demand (Arbeitsvisum Fiktionsbescheinigung)
  • Consulted with another government office about what is required for international marriage in Germany
  • Dad fell and broke his hip! Partial replacement surgery and recovery, continue to be grateful for modern medicine.
  • CSD / Christopher Street Day in Cologne: Dyke March, Parade, Street Fest with friends
  • Berlin attack outside of Pride (and demonstrations countrywide after)
  • Radical Pride, a delightful noncommercial event with workshops, food, music, and dancing
  • Got re-fitted for and placed an order for a new pair of Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes (a birthday gift from Ela’s family)
  • Hit by Heat Waves (nearly 40C/100F!), so lots of fans and coolpacks, cold drinks and media, Complain about the heat in German; Heat wave safety; Heat art; and A heatwave heart to heart from leena norms
  • Savored hot weather favorites like Cold Brew Coffee, Cioccomenta (Mint and Shaved Chocolate) Ice Cream, Nectarine & Blueberry Müsli, Watermelon
  • Wrote in a new color that I’m even more excited about for fall: Diamine Celadon Cat fountain pen ink
July Flip & Faves video on YouTube

Bullet Journaling & Planning

The above YouTube Video is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Book including goals, glows, media favorites, and events I recorded along the way.

During July I continued to work in my 2026 Annual Collections, Monthly, and Weekly spreads to plan teaching, travel, and personal events.

I shared my initial July BuJo setup on Instagram: Summery times at the start of my Quarter 3 Bullet Journal and July monthly & weekly spreads ready for adventure. Happy American Independence Day and Cologne CSD / Pride this weekend!

July setup in my Bullet Journal

Teaching & Coaching

Gave regular Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga online, in-studio Ballet classes, and my last Well-Being elective courses of the school year.

Played with summery inks in my fountain pens, wrote articles & morning pages

Writing & Publishing Articles

In July I published 4 articles:

  • Whimsical Summer Arts & Crafts Camp – Creative Experiences to Treat Your Artist Child: Inspired by several creators here on YouTube and elsewhere, and the childhood sense of long lazy artsy summers I was lucky enough to have, I’ve decided to take a playful approach to this season’s Personal Curriculum and Bucket List. Not to say I will complete all of my desired activities or complete all crafts on the list that I share, but I will be using my Bullet Journal spread as a menu of creative treats all during the warmer seasom. No camping necessary, though if you’ve got outdoorsy times ahead, they could provide a refreshing complement to beloved crafty activities. If you’ve got an hour to dig out a favorite hobby, a weekend afternoon, little bursts of time over the summer or a whole staycation, maybe you’d like to join in the fun!
  • The Dancer’s Daily Log – Building a Regular Habit of Growth & Creativity with Writing: Reflective writing has become an integral part of my personal creative practice and I encourage students and clients to create their own simple process of capturing ideas, insights, and information so they can live extraordinary lives. There’s no right way to archive your creative process, just what works for you. If you’re just getting started, keep it simple and try establishing the habit of capturing your intentions and thoughts in short bursts at the start and end of class, sessions, or days. Consider using my prompts as impulses or others that resonate with you.
  • Packing List for Teaching Artist’s International Travel – 4 Layers System to Move Lightly and Creatively: Having become a bit of a gearhead while ultralight long-distance backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in the early aughts, I then navigated international travel and a move clear across the globe since. I’ve become fascinated with essential items in demanding conditions and what minimal and creative living look like on the move for me. Over time I’ve also discovered that anticipation can add to enjoyment of my adventures, so I start packing well in advance, devise lists of experiences I’d like to do (and at the end of the trip, next time), items to confirm in advance, and the like. Here you will find my current packing list in video, checklist, and sketchbook form to inspire your adventures.
  • The Shrew Unleashed – MFA Thesis – Dance Choreography & Performance details my master’s thesis work, which was a creative feminist response, in poetry and dance, to the misogynistic messages in Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew.” A green show performed by five dancers and a poet in three parts: selected Shakespearean sonnets, an Audience-Participation “Spontaneous Dance Poem,” and “Wonder Woman,” a spoken-word poem, performances for school and public audiences took place March 11-15, 2015 inside and outside the Kennedy Theatre at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Themes in the work include the power of words, empowerment, and social justice.
Recorded a midyear Techo Kaigi/Notebook lineup, journaled with the cat

Filming & Sharing Videos

I published 8 videos to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in July (usually approximately weekly), helping to get aligned with my quarterly and annual goals:

Whimsical Summer Arts & Crafts Camp video on YouTube
Summer Reading Nostalgic Analog TBR – Seasonal Physical Books video on YouTube

Connecting: Email & Social Media

Email Newsletter

The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as work from others that I believe to be of value for fellow creatives is to subscribe to my email newsletter.

I sent 2 Email Newsletters in July, on at the top of the month, “Just & Free July, Dancing in Pride, Heatwave!“ and on the 31st, “Artsy August updates, Summer Crafts Camp whimsy.”

Socials

In July I also posted four times to Instagram. It is my honor to be connected to you there, here, online and in-person!

Eating ice cream outside with Ela and Rufio in the hot summer weather

Creative Challenges

In July my creative “challenges” included taking my elective classes to Self-Defence workshops, video filming, editing and writing, and indulging my Artist Child with Summer Camp-style Arts & Crafts.

Picked up this sticker after the big Cologne Pride Parade: you are good enough!

Media Musings

My July in reading, listening, and viewing pleasures:

Books & Reading

Books

In July I didn’t finish any books, but was working on a couple novels and adding to my TBR with Queer Book Recs from a Lesbian:

  • The Shell Seekers in progress on Kindle, sweeping and only 30% in on my second lending from the library, bought a paperback copy of my own and also listening to the audiobook on Libby.
  • The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert is a similar situation, purchased the book after enjoying but not finishing my digital library loan, also dipping into the audiobook version.

Listening Highlights

Favorite things heard over the course of the month go here, such as concerts, songs, pieces of music, playlists, podcasts and more.

Music
Songs & Pieces of Music

Listened to some hot tracks in July, including:

  • “Gut Genug” from KITSCHKRIEG feat. BLUMENGARTEN & SHIRIN DAVID is in German, but I’ve heard it has now reached international virality due to the catchy refrain’s popularity on TikTok. “You are good enough” is a good message!
  • “When the Rain Begins to Fall” was the unofficial theme of this year’s Pride festivities, it just seemed to be playing everywhere!
Playlists & Albums
Chicken dinner and July Grand Sumo Tournament Highlights on NHK

Viewing Highlights

A few July sights:

Sports
  • Grand Sumo July Tournament highlights from NHK on YouTube
  • Looking forward to the new WPBL women’s pro baseball games beginning August 1st ⚾️
Film
Series

Questions for Reflection

  • What projects are your passion currently?
  • What highlights, lowlights, and lessons have you experienced?
  • What will you enjoy before the end of the year?
  • To what shall I listen next?
Refreshed racquet grips, new birdies, played Federball in the dry park grass

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

Oldest Dance Gear – Teaching Artist’s Basic Ballet Kit -Frugal “Underconsumption Core” Dancewear & Supplies

Bringing in a new pair of pointe shoes and ballet tights to go with them recently, I’ve been taking stock of my artistic tools and supplies. In the process, I appreciate what has provided reliable service over the long term, what could use a little loving maintenance, and what I may wish to replace or resupply.

I am struck by just how aged some of my favorites have become, long outlasting my expectations with heavy use and the passage of time. A few items would even be considered “vintage” now, having acquired them in my youth, though not yet antique!

Do these companies even still make these items, or make them as well? I don’t know, as it has been years, if not decades, since they were new.

None of these items have been sponsored or gifted or financially benefit me in any way, other than the value that they have provided as faithful companions to my dancing life.

Oldest Dance Gear I Own – Ballet Basic Kit & Accessory Standbys video on YouTube

Faithful Companions

“Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without” was the motto that helped my grandparents make it through the Great Depression, and continues to inspire my sustainable, minimalist ethic (though some areas I find easier to simplify than others), what the kids are now calling “underconsumption core.”

Romancing Wear & Tear

Dancers, companies, and artists understand the need to economize, and we have learned to romanticize this thrift that enables creative expression.

Harvey Edwards’ classic “Legwarmers” poster epitomizes the grungy real dancer aesthetic that we were all obsessed with in the 80s and 90s and the way real dancewear comes to look when worn by hours in class, rehearsal, and onstage.

Lise Blackford photo shoot (leo & skirt) Cologne photo shoot (pointe shoes)

Photo shoot with Lise (Blackford) Colucci in PDX, 2010

My Oldest Dance Gear

Welcome behind the scenes of my dancewear and gear!

Dancewear

Dancewear

  • Leotard: Black Mirella Spaghetti Strap Princess Seam Ballet Leg leo has the most impressive stretch content I’ve ever seen, has held firmly since at least the late 90s/early 2000s through classes and served as a costume on stage and for photo shoots (can’t beat a black basic!).
  • Skirt: Short Black Mirella Short Wrap ballet skirt is probably my overall most-worn item, a daily teaching staple for a little coverage and movement
  • Legwarmers: Red & Pink Stripe Harmonie warmers from the 90s are a cotton knit, have just had to replace the top elastic which gave out years ago
  • Pink Tights: Capezio seamed convertible (repaired holes recently) haven’t gotten as much use in recent years but are returning for pointe shoe use as long as the elastic lives on
Black Pointe Shoes in action for “Vietato Fumare” contemporary ballet

Dancing Shoes

  • Black Gaynor Minden Pointe Shoes which are the old style, dyed for “Vietato Fumare” in 2002 and repeatedly repaired (only for photo shoots or short stints now)
  • Uncomfortable holey Sansha flat ballet shoes: I used this type up until moving to Germany, in recent years have been teaching more in socks and found a more comfortable brand of slippers
  • Who knows what brand of jazz oxfords the lace versions are and they don’t get so much use anymore, but most likely these 80s numbers are very oldest item in my dancing collection
  • Capezio Split Sole Slip On Jazz oxfords were a staple for teaching jazz and musical theatre in Honolulu in the 2010s
  • Tap shoes I inherited from a fellow teacher to instruct baby tap since we have the same size feet, and every once in a while I think I might again (see, far from a “perfect” minimalist)

Accessories

  • Coffee Mug: Contigo Travel Mug stolen from Mom seals well, keeps liquids hot or cold
  • Pouch: Body Shop drawstring bag from the 90s holds my ballet basics for travel, my skirt, socks, and theraband

Questions for Reflection

  • In what attire are you most comfortable moving?
  • What essential items nourish your creativity and productivity?
  • What creative challenges are you currently facing?
5 Ways to Get Down Daily – how to build a habit of creative dance
Get Down Daily was one of my most fun challenges yet, and is ongoing!

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and artful living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, by replying to my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

A Berry Hot June & Quarter 2 – 2026 Month 6 Reflection

June to me means PRIDE and my birthday month (though Cologne celebrates PRIDE/Christopher Street Day in July), the Summer Solstice, Father’s Day, Juneteenth, Refugees’ Day, end-of-schoolyear celebrations and goodbyes.

I also like to do some midyear reflection, lots of strawberry eating, rose sniffing, cake, hopeful for sunshine and warmth as spring flowers yield summer fruits in the northern hemisphere.

Strawberry birthday cake

June’s Joys

In the month of June:

  • Summer Solstice / Litha & HOT summery weather!
  • PRIDE Month
  • Self-Defence/Krav Maga training for my girls’ empowerment elective courses (and me as ell)
  • Baked cookies for end-of-schoolyear party
  • Bowling & Hitster with friends
  • My Birthday, for which I had little energy to plan a celebration (school isn’t yet out here among other things) and Ela thankfully stepped in to help make it festive with eats, drinks and friends
  • Father’s Day
  • Strawberries, late spring/early summer stone fruits and berries
  • Had some super hot heat wave days, a good time to learn how to Complain about the heat in German from odetogermanwords on Instagram
June Flip & Faves – Review, Reflect, Refresh video on YouTube

Bullet Journaling & Planning

The above YouTube Video is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Book including goals, glows, media favorites, and events I recorded along the way.

I shared my initial setup on Instagram here: “Summer Solstice / Litha, PRIDE Month, Birthday, Dads, Loving Day, Juneteenth, Refugees“

Continued to work in my 2026 Annual Collections, created July spreads, schemed about summer/Quarter 3.

A juicy June set up in my Bullet Journal

Teaching & Coaching

Gave regular Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga online, studio classes in Ballet with additional guest teaching, and my last Well-Being elective courses of the School Year.

Writing & Publishing Articles

I published 2 articles in June, bringing my Quarter 2 total to 3 and first half of 2026 total to 11.

Blooms & brambles

Filming & Sharing Videos

I published 4 videos to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in June, bringing my Quarter 2 total to 11, and first half of 2026 total to 23:

Anatomy & Kinesiology Resources for Dancers video on YouTube
(Un)Pack with Me Part 2 – Stationery Stash video on YouTube
Small Space Canary Fairy Ballet Variation Pt 2 – solo draft video on YouTube
Dancer’s Daily Log – Journal Prompts for Insight & Growth – Class, Rehearsal, Creative Sessions video on YouTube

Connecting: Email & Social Media

Email Newsletter

The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as work from others that I believe to be of value for fellow creatives is to subscribe to my email newsletter.

I sent one Email Newsletter in June, “Juicy June, happy PRIDE & birthday month, end of schoolyear sliding into Summer Fun“ bringing my Quarter 2 total to 3 and first half of 2026 total to 6.

Socials

In June I also posted 5 times to Instagram, for a Quarter 2 total of 13, and frst half of 2026 total to 32. It is my honor to be connected to you there, here, online and in-person!

Summer Solstice altar

Creative Challenges

In June my creative “challenges” included my Whimsical Summer Arts & Crafts Camp, creating curricula for my in-person and online classes, video filming, editing and writing.

Twenty 26s in 2026

Inspired by Jess/JashiiCorrin on YouTube), this creative challenge is a playful way to track various leading metrics, projects and activities I wish to keep an eye on.

Having found such a structure useful since 2023, I continued to choose and measure progress on projects in a similar way each year since, publishing my Twenty 26s in 2026: Analog Project Planning & Action Tracking, Creative Bullet Journal Style article in early February this year and an update after Q1, March Like a Toy Soldier in “The Nutcracker” and on the Street – 2026 Month 3 & Quarter 1 Reflection article.

Quarter Two & Six Month “Twenty 26s” Update

In Quarter 2, I reached a minimum of 26 in 3 further tasks or sessions, for a total of 11/20 focus areas:

  1. Yoga Practice Sessions
  2. Meditation Sessions
  3. Gratitude & Abundance Appreciation
  4. German Language Learning Practice Sessions
  5. Collections/Projects/Bullet Journal Spreads set up
  6. Daily “Captain’s Logs”
  7. Morning Pages Written
  8. Classes Taught
  9. Physical Therapy
  10. Financial Fun
  11. Social Media (IG posts)

Will be back with more updates next quarter and along the way…

Walking the Kitty in the golden summer light

Media Musings

My June in reading, listening, and viewing pleasures:

Books & Reading

Books

In June I finished reading one novel, which brought my Quarter 2 total to 4 and first half of 2026 total to 12.

Poetry

Listening Highlights

Favorite things heard over the course of the month go here, such as concerts, songs, pieces of music, playlists, podcasts and more.

Music
Songs & Pieces of Music
Playlists & Albums

Viewing Highlights

Art
  • Saw Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition in Cologne at Museum Ludwig and it changed me. Such an incredible collection of works in a vast array of media produced over the course of her entire life. This will continue to inspire me for a long time, with haunting and beautiful themes.
Sport
Dance

Romy & Juliet is on my wish list!

Film
  • “Germaine Acogny: die Essenz des Tanzes” about the “mother of contemporary African dance” with dance-loving friends in the theatre at Filmpalette Köln and so grateful to learn about her work
YouTube
  • English National Ballet’s “Emerging Dancer” program 2026 is a beautiful collection of classical and contemporary works set on these exciting young talents
Series

Streamed:

Q2 Special Memories

  • Going Home! April into May we had family time, saw friends and my mentor, guest taught ballet, beached, got engaged
  • Birthdays: Dad, Adem, me
  • West Hawai’i Dance Theatre visit, viewing the Hawai’i Island Choreographers’ Concert on video
  • Tai Chi by the Sea with Sifu Chee, World Tai Chi & Qigong Day
  • May Grand Sumo Tournament highlights viewing
  • Ritterspiele: Renaissance Faire & Jousting at a real castle, Schloss Satzvey
  • Kulinarische Schnitzeljagd: Culinary Tour by bike with friends in Cologne

Questions for Reflection

  • How did your Quarter 2 and first half of the year take shape?
  • What projects are your passion this quarter?
  • What highlights, lowlights, and lessons have you experienced?
  • What will you enjoy before the end of the year?
  • To what shall I listen next?
Answered a student & family’s question about anatomy resources for curious dancers

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

A Monumental May in Kona & Koeln – 2026 Month 5 Reflection

In the fifth month of 2026 I celebrated my father’s 80th birthday, little nephew’s 3rd, adventures around Hawai’i Island, big personal news, travel back to Germany to be received by a Renaissance Festival and Culinary tour!

View of the Kona Coast sunset from where I popped the question

May Slayed

In the month of May:

  • Travel around Big Island and back to Köln
  • Got engaged!
  • Dad’s 80th Birthday celebration with friends on Cinco de Mayo
  • Mother’s Day
  • Guest taught Ballet 4 & 2 at West Hawai’i Dance Theatre
  • Field trips in Cologne on a Culinary Tour, Renaissance Faire, Girls’ Center
May Flip & Faves – Creative Bullet Journal of a Teaching Artist video on YouTube

Bullet Journaling & Planning

The above YouTube Video is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Book including goals, glows, media favorites, and events I recorded along the way. During May I continued to work in my 2026 Annual Collections, Monthly, and Weekly spreads to plan teaching, travel, and personal events.

An oceanic set up in my Bullet Journal with vintage puffy whale stickers for May

Teaching & Coaching

Gave regular Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga online continued throughout the month, with substitute teachers covering my studio Ballet classes and Well-Being elective courses in Cologne while I was in Hawai’i.

Had the pleasure to teach a couple guest Ballet Technique classes for West Hawai’i Dance Theatre while I was in town and scheme with my mentor Virginia over dinner about future projects.

Ballet Technique guest teaching at WHDT was terrific, here with Grade 4

Writing & Publishing Articles

In May I actually published no new articles, less than my typical weekly intention. Will do my best to sufficiently plan ahead for publishing during long absences/alterations in my routine in the future, but in this case family time took priority and teaching on-site, and rightfully so.

Glad to have gotten back to it since then!

Poncho & Lefty’s Taco Salad with Dad’s friends for his 80th birthday

Filming & Sharing Videos

I published 4 videos to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in May:

Small Space Juliet Variation pt.3 – ballet solo draft – no instruction, online students’ reference video on YouTube
  • Small Space Juliet Variation pt.3 – ballet solo draft – no instruction, online students’ reference video: this class extract is from the “Romeo and Juliet” ballet, part three of Juliet’s variation where we dance the whole solo part, facing front. My part 1 video has the first section filmed from the back to better follow along just on the right side, part 2 has both sides, and this has the entirety performed facing front. Let’s feel Juliet’s infatuated joy, adapted for online intermediate ballet learners dancing in small spaces at home.
Talk about Pretty Colors – Spring Currently Inked Fountain Pens video on YouTube
Small Space Canary Fairy Ballet Variation Pt 1 – solo draft video on YouTube
(Un) Pack With Me for Hawai’i – Carryon Only Clothing & Travel video on YouTube
  • (Un) Pack With Me for Hawai’i – Carryon Only Clothing & Travel Essentials of an International Dancer video This spring I again had the opportunity to visit family and friends, spend time with my parents, guest teach at my home dance studio, and enjoy the unique charms of Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i. The mountains, the beaches, cultural sites, and eats. So, I got out my handy 4-Layers packing lists (digital and illustrated) and had an easy and fun time preparing for 24 hours of travel through 12 time zones and varying climates. Had the chance to film what’s in my bags once returning to Europe, so this is an unpack with me rather than a pack with me video 🙂
My elective classes had a field trip and self-defense courses when I returned

Connecting: Email & Social Media

Email Newsletter

The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as work from others that I believe to be of value for fellow creatives is to subscribe to my email newsletter.

I sent one Email Newsletter in May, “Dance Day every day, Spring on the wing, Big Island adventures.”

Socials

In May I also posted twice to Instagram. It is my honor to be connected to you there, here, online and in-person!

The (bicycle) gang back in Cologne, going on a Culinary Tour of the city

Creative Challenges

In May my creative “challenges” included guest teaching at West Hawai’i Dance Theatre, assembling a photo album/slideshow for my Dad’s 80th, taking my elective classes on trips to a Girls’ Center and Self-Defence workshops, video filming, editing and writing, and practicing Tai Chi by the sea with Sifu Chee.

2026 World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

Media Musings

My May in reading, listening, and viewing pleasures:

Books & Reading

Books

In May I completed reading one novel:

Poetry

Listening Highlights

Favorite things heard over the course of the month go here, such as concerts, songs, pieces of music, playlists, podcasts and more.

Music
Songs & Pieces of Music

Listened to lots of great tracks in May!

Playlists & Albums
Being at a castle–Burg Satzvey– adds a lot to a Renaissance Faire!

Viewing Highlights

So much going and doing in May, there is less to say on the viewing front. Even on long-haul flights, I prefer to sleep and read.

Live
  • Tits & Giggles comedy, burlesque & drag show at My Bar in Kailua-Kona was a hoot and I will certainly return for this monthly showcase when I can
  • Ritterspiele at Burg Satzvey: Knights’ Games/Renaissance Fair at a castle with friends was entertaining just to wander around in our best approximation of authentic dress, and the show and jousting were also impressive
Recorded
  • Hawai’i Island Choreographers’ Concert recording at Kahilu Theatre, featuring folks I know from O’ahu and UH in Tau Dance Theatre, “celebrates established professionals, emerging, student and youth choreographers from across the Big Island of Hawaii and beyond. Providing a platform for choreographic artists and dancers, the concert showcases an eclectic blend of dance forms, including unique creations such as a taiko drumming piece blended with contemporary dance, spoken word with movement interpretation, and a mother/daughter contemporary ballet duet with live music.”
  • Grand Sumo May Tournament Highlights from NHK on YouTube with my parents, will be back in July, September…

Questions for Reflection

  • What projects are your passion currently?
  • What highlights, lowlights, and lessons have you experienced?
  • What will you enjoy before the end of the year?
  • To what shall I listen next?
Even overcast, Kailua Bay is wonderful

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

Downward diggity Dog – Yoga Mukhasana – 16 Tips for a Happy Hound

“I enjoy freedom of movement, flexibility of thought.”

– Olivia H. Miller, The Yoga Deck

Blythe strikes one of many possible Downward Dog variations, blocks under the hands

Adho Mukha Svavasana / Mukhasana / Downward Dog Pose, more commonly referred to simply as “Down Dog,” is an essential and inherently challenging yoga pose that invites us to discover our own energy, playfulness and devotion. 

Downward Dog

Let’s be honest, it has never been my favorite yoga pose. After years of practice it is still far from perfect.

I used to really struggle with the shape and it does not come comfortably or naturally for me due to what I perceive as limitations in lower leg flexibility, stiffness in other areas, geometry, and limiting beliefs.

As a young person I admittedly didn’t enjoy yoga at all, except Savasana and restful restorative poses. However as I have matured, I’ve come to relish the benefits of a regular yoga practice for my dancing body and adult mind.

Thanks to work with wise teachers and engagement with texts, I now appreciate the benefits of the Down Dog stance and explore modifications and variations of this classic yoga form that work for me.

If you also are challenged to get into a happy hound, consider trying one of these that appeals to you, and experimenting with reorienting your approach and execution of Downward Dog.

May it leave you playful as a puppy!

Why Bother with Down Dog

Downward Facing Dog is credited with many positive outcomes which may motivate us to discover ways to make the most of a demanding position.

According to James Hewitt, “The Dog Stretch removes stiffness from the legs, back, and shoulders, stimulates circulation, and brings blood to the neck, face, and brain. It is a highly refreshing and energizing pose based on the natural stretching movements of dogs and cats.” (The Complete Yoga Book p.345-6)

Patricia Walden and Linda Sparrowe include Downward-Facing Dog Pose in their Women’s Essential, Energizing, and Restorative Sequences in The Woman’s Book of Yoga and Health citing these effects: “This pose increases the blood supply to your brain an offers many of the same benefits as Headsand (Sirasana) if you don’t do that pose as part of your practice. This is a wonderful pose to combat depression because it helps increase circulation to your chest and calms your mind, especially when you support your head with blankets or a bolster.” (p.15, The Women’s Essential Sequence) They add, “It’s also a good preparatory pose for backbends.” (p.32, The Women’s Energizing Sequence)

Baron Baptiste includes the shape in his Integration Series and enthuses: “Downward Facing Dog is a quintessential power yoga pose in that it engages your whole being. It calms your nervous system and works on overall flexible strength. It decompresses your spine, tones and strengthens your arms, opens the arches of your feet, sculpts and lengthens your thighs, and is an amazing shoulder-opener. The entire backside of your body is awakened, engaged, and set free. It has an inversion element to it, so you turn your world upside down, shifting your biochemistry. I will often use Downward Facing Dog as a more active home base during my classes and in my own personal practice, because it is both dynamic and restful at the same time.” (Journey into Power p.75)

The Yoga Deck II by Olivia Miller with Katherine Trainor, Yoga Consultant claims these doggy benefits:

  • “Aligns the spinal column
  • Releases shoulder tension and strengthens the arms
  • Stretches the hamstrings and Achilles tendons
  • Increases flexibility in the ankles
  • Improves the complexion.”

Challenging poses in general offer spiritual benefits, which I also explore in the Daring Yoga Dancer Pose: the story, strategy & benefits of Natarajasana article. In Yoga Where You Are, Dianne Bondy and Kat Heagberg include an entire chapter on such practices, proclaiming that “Compassionate self-study offers a path to meet yourself without judgement, just where you are and just how you are.” (p.212)

Compassionate self-study takes place in contemplative practices such as meditation and journaling, but also right in the moment when we practice yoga poses with mindful awareness. If you’d like to learn more about written reflection, you may enjoy my article on Reflective Practice through Journaling in Dance, Yoga & Life, or if you want to start a meditation practice, you will find more in my 2021 Meditation Practice Challenge blog.

Use Caution, Be Aware

Please use caution when attempting any version of Downward Facing Dog and any movement practice. I am not a medical professional, just sharing what works for me and recommendations from other trusted experts. Definitely consult with a physician to treat any symptoms you may experience and determine if practicing yoga is appropriate for you. Always go slowly and with awareness, listen to and respect your body’s signals. 

Getting Down into Dog

The Complete Yoga Book by James Hewitt has classic drawn illustrations and instructs in the context of a flow:

“Position 8. Exhaling, thrust the hips high and swing the head down between the straight arms. In perfect performance the feet are flat on the floor from toes to heels. Getting the heels right down may not be possible at first if the backs of the legs signal resistance. Do not strain: the muscles will loosen up with practice. The back from shoulders to hips should be as straight as possible. Pull the abdomen back towards the spine (Fig. 63).

Hewitt provides further details of 357. Dog Stretch Pose: Adho Mukha Svanasana, “This is a milder posture than the full Headstand. You make an inverted V of the body, and then lower the front of the head on to the floor and edge the hands forward until the arms are fully stretched. Alternatively, you can move into the Dog Stretch from Spread Legs Posture I (Fig. 168). Move the legs back gradually until they are together, and simultaneously move the hands forward. Two important points to observe: keep the back straight, and press the soles and heels flat on the floor (Fig. 169)

The Woman’s Book of Yoga and Health‘s photos feature inspiring photos of women of different generations demonstrating with alacrity, but maybe not the most realistic when it comes to what my body can do when I come to the mat. Walden and Sparrowe provide the following instruction for Downward-Facing Dog, which I especially appreciate uses coordination with the breath:

“To find the correct distance between your hands and feet for this pose, lie facedown. Place your palms on the floor by each side of your chest with your fingers well spread and pointing straight ahead. Come up on your hands and knees, and turn your toes under.

Exhale, press your hands firmly into the mat and extend up through your inner arms. Exhale again as you raise your buttocks high into the air and move your thighs up and back. Keep stretching through your legs and bring your heels toward the floor. Keep the legs firm and the elbows straight as you lift your buttocks upward. The action of the arms and lats serves to elongate your spine and release your head. Hold this pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute, breathing deeply. Let your head rest completely and release the base of your neck. To come out, either return to your hands and knees and sit back on your heels or step your feet forward into Standing Forward bend (Uttanasana) and slowly stand up.”

(The Woman’s Book of Yoga and Health p.15)

In my own practice and teaching I’m more flexible as to the “correct” distance between hands and feet, as are movement science-informed yoga teachers such as Jenni Rawlings, which you will see in my video and links below.

Variations + Modifications of Dog Pose

Yoga Where You Are by Dianne Bondy and Kat Heagberg reminds us to “Include dynamic movements to start, such as pedaling the feet, shifting hips and heels from side to side. Introduce options like bending the knees, placing hands on blocks, or coming to hands and knees in lieu of downward dog.” (p.229) And I’ve got lots more ideas to share on your journey of falling in puppy love.

Here is my new 40-minute yoga flow excerpted from my Yummy Gentle Yoga online class and available on YouTube, that takes you through a number (16? 17?) variations and modifications of Downward Facing Dog Pose also listed below with chapter timestamps for easy reference:

Tips for a Happy Hound – Yoga Mukhasana Pose – Yummy Gentle Downward Dog video

Top Tips for a Happy Hound

In the practice video above I describe and demonstrate a host of playful approaches to Downward Dog, in the hopes that along the way you may find valuable variations, modifications, adaptations, and imaginations including:

Explore the Inverse:
  • Legs up the wall (07:10)
  • Staff (07:35)
  • Boat (23:25)
  • Supported 7 (leaning onto barre, countertop, or bench)
In All 4s:
With Supports:
  • Prepare arms and wrists
  • Consider Length (11:27)
  • Tail Up, Tread through Feet (12:45)
  • Twisty Hips Dog (19:00)
  • Prop under Heels: towel, blanket, or pillow (20:00)
  • Yoga Blocks under Hands (27:30)
  • Hammock under Hips imagery (41:00)
  • Bolster, pillow, or prop under Head (43:30)
  • Possible partner assists and/or visualization (21:20)

There are truly endless variations and modifications possible to make Down Dog your own!

Sources Cited

Resources for Exploration

Related Videos from me:
Related videos from Jenni Rawlings:

Rawlings provides great movement-science backed instruction and addresses common concerns:

Related Video Playlists from me:

Questions for Reflection

  • What poses, shapes, and practices particularly challenge you?
  • What tools or structures of support help you succeed?
  • What obstacles have you identified for practicing Down Dog Pose?
  • What modifications or variations help you access the pose?
  • What thoughts, feelings, and body sensations come up for you in these times of challenge?
  • How can I or another trusted teacher support your practice?

Thinking about continuing this series of “Yoga Shapes I (used to) Hate,” also have Hero, Warrior I, Camel, Chair and more in mind, with explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living also continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

DISCLAIMER: A Blythe Coach recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

April in Bloom Between Cologne & Kona – 2026 Month 4 Reflection

The fourth month of 2026 featured Cherry Blossoms in Cologne, Jacaranda in Kona, and blooms everywhere in-between.

Fresh Hawai'i Island Papaya
Fresh Hawai’i Island Papaya ready to eat

Blooming April

In the month of April:

  • Easter, NRW Spring Break School Holidays
  • Planning trip home, trains, planes & automobiles KLN to KOA
  • Working on Deutsche Arbeitserlaubnis / Work Visa renewal
  • Earth Day
  • World Tai Chi /Qigong Day is always the “last Saturday in April” so we made it back again for this global event, helped set up, document, and clean up for the gathered Sifu and students of Hawai’i Island.
April Flip & Faves – Creative Bullet Journal of a Teaching Artist video on YouTube

Bullet Journaling & Planning

The above YouTube Video is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Book including goals, glows, media favorites, and events I recorded along the way.

I shared my initial setup on Instagram here: “Happy Pink Moon, April, and quarter 2!” Continued to work in my 2026 Annual Collections, Monthly, and Weekly spreads to plan teaching, travel, and personal events.

A springy April set up in my Bullet Journal

Teaching & Coaching

Gave regular Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga online continued throughout the month, with substitute teachers covering my studio Ballet classes and Well-Being elective courses in Cologne once I left for Hawai’i.

Writing & Publishing Articles

I published 1 article in April:

Little bird on the Aloe flowers at the Old Kona Airport

Filming & Sharing Videos

I published 3 videos to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in April and also created a new playlist to which I will be adding further video choreographies and tutorials, Ballet Variations for Small Spaces:

Relishing Rond de Jambe en L’Aire – Basic Ballet Technique video on YouTube
  • Relishing Rond de Jambe en L’Aire – Basic Ballet Technique – Balletlicious Barre Exercises video: Circles or ovals of the leg in the air make an accent you and your audience will relish in classical ballet technique. Check out my “Small Space Juliet Variation” to see them action in choreography! Due to the posture, stability, control, and coordination required, this is a demanding intermediate step best tackled once your basic Rond de Jambe a Terre (circles of the leg on the ground) are competently performed. Both are great for developing strength in your core, hips, and the whole standing side. Rotary movements in ballet are fun to try at the barre and eventually in center and I hope you have a rollicking good time exploring them.
March & Q1 Flip & Faves – Review, Reflect, Refresh – Creative Bullet Journal of a Teaching Artist video on YouTube
Illustrated Travel Packing List 2026 – Creative Sketchbook video on YouTube
  • Illustrated Travel Packing List 2026 – Creative Sketchbook Adventures in Analog Living video: Having become a bit of a gearhead while ultralight long-distance backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in the early aughts, I then navigated international travel and a move clear across the globe since. I’ve become fascinated with essential items in demanding conditions, discovered what minimal and creative living look like on the move for me and also that anticipation can add to enjoyment of my adventures. So I start packing well in advance, devise lists of experiences I’d like to do (and at the end of the trip, next time), items to confirm in advance, and the like. There is the packing checklist I created in Evernote which I reference before each voyage, and after my trip home last year I sketched what I packed that worked so now I have a visual version as well. Playful and functional.

Connecting: Email & Social Media

Email Newsletter

The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as work from others that I believe to be of value for fellow creatives is to subscribe to my email newsletter.

I sent one Email Newsletter in April, “Happy International Women’s Day & History Month! Seasonal transformation, spring fever, time changes.”

Socials

In April I also posted 6 times to Instagram. It is my honor to be connected to you there, here, online and in-person!

Mom’s orchids do no disappoint, a cheery greeting

Creative Challenges

In April my creative “challenges” included planning my in-person and online classes (including guest teaching at WHDT in May), video filming, editing and writing, and practicing Tai Chi by the sea with Sifu Chee.

2026 World Tai Chi & Qigong Day in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

Media Musings

My April in reading, listening, and viewing pleasures:

Books & Reading

Books

In April I completed reading one book:

Poetry

Listening Highlights

Favorite things heard over the course of the month go here, such as concerts, songs, pieces of music, playlists, podcasts and more.

Music
Songs & Pieces of Music
  • “Come a’ama Crab” is a local 90’s hit I got to introduce Ela to following her enthusiasm for the local crustaceans
Playlists & Albums
Blurry Hualalai mountain landing at KOA at dusk

Viewing Highlights

So much going and doing in April, there is less to say on the viewing front. Even on long-haul flights, I prefer to sleep and read.

Series

Questions for Reflection

  • What projects are your passion currently?
  • What highlights, lowlights, and lessons have you experienced?
  • What will you enjoy before the end of the year?
  • To what shall I listen next?
View of the coast leaving SFO

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

March Like a Toy Soldier in “The Nutcracker” and on the Street – 2026 Month 3 & Quarter 1 Reflection

The third month of 2026 for me featured collaborating on International Women’s Day, a production of “The Nutcracker” ballet, Easter and the Spring Equinox among the bright green leaves and first butterfly appearances.

Marching at the Anti-Racism Day demonstration in Cologne

Toy Soldier March

In the month of March:

  • International Women’s Day March 8 & Women’s History Month
  • Anti-Racism Day during which Cologne marched
  • Working on immunity, nutrition, sleep, mask use after being sick several times in a row 😷
  • Tanzschule Tanzraum’s production of “Der Nussknacker Ballett” “Nutcracker is coming to Cologne” IG of “The Nutcracker” ballet, to go up in late March with over 100 student performers
  • Spring Equinox, “spring forward” time change to Central European Summer Time, and my first butterfly sightings of the year
  • Art installation at Atelier Zoozmann
March & Q1 Flip & Faves – Review, Reflect, Refresh video on YouTube

Bullet Journaling & Planning

The above YouTube Video is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Book including goals, glows, media favorites, and events I recorded along the way.

I shared my initial setup on Instagram here: “March is here, bringing spring, time changes, flowers and much dancing!“

Continued to work in my 2026 Annual Collections, created April and May spreads to cover time planned in Cologne and Hawai’i, schemed about spring/Quarter 2.

A springy March set up in my Bullet Journal

Teaching & Coaching

Gave regular Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga online, studio classes in Ballet, and Well-Being elective courses.

Writing & Publishing Articles

I published 2 articles in March, bringing my Quarter 1 total to 8:

Creating magical golden key props for the Dolls in Act I of “The Nutcracker”

Filming & Sharing Videos

I published 4 videos to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in March, bringing my Quarter 1 total to 12:

Small Space Juliet Variation pt.1 – ballet solo draft video on YouTube
  • Small Space Juliet Variation pt.1 – ballet solo draft – no instruction, online students’ reference video: Let’s feel Juliet’s joy, adapted for online intermediate ballet learners dancing in small spaces at home, demonstrated from the back for practice purposes. Segment one, right side only, then repeat. The extract is from “Romeo and Juliet,” part one of Juliet’s variation danced to Prokofiev’s score. Hope my students have fun reviewing the material, and others get a little taste of how we dance together on Zoom from home or anywhere in the world.
Small Space Juliet Variation pt.2 – ballet solo draft video on YouTube
February Flip & Faves video on YouTube
  • February Flip & Faves video: The second month of 2026 put the challenge into “dancing through difficulty,” but I managed to celebrate love and educate about Eating Disorders while catching this winter’s nasty viruses. Koeln Karnival carried on. This is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Bullet Journal Book, media I published & personally consumed, high & lowlights and special events, favorites books read, music heard, dance, theatre, film, and series viewed.
My Analog Recipe Box – Easy Creative Dancer Food – Cooking & Baking video on YouTube
  • My Analog Recipe Box – Easy Creative Dancer Food – Cooking & Baking – Family, Friends, Savoring Life video: The analog trend is going strong and I love to eat, so I thought I’d share a peek inside how I store my favorite recipes! Though I utilize a mix of digital and analog tools in my creative process, certain things I just love interacting with best in hard copy. Thus, my Recipe Box is modeled off my Mom’s and my Tutu’s (Grandma), with large index cards and handwritten as well as typewritten entries, and dividers for breads, salads and sauces, soups, entrees/mains, desserts, and beverages. Distilling which simple recipes are my favorite, organizing and decorating them, and using them to make delicious meals and treats all are a part of my system. Over time I have learned that I’m more likely to make a dish when it uses a minimum of ingredients, bowls/pots/pans, and time, so my most-loved recipes reflect that. As my Ballet mentor Virginia Holte loves to say: “Dancer food!”

Connecting: Email & Social Media

Email Newsletter

The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as work from others that I believe to be of value for fellow creatives is to subscribe to my email newsletter.

I sent one Email Newsletter in March, “Happy International Women’s Day & History Month! Seasonal transformation, spring fever, time changes,” bringing my Quarter 1 total to 3.

Socials

In March I also posted 6 times to Instagram, for a Quarter 1 total of 19. It is my honor to be connected to you there, here, online and in-person!

Played Hitster (Rock Edition) with friends

March Synchronicities

In March, magic was afoot, including delightful random connections and synchronistic events:

  • I crafted two keys as props for Drosselmeier’s mechanical dolls in “The Nutcracker” ballet, then saw them depicted on the Hierophant Tarot card pulled on the Spring Equinox 🔑
  • Earthworm appeared in the book _Mistakes Were Made_ and on the sidewalk by the school where I teach elective classes as I rode my scooter and listened to the audiobook🪱

Creative Challenges

In March my creative “challenges” included contributing to International Women’s Day events and putting on “The Nutcracker” ballet, as well as creating curricula for my in-person and online classes, video filming, editing and writing.

Twenty 26s in 2026

Inspired by Jess/JashiiCorrin on YouTube), this creative challenge is a playful way to track various leading metrics, projects and activities I wish to keep an eye on.

Having found such a structure useful since 2023, I continued to choose and measure progress on projects in a similar way each year since, publishing my Twenty 26s in 2026: Analog Project Planning & Action Tracking, Creative Bullet Journal Style article in early February this year.

Quarter One Twenty 26s Update

In Quarter 1, I reached a minimum of 26 of the following 8/20 focus areas:

  1. Yoga Practice Sessions
  2. Meditation Sessions
  3. Gratitude & Abundance Appreciation
  4. German Language Learning Practice Sessions
  5. Collections/Projects/Bullet Journal Spreads set up
  6. Daily “Captain’s Logs”
  7. Morning Pages Written
  8. Classes Taught

Will be back with more updates next quarter and along the way…

Aufführung “Der Nussknacker” am 28. März 2026. Die Aufführung fand im Brunosaal in Köln-Klettenberg statt. Ausführende Produzentin und Choreographin war Vivian Mari Odabasiyan.

Media Musings

My March in reading, listening, and viewing pleasures:

Books & Reading

Books

In March I completed 2 novels by Meryl Wilsner, a new to me author of spicy queer romances. This brought my Quarter 1 total to 8:

  • My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner and also enjoyed this Lesbrary review of the Dual POV queer very spicy romance. I identified with one of the main characters being nonbinary, but them being in their 20s also felt very young and a bit far removed to me.
  • Mistakes Were Made, has an age gap, but at least the older person’s phase of life I found more relatable. As the title implies, they are imperfect humans, but overall I find Wilsner’s writing charming at the same time as believable and erotic.
Poetry

Listening Highlights

Favorite things heard over the course of the month go here, such as concerts, songs, pieces of music, playlists, podcasts and more.

Music
Songs & Pieces of Music
  • “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson was my earworm of the month, the quarter, and shaping up to be for the year!
  • “JUMP” by BLACKPINK is also shaping up to be a classic
Playlists & Albums
Daffodils coming on the scene brought a smile to my rainy, grey day

Viewing Highlights

Art

Saw one beautiful and inspiring gallery opening at Atelier Zoozmann and got excited for Yayoi Kusama’s exhibition in Cologne later this spring.

Sport
Film
  • “Good Fortune” film which I found funny and timely
  • “Wake Up Dead Man” film a Knives Out mystery
  • “Moana 2” film, my personal highlight was the dancing bats, was hoping to listen to Olelo Hawai’i, but it is titled “Vaiana” here and they only had English and Maori languages available.
  • “Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere” Documentary illuminated a side of the internet that I have never before experienced
Series

Streamed:

Questions for Reflection

  • How did your Quarter 1 and first half of the year take shape?
  • What projects are your passion this quarter?
  • What highlights, lowlights, and lessons have you experienced?
  • What will you enjoy before the end of the year?
  • To what shall I listen next?
International Women’s Day shared a BuJo spread with Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

Picking Personal Care Favorites – Minimal Cosmetics for Maximal Creativity in Chosen Media

It is it not wonderful to feel refreshed and take exquisite care of body, mind, and soul?

How fortunate I feel to be able to indulge in personal care in alignment with my personal values of sustainability, voluntary simplicity, frugality, and minimalism.

This is a peek way behind-the-scenes of my daily rituals, tried-and-true personal care and cosmetic favorites which I’ve chosen to be basic, minimal, and sustainable in my current lifestyle and in relation to environmental impact.

This record provides an amusing reference for my future self and perhaps of interest to other nosy/curious creatives who like to move through the world relatively lightly and well-equipped.

Shower Lineup: Soap, ‘Soda, Shave Oil, ACV, Callous Scrub, Razor

Personal Care

Time and experimentation have been necessary to reveal what my own requirements are and what tried and true favorites would emerge. Even so, I don’t feel the need to try every product on the market to determine the best and cosmetics as a category don’t light my heart on fire.

Challenging myself to discover what is “enough” for me, what makes me feel good and ready for anything does bring contentment.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Nothing sponsored here, nor are my products a recommendation of what you should use for personal care because what is appropriate and desireable for each individual differs, that’s what makes it “personal!”

If you have a passion for fashion, hair styling, or cosmetics, go get it! Nothing wrong with that, I’ve just identified for myself that other than feeling clean and cared for, professional and presentable, I do not wish to spend my creative and decision-making energies in those areas.

I’m gonna be dancing, writing, filming, sketching, making music, creating, coaching.

What each person requires to feel comfortable and prepared differs, but it’s worth considering what our own essentials are and what we can let go of to make more room for what’s most important to us.

Why I Keep Simple as Possible

  • Packing light, Leave No Trace camping, low environmental impact
  • Choosing creative priorities, reducing decision fatigue
  • Conscious Consumption, Frugality, Conservation, Sustainability
  • “a little goes a long way”
  • Voluntary Simplicity, Minimalist/Essentialism, Chic curation

Choosing Personal Care Favorites

While decanting my soap and body oil recently, I spoke about my approach to personal care, cosmetics, and beauty in this video:

Picking Personal Care Favorites video on YouTube

Teaching Artist Simple Self Care

The core products in my self-care lineup:

Clean Skin & Hair

I chose a buzz cut for many reasons, some being low maintenance and comfort.

  • Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap in Lavender. I have used this for face, body, camping, outdoors, and general purpose for years. It does not work for me as shampoo or toothpaste, but can be a great stain pre-teatment for laundry and dish soap in a pinch.
  • Baking Soda as “shampoo”
  • ACV 50% Apple Cider Vinegar “conditioner”
Moisturize
  • Weleda Skin Food – Eye Cream, Cuticle Cream, if I could have just one moisturizer, it would be this rich 100 percent natural lotion
  • All-Purpose Body/Face Oil – since I don’t have to choose just one moisturizer and like something light for all over post-shower or washing my face. I currently use the “natural” drug store brand from DM, but am not attached to it specifically.
  • Bee Natural Lip Balm next to my bed, in my jacket or bag. Not too shiny, lasts long, feels good.
Protect & Treat
  • Sunscreen (Sun Dance from DM matte for face, but brand not important) every day
  • Shave Oil (Balea from DM but brand not important, natural)
  • Tea Tree Oil spot treatment
  • Deodorant (brand not important, usually men’s/unisex fragrance antiperspirant)
Eyes & Teeth
  • Contact Solution (brand not important)
  • Happy Brush Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
Makeup consists of a concealer stick and eyeliner pencil
Minimal Makeup

I have a small kit of stage and special event makeup as well, but for everyday just wear:

  • Concealer (Alverde #2 DM natural, brand not important)
  • Brown Eyeliner Pencil (Alverde DM natural, brand not important)
Tools
  • Oral-B Electric Toothbrush
  • Razor – basic refillable, brand not important
  • Callous Scrubber for feet
  • Dry Brush
  • Exfoliating Glove/Loofah
  • Tweezerman Tweezers
  • Nail Clippers
  • Nail File, Buffer
  • Menstrual Cup – what also started with sustainability and convenience, never looked back

Brand Loyalty

Most of these items are interchangeable in terms of brand, as long as it is a fairly natural and sustainable one and cooperates with my own skin. However, I have jumped on the bandwagon of a few cult classics and discovered for myself why they are so popular:

Top 3: Weleda Skin Food, Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Magic Soap, Bee Natural Lip Balm

Creative Materials Playlist

For further behind-the-scenes insights into my process, I made a YouTube playlist of favorite materials for dancing, writing, sketching, travel, and whatever else I may get up to:

Creative Materials playlist on YouTube

Resources for Further Exploration

Questions for Reflection

  • What are your go-to essentials that make sure personal care is handled so you can keep living an extraordinary life?
  • In what areas of life are you minimal? Maximal?
  • How do you make choices in alignment with your values?
  • What are you creating?

Glad you joined me for this especially intimate peek at my personal care and cosmetic favorites.  

Thanks for reading and making together in spirit or in fact, take good care of yourself.

I’ll be back soon with more creative living, mindful movement (dance, yoga) and coaching, see you again next time!

Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst
they/them or she/her
Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through difficulty
and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

In February I Fell Ill – 2026 Month 2 Reflection

The second month of 2026 put the challenge into “dancing through difficulty,” but I managed to celebrate love and educate about Eating Disorders while sampling this winter’s nasty viruses. Koeln Karnival carried on and I do love this city, as well as Black History Month and Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

Still did a bit of teaching and creating (and quite a bit of reading in bed), but getting sick put a serious crimp in my style!

Crocuses brought hope of spring coming

February Flu

Have thankfully been more well since, but have a bit less to say about February than I typically do, due to being down with a variety of nasties:

  • For Lunar / Chinese New Year of the Fire Horse I didn’t get to attend any in-person events, but enjoyed seeing folks celebrate online
  • Koeln Karneval I thankfully got to attend a show/Sitzung early with the Schnittchen and watched the big Rosenmontag parade on livestream, but missed out on ladies’ night Weiberfastnacht and the smaller neighborhood parades that I normally enjoy attending in costume. At least Ela was able to collect candy and goodies from a couple such for me to enjoy.
  • National Eating Disorders Awareness Week was February 23 – March 1 and I participated as a collaborator once again, sharing posts and resources in my teaching and coaching activities.
  • We were in the thick of preparing for Tanzschule Tanzraum’s production of “The Nutcracker” ballet, to go up in late March with over 100 student performers
  • Also bought plane tickets for this spring’s visit home…
Febuary Flip & Favorites – Review, Reflect, Refresh video on YouTube

Bullet Journaling & Planning

The above YouTube Video is a flip-through of the month in my Seasonal Book including goals, glows, media favorites, and events I recorded along the way.

I shared my initial setup on Instagram here: “Love is in the air…and in my February Bullet Journal spreads!” With tons of cheesy hearts and bows, stickers and stamps.

Continued to set up my 2026 Annual Collections, created March spreads and schemed about Quarter 1 themes and events.

Teaching & Coaching

Regular Mindful Movement classes in Balletlicious Ballet Barre+ and Yummy Gentle Yoga continued throughout and studio classes in Ballet resumed after a winter break.

Completed February calendar with junk journaling ephemera

Writing & Publishing Articles

I published 2 articles in February, being taken out by sickness, but trying to stay in the writing game:

  • Twenty 26s in 2026: Analog Project Planning & Action Tracking, Creative Bullet Journal Style This is a tour of my Annual Collections Book for 2026 so far, including my Twenty 26s in 2026 projects, creative challenges planned, notes and memories along the way. Loosely arranged according to my 8 major focus areas; Read, Write, Create, Practice, Serve, Connect, Sustain, and Adventure; in this way I get a somewhat holistic picture of my intentions and goals for the year. I focus on actions I can take, then see what results occur. Then I reflect, recommit or change direction, and carry on creating!
  • Every BODY Belongs – Eating Disorder Awareness Week Statement of Hope -NEDAW 2026 Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope and visibility to individuals and loved ones impacted by eating disorders. In 2026 I participated as a collaborator for the 4th time, shared a message of hope, statistics, and resources.

Filming & Sharing Videos

I published 4 videos to the A Blythe Coach YouTube Channel in February on the topics of dance, creativity, and joyful living:

2026 Annual Book Set Up – Twenty 26s & Creative BuJo video on YouTube
Completed 2025 Annual Book Flip – Creative BuJo Collections video on YouTube
January Flip & Faves – Review, Reflect, Refreshvideo on YouTube
Winter Currently Inked Fountain Pens 2026 video on YouTube
  • Every BODY Belongs – A Blythe Coach’s Eating Disorders Awareness Week Message of Hope 2026 – NEDAW video Proud to have been a collaborator on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week for my 4th year, as this physical and mental health issue is dear to my heart. Unfortunately, I have witnessed bias, unhealthy relationships with food, eating, and body, judgmental and negative comments by others about themselves, others they see. Our society is sadly fatphobic and riddled with impossible ideals and toxic behaviors. These are deeply felt and intensified in the high-pressure world of classical ballet and the performing arts. However, there is hope! If you have or are recovering from an eating disorder, or know someone who is, with support and resources, it is possible to heal, to recover, to reinvent our relationship with our bodies, food and eating at any age!

Connecting: Email & Social Media

Email Newsletter

The best way to keep up-to-date on everything I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as work from others that I believe to be of value for fellow creatives is to subscribe to my email newsletter.

I sent one Email Newsletter in February, “Love, embracing the Winter Blues, migrating into a New Year, Karneval heralds coming spring.”

Socials

In February I also posted 11 times to Instagram, over once per week. It is my honor to be connected to you there, here, online and in-person!

Partner costume for Karneval party: chef, waiter & menu
Partner costume at an early Karneval party: chef, waiter & menu “Eat the Rich”

Creative Challenges

In February my creative “challenges” included collaborating on Eating Disorders Awareness Week and planning to contribute to International Women’s Day events in March, continued creating curricula for my in-person and online classes, as well as video filming and editing and writing.

Twenty 26s in 2026

Inspired by Jess/JashiiCorrin on YouTube), this creative challenge is a playful way to track various leading metrics, projects and activities I wish to keep an eye on.

Having found such a structure useful since 2023, I continued to choose and measure progress on projects in a similar way each year since, and in January I was still choosing my focus areas, even as I took my first action steps toward my annual priorities (I would publish my Twenty 26s in 2026: Analog Project Planning & Action Tracking, Creative Bullet Journal Style article in early February).

My Eating Disorders Awareness Week spread in my trusty Bullet Journal

Media Musings

My February in reading, listening, and viewing pleasures:

Books & Reading

Books

I completed 4 novels in February:

  • I read my first book by Rosamunde Pilcher, Winter Solstice and was enchanted
  • The Guncle by Steven Rowley, followed by The Guncle, Abroad brought some lightness to my sickbed, though they deal in serious themes as well, the humor keeps us going
  • Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry is a romantic comedy of self-discovery
Poetry

Listening Highlights

Favorite things heard over the course of the month go here, such as concerts, songs, pieces of music, playlists, podcasts and more.

Music
Playlists & Albums
Songs & Pieces of Music
A February commute by streetcar in Cologne

Viewing Highlights

Sports
Series

Series streamed:

  • “The Sex Lives of College Girls” series from Mindy Kaling is comedic, but has more depth than at first appears
  • The FINAL season, number 10, of the “​Queer Eye​” series takes place in Washington, DC and gave me so much hope at the start as well as at the teary end
  • Just started the “​Star Trek: Starfleet Academy​” series
  • Ela got me into the “​1883​” miniseries series that takes place on the Oregon Trail, whoa just as intense as I had imagined it might be
  • The NEW “The Muppet Show” lightened my mood in the midst of my first illness of the year, will have to adjust to Kermit’s new voice but still hope they make more
YouTube Videos & Channels

Questions for Reflection

  • What do you love?
  • Do you choose a Word of the Year?
  • Which media support your goals and mental health, which not?
  • What are you making?
  • How’s your 2026 rolling so far?
Collaborating on NEDAW was the highlight of the end of February

Resources for Further Exploration

Explorations in dance, coaching, and creative living continue!

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact.

Take care of yourself and keep moving mindfully, let me know how if I can be of service, would love to see you in my email newsletter or on social media as well.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst they/she
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
dancing through difficulty
taking leaps of faith

Whimsical Summer Arts & Crafts Camp – Creative Experiences to Treat Your Artist Child

Greetings, crafty campers!

Inspired by several creators here on YouTube and elsewhere, and the childhood sense of long lazy artsy summers I was lucky enough to have, I’ve decided to take a playful approach to this season’s Personal Curriculum and Bucket List with a Summer Camp-style menu of creative treats.

Not to say I will participate in every single one of my desired activities or complete all crafts on the list that I share, but I will be using my Bullet Journal spread to select artistic experiences all during the warmer seasom.

No camping necessary, though if you’ve got outdoorsy times ahead, they could provide a refreshing complement to beloved crafts.

If you’ve got an hour to dig out a favorite hobby, a weekend afternoon, little bursts of time over the summer or a whole staycation, maybe you’d like to join in the fun!

Whimsical Summer Arts & Crafts Camp video on YouTube

Adult Arts & Crafts Camp

If you’ve been around, you will know I revel in a seasonal mood board, bullet journal spread, or bucket-list type reminder of what I’m up to, goals to do, be, and feel.

It helps me to get in the mood for action on my projects and highest priorities, romanticizes my life, and provides fun variety to my days!

My reading, creative activities, and other goals and topics ebb and flow throughout the year and over the years, so here is what I am up to right now:

Meet Your Fellow Campers

This concept pleases my Artist Child à la Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and lots of fun folks are designing their own Adult “Arts & Crafts Camps” on YouTube:

Summer Arts & Crafts Camp BuJo Spread with TBR, activities, materials, minis

Designing an Arts & Crafts Camp

Of course, my first steps were to brainstorm and set up a Bullet Journal spread for my camp in my seasonal book.

I included a birthday card envelop camping image, 3D stickers of woodland creatures, and free stickers from a nearby bookstore, stamps of flora, books, magnifying glass, pencil, as well as media I’ll be using during my camp, such as fountain pens and inks, gel pens, and stencils.

On the left page is my Analog TBR (below), and on the right is my camp activities menu.

My Activities Menu

There is considerable overlap between topics and media, multimedia and experimental as it should be, no rules!

Outdoorsy Nature

I never was an overnight summer camper, but was lucky to get to partake in various sports and arts day camps, then to be a counselor at a wonderful outdoor arts camp called Willowbrook Center for the Development of Human Potential/Willowbrook Arts Camp that took place in tents at a park in Tualatin, Oregon. Such an ideal setting for the exploration of diverse creative disciplines and our environment.

Maybe for you this season nature be viewed from a window, balcony, or deck or perhaps you’re going on a full-on adventure in the wilds of mountains or ocean.

This summer I’ll be home-based in Cologne, Germany, but exploring the rose garden, botanical garden, park, riverfront, and so forth on excursions:

  • Read everywhere
  • Bike, Scooter
  • Walk, Hike
  • Birdwatching, ID
  • Flowers, Trees, Animals ID
  • Plein Air Sketching (birds, botanicals, scenery)
  • Stars & Moon
  • Swim, Sail
Dance

My personal favorite activity of all, but it didn’t get too much mention in the video since it is a given in my artistic and pedagogical life! Got some really fun summer-appropriate challenges for you if you’d also like to participate this year, below. In the dance studio and my movement study this summer, I’ll be focused on:

  • Ballet Technique (particularly RAD Grades 2 & 4 for student exams, but also planning Fall programs and choreography)
  • Pointe Work 🩰
    • Shoe Fitting – yes, just this week I did a virtual fitting for my first new pair in decades! Ordered and will provide updates…
    • Preparation – exercises and training for myself and soon-to-go-on-pointe ballet students
  • Partnering, Pas de Deux
  • “Swan Lake” classical ballet
  • Bird & Botanical, nature & art themes in dance
  • Movement Research & Choreography
Seaside Seated Creative Dance Floor Stretch Video on YouTube
Music

Listening to music and playing it for dance classes is an everyday part of my life, but in summer I’m making a concerted effort to log new listening, pull out analog (and older digital) albums in my collection, to hear live music, and to become more familiar with my instrument:

  • Listening: Records, CDs, live
  • Playlists
  • Instruments
    • Harmonica, Blues
    • Kalimba B9
Art

In the realm of visual art I have a few media I’d like to play with:

  • Photography: take & print Photos
  • Sketching with pencils, pens, markers, watercolor
  • Video: filmmaking, editing, effects
Crafts

A real pleasure for my own inner Artist Child, multi-media crafting:

  • Bullet Journaling, Scrapbooking, Junk Journaling
  • Stamping, Stencils, Stickers
  • Miniature Collage in my tiny book is a new obsession
  • Mending & Repairs
Writing

A staple of my daily creative practice in addition to essays, articles, syllabi:

  • Journaling
  • Letter Writing
  • Poetry
  • Calligraphy – Dip Pens 🖊️
Sweet Summer Inks & Juicy Pens video on YouTube

Exploring Media

To support the Arts & Crafts Camp theme, I’ve selected inspiring media to consume as well, primarily in physical form, such as books and records, but also with some digital texts and music playlists:

Analog TBR

Ever since the days of three months off of school, lazy days, and a Summer Reading List, immersing myself in other worlds through a book has been an integral part of savoring the season. Whether sprawled on the sand for a beach read or fantasizing about travel to exotic locales on staycation, the written word always delights me.

Fiction
  • The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher is the second book I’ve read by the author, the first being Winter Solstice, which I loved earlier this year after seeing a recommendation on YouTube. Having borrowed it from my library as an eBook and audiobook more than once, I have now purchased my own paperback copy and continue to enjoy it
  • The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert is a similar situation from a few years back, it is not short and I was enjoying it so much but too slowly, so purchased an inexpensive paperback copy to savor
  • Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome I own in hard copy because my Dad read the whole series to me as a child and adolescent, so now I’m re-reading it with Ela and would like to watch the miniseries after
Nonfiction
Summer Reading Nostalgic Analog TBR video on YouTube
Digital eBook TBR

Keeping reading and media mostly-analog for that sense of unfettered focus and timelessness, but I do have some relevant digital texts for reference as well:

  • Everyday Shakespeare: Lines for Life by Ben Crystal, David Crystal, my poetic and dramatic nonfiction daily reading this year
  • The Daily Book of Art: 365 readings that teach, inspire & entertain (Daily Book series) by Colin Gilbert, Dylan Gilbert (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib
  • Letters to a Young Poet (Penguin Classics) by Rainer Maria Maria Rilke, Charlie Louth (English Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • Briefe an einen jungen Dichter. Illustriert (German Edition) by Rainer Maria Rilke (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • South and West: From a Notebook by Joan Didion (Kindle from the library)
  • The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • Creative Quest by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • The Nikolais/Louis Dance Technique: A Philosophy and Method of Modern Dance by Murray Louis, Alwin Nikolais (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • Yoga Where You Are: Customize Your Practice for Your Body and Your Life by Dianne Bondy, Kat Heagberg Rebar (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get On the Mat, Love Your Body. by Jessamyn Stanley (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • Mudras: Yoga In Your Hands by Gertrud Hirschi (Kindle Edition, which I own)
  • The Power of Writing It Down: A Simple Habit to Unlock Your Brain and Reimagine Your Life by Allison Fallon (Kindle Edition, borrowed from library)
  • The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg (Kindle Edition, borrowed from library)
Campy Listening

Tunes for chilling, daydreaming, crafting, adventuring…

Playlists

Questions for Reflection

  • What nostalgic summer flavors, sounds, and sensations do you savor?
  • What helps you bring whimsy to adult time constraints and responsibilities?
  • How will you romanticize your life this season?
  • What’s on your bucket list or mood board?
  • How may I support your arts camp adventure?

Resources for Further Exploration

If you enjoy this topic, check out my prior creative, dance, and yoga challenges, seasonal bucket list ideas: , Adaptive Adult Ballet Intensive, and other multi-passionate videos and articles:

  • Summer Fun in or out of the Sun: a Bucket List of Hot-Weather Hits Warmer weather lends itself to many activities I enjoy, such as time outdoors, bicycling, picnicking, and eating fresh produce. I try to seize the sunny fleeting days wherever I can and not miss out on my favorite bits before they’re gone again. Less decoration and dressing up, more dressing down, decluttering, deep-cleaning, taking in the natural beauty. Here is a collection of resources and activities that might provide a jumping-off point for your own longer-day adventures.
  • Good Day, Sunshine – Warm Greetings to Bask in Solar Energy at the Solstice & Through Mindful Movement & Meditation Tap into the radiant energy of long bright days, short nights (as well as tipping into times of shorter days), basking, glowing, radiance, enjoyment, savoring, bounty, nourishment, possibly also thriving, relaxation, rest, vacation, getting outside, energy and adventure. A ripe time for dance and sport intensives, camps, writing and creativity, and rich possibility for growth and breakthroughs!
  • Seaside, Oceanic & Watery Inspirations – Dance, Yoga, Music, Poetry & Creativity Though watery ocean, lake, river, and rain concepts can ignite the imagination yearlong, I find them particularly fun in the warmer months, for children’s and all-ages dance, yoga, meditation and visualization, poetic and artistic inspiration. This is a (growing, dynamic, never comprehensive) collection of resources I personally treasure and love to share as a teaching artist but may also be useful to families with children, other creatives, or to delight your own inner artist child.
  • Ignite the Spark of Creativity – 6 Ways to Be Inspired Daily artistic explorations can help build a habit of joyful creative expression, and each activity can help grow your ability to feel inspired and produce abundant work. You may use these six prompts and responses to ignite your creative spark and be amazed by the cumulative and far-reaching impacts such regular practices can have in your life.
  • Get Down Daily Challenge – build a habit of creative dance Want to make mindful movement and creativity a daily ritual? These bite-sized movement explorations can help build a habit of joyful exploratory movement and creative expression. Develop a joyful daily creative dance practice that is accessible to a variety of abilities and experience levels and achievable in minutes a day.
  • Balletlicious Building Blocks of Dance 7-Day Free Virtual Challenge Dance theorists identify 7 basic movements of ballet or classical dance technique, and we can see these essential building blocks at play in every ballet pas, step, or movement. This is a free summer dance challenge to begin or continue your ballet journey.
  • Yogalicious 5-Day ReTREAT: Escape Virtually, Anytime Everyone deserves a break to rest and restore, and you can take one anytime, anywhere and establish a self-care habit with this virtual ReTREAT! At-home or on-the-go, anywhere with an internet connection and anytime it is convenient for you, this 5-Day Yoga Virtual Mini-ReTREAT provides a restful and rejuvenating practice oasis daily. We are playing with some of the basic shapes of yoga, in active and/or restorative iterations, to find the most delectable flavors for your personal practice.
  • 5 Steps to Soar into the Splits this Summer – Season of Stretching It is a great season for strength and mobility gains, and to build a consistent stretching habit to support your athletic and artistic goals and feel good.
  • Let’s Write! Camp NaNoWriMo & Creative Structure Back in the year 2019, having freshly moved from Honolulu, Hawai’i to Cologne, Germany, I learned of National Novel Writing Month and took on the challenge to write a novel in a month. Although I didn’t “win” the challenge that November according to the standard 50,000-word goal, I came closer than ever before with a 18,600-word partial novella and the experience spurred me on to participate in and host further creative challenges, ultimately nurturing lasting habits, inspiration, and a growing body of work.

Special events and resources for Back-to-School, Fall and more coming up soon! In the meantime, the best way to keep abreast I’m coaching, teaching, creating and sharing about as well as my favorite work from other creators is to subscribe to my email newsletter. Would love to be connected to you there, on social media, online or in-person.

Thanks for reading and moving together in spirit or in fact. Take care of yourself, pay attention, and hope to see you again.

Happy camping & crafting!

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
they/them or she/her
Creator of A Blythe Coach @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties,
taking leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga & dance education

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