A Blythe Coach

Tag: Ballet

November was for Being Grateful & Grieving- 2024 Month 11 Review

November featured the full Beaver Moon, our last gasp of Autumn’s colors, art and culture at Museumsnacht Koeln, and a parade of birthday celebrations.
Cooler temperatures even brought the first snow of the season, the earliest I’ve experienced since moving to Germany!
It being the month of American Thanksgiving, I still took time to be grateful for my life and everything in it and hope you had a lovely feast if you celebrate.
Mom’s knee surgery was a success, the U.S. Presidential Election not so much…

Sourcing Ballet Somatically – Pedagogical Approaches to Integrating Movement Techniques

This paper takes the approach of critical pedagogy to investigate practices in integrating somatics into teaching ballet technique.
Originally part of my MFA in Dance research methods work in 2012, the conversation continues about how to best train dancers to honor the tradition of classical ballet while also educating the whole dancer and person in contemporary society.

Boo October is Through – 2024 Month 10 Review

October was an extra-long, very action-packed, fun, and also anxious for various reasons. I managed to vote in the US Primary Election and was worried about the outcome, as well as various other concerns personal and professional.
A short visit with family members I haven’t seen in ages was lovely. Our weekend escape to Mendig with friends was a refreshing adventure. My new fountain pen hobby provided creative diversion.

Dance Shoe Blues – Footwear Identity Crisis – What to wear to class?

Folks often ask why I mostly wear socks to teach and dance these days, and what they themselves should wear to beginner ballet or other styles of dance classes.

This year I’ve been studying Argentine Tango for the first time, and that requires different considerations in terms of footwear, due to the type of flooring and the technique.

I’ve recently been sharing my creative supplies and EDC/Everyday Carry essentials, so along those lines, here is an informal chat with more information about what dance shoes I regularly use and what is appropriate for a first movement class for adults or children.

A Sensational September & Season – 2024 Month 9 & Quarter 3 Review

September I really got in the swing of “Back-to-School” and my Fall schedule, celebrating the Autumn Equinox and Oktoberfest, looking back at Quarter 3 and forward to Quarter 4 and a new year on it’s way before we know it.

Building Momentum by Seizing the Back-to-School Mood: Ambiance, Supplies & Action

As a lifelong learner, educator and academic at heart, Back-to-School will always be an exciting concept for me. Living based in a temperate climate like I do in Cologne, Germany, as soon as I feel the first chill in the air and sight a colored leaf or Back-to-School sale, I feel a surge of energy, […]

An August Month – 2024 Month 8 Review

Summer Pause was in full effect in Cologne, we celebrated a family wedding, I got sick, then recovered just in time for Back-to-School.

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.

Summer Fun in or out of the Sun: a Bucket List of Hot-Weather Hits

I find it easier to enjoy the spring and summer, as the warmer weather lends itself to many activities I enjoy, such as time outdoors, bicycling, picnicking, and eating fresh produce. So the game is not to try to make the best of more challenging times, but to seize the sunny fleeting days wherever I can and not miss out on my favorite bits before they’re gone again.

Jolly July – 2024 Month 7 Review

July was joyous as well as jammed for me this year, with lots of teaching, creating, family news both “good” and “bad,” queerness (Cologne Pride, the Trocks), political theatre, and summer outdoorsiness between storms.

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