Music is integral for dancers and choreographers as well as artists in other media. We are bombarded with new works, need find ways to listen to and record our impressions of musical works, to sift through these influences and access what moves and inspires us.
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!
Happy Women’s History Month in March and International Women’s Day Sunday March 8th, 2026!
We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out positive action.
Collective activism is what drives change. From grassroots action to wide-scale momentum, we can all Give To Gain.
This is a flip-through 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!
Declaring my 2026 Word of the Year is PLUCK!
Writing out my word in my Bullet Journal, grounding it in beautiful imagery, verse and rhythm, placing it where I will interact with it daily and be reminded or where I’m coming from in 2026 will provide support for my commitment, provide a solid place for being and making a powerful stand.
Nothing sets the mood like the right music!
Tastes vary, but the exploration of music that moves us is full of delightful discoveries that become lifelong memories.
As a choreographer, teaching artist and coach, music, songs, and playlists are a huge part of my life, my data streaming, and WiFi usage as I disc jockey sessions in real time and build up my library of music with which I resonate.
As a dance educator and teaching artist, creating a safe space for learning has long been a topic of interest and top priority in coaching and classes Recently my interest has been reignited by working in a context similar to where I myself have experienced feeling unsafe, bullied, at risk: middle school. Being familiar with the concept of Safer Space codes of conduct in the context of queer nightlife, parties, dances, and demonstrations, the same tenets are applicable in a variety of social and educational contexts. Unfortunately its all too easy to see the parallels between middle school meanness and wannabe tyrannical rulers and thugs playing on the international stage. With intersectional diverse individuals feeling increasingly unsafe in current society and human rights under threat, Mental Health Day and Coming Out Day being celebrated in October, it is timely to consider how we can work together to generate loving, supportive spaces for all.
How do you counteract the natural negativity bias and inevitable criticism that meets a life of creativity? Enter the “Smile File” of praise, thanks, and acknowledgment from others. One of a slew of tools to refresh, inspire, and motivate when we feel down or burnt out. Take a peek into my own collected notes of thanks and gather your own evidence of acknowledgement and love to stay inspired and motivated.
Savor the last days of the season with me in real time, or feel the warmth of those long lazy days anytime with verses suitable to summer.
Light as a feather, fluttering in springtime and summer, having had encounters with butterflies in just about every place I have been, I always feel blessed by their gentle presence. Butterfly, Schmetterling, Farfalle, Papillon…I love their many names, their movements, the science and the mystery behind their lifecycles. My late ex mother in law Janine […]
