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Butterfly Catching Creative Dance Exploration & Ballet Assemblé Jump Introduction
Balletlicious Seated Butterflies - Creative Stretch / Nature-Inspired Joyful Movement
Battement Dégagé 3 Directions & Ways - Ballet Dance Basics - Jete À La Seconde, En Croix, En Cloche
Ignite the Spark of Creativity - 6 Ways to Be Inspired
5 Ways to Start a Daily Creative Dance Practice - How to build a habit of mindful movement improv
Enticing Emboîté Allegro - Balletlicious Dance Jumps switching feet
International Women's Day Yoga 2023 Replay: Equity-themed adaptive 1-hour practice
Peppery Changement de Pieds - Balletlicious basic jumps, changing feet
Snappy Sousus and Échappé Relevé - Balletlicious dance technique
Gracious Pas de Basque - Balletlicious dance traveling & transition steps, presence & character
Dirgha Pranayama / 3-Part Yoga Breathing Technique
Feisty Fouette Turns at Barre - Balletlicious supported whipping turn technique - one leg in place
Lovely Lame Duck / Pique Tour en dehors - Ballet Turning Techniques traveling across the floor
Pirouette en dedans with Panache - Ballet Turning Techniques
Flirty Flic Flac at the Barre - Ballet Turning Techniques
Notebook Migration 2023 - Journal & BuJo Planning
Plentiful Pirouettes en dehors from 4th to 5th position - Classical Ballet Turning Techniques
Sources of Lasting Creative Inspiration - Barnes and Noble Books from Way Back at Conservatory
Pretty Pique Turns Across the Floor - Classical Ballet Technique Traveling Piqué Tours
Delightful Sissonne devant - ballet jumps springing forward into 1st arabesque
Sunset Sissonne à la seconde - Brilliant Ballet Springing Jumps from 2 feet landing onto 1, side
Balletlicious Basic Head Techniques for Turning - Spotting , Focus in Classical Dance Turns
Balletlicious Basic Arm Techniques for Dance Turns
"BASTE the Turkey:" Feast on the Ingredients of Dance Choreography Challenge - Elements of Dance

Prev 1 of 10 Next

Catching butterflies is a beloved creative dance warm-up and playful preparation for the assemblé movement in ballet. Here we will search out imaginary butterflies, gently catch them in our net by jumping up and assembling arms and legs in the air, then release them again at the end of the dance.

To explore and develop awareness of the dancing space, activate the imagination, strengthen legs, feet, and coordination, and enjoy a joyful movement break! Appropriate for children and adults who embrace their inner artist child.

_Chapters_
00:00 Sneak peek of Catching Butterflies
00:14 Introduce the movement and myself
01:30 Butterfly catching exploration
02:43 Catching Butterflies / Assemble Jumps & Dance Walks with music
05:07 Thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter and I look forward to connecting with you.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: "Flying" by Track Tribe on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Butterfly Catching Creative Dance Exploration & Ballet Assemblé Jump Introduction

Butterfly, Baddha Konasana, Sitting Ballet Hip Stretch... this movement is a beloved warm-up and cool down for all sorts of movers, including dancers and athletes young and old.

To open the hips and lower back, for greater mobility in dancing, to warm up, relax, or just enjoy a creative movement break, try either a passive or active/creative version of this classic!

_Chapters_
00:00 Sneak peek of seated Butterflies
00:10 Introduce the movement and myself
01:20 Seated Butterfly basics
03:55 Practice the Seated Butterflies Creative Stretch with music
06:05 Thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter and I look forward to connecting with you.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: "Society's Dream" by Mini Vandals on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Balletlicious Seated Butterflies - Creative Stretch / Nature-Inspired Joyful Movement

Battement Dégagé or Jeté is a lot of fun and an important brushing step that builds to virtuosic movements such as Grand Jete or leaping.

We may practice Degages at the barre or in the centre without additional support and here I demonstrate three different directions or movement patterns which are useful spatial concepts for all dancers:
* À La Seconde or to the 2nd position / side
* En Croix or in the shape of a cross to the front (Devant), side (À La Seconde), back (Derrière), side
* En Cloche swinging from front to back passing through the 1st position

This bouncy footwork is applicable to a variety ballet steps and dancing styles, and as always go at your own pace and focus on safe and mindful technique.

_Chapters_
00:00 Battement Degage applications
00:20 Introduction to myself, today's movement
00:52 Way #1: Degage a la seconde
01:42 Way #2: Degage en croix
02:33 Way #3: Degage en cloche
03:19 Practice all 3 with music, slower tempo
05:17 Practice with music, faster tempo
07:12 Thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter and I look forward to connecting with you.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: “Throw It Back” by @saidbysed on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Battement Dégagé 3 Directions & Ways - Ballet Dance Basics - Jete À La Seconde, En Croix, En Cloche

Want to make creativity a daily ritual and see your expression soar?
These practices were originally presented as daily prompts during my "Ignite the Spark of Your Creativity" Challenge on Instagram in celebration of International Coaching Week.
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 practices can have in your life.

_Chapter Timestamps_
00:00 Introduction to the Ignite the Spark of Your Creativity Challenge
00:33 Prompt No.1 - Freewrite a la Julia Cameron's _The Artist's Way_ Morning Pages, 5 Senses
01:25 Prompt No.2 - Egg Improv a la Twyla Tharp's _The Creative Habit_
03:21 Prompt No.3 - Craft a Collage / Multi-Media
05:00 Prompt No.4 - Make some Moise / Music & Sound
05:40 Prompt No.5 - Get Sketchy with paper and pen or pencil
06:52 Prompt No. 6 - Collaborate with other creative people

Keep the creativity going with daily practice, by joining me on my email newsletter, in upcoming workshops and live classes in-studio and online!

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

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.

Ignite the Spark of Creativity - 6 Ways to Be Inspired

Want to make mindful movement and creativity a daily ritual?
This is a recap of my 5-Day "Get Down Daily" Dance Challenge on Instagram (hence the portrait video format). These bite-sized movement explorations can help build a habit of joyful exploratory movement and creative expression.
Originally created in celebration of National Dance Week, you may use these five prompts and responses to inspire your own improvisation and choreographic research anytime!
Be amazed at the far-reaching impacts such a practice can have in your life.

_Chapter Timestamps_
00:00 Introduction to the GDD Dance Challenge
01:10 Prompt No.1 - 1 Body Part, 1 Minute
03:08 Prompt No.2 - Musical Improvisation (using "Ghost Stories" by Noir et Blanc Vie on YouTube)
06:29 Prompt No.3 - Site-Specific Exploration
07:15 Prompt No.4 - Costume/Character Embodiment
08:45 Prompt No.5 - Eyes Closed Somatic Sensing

Keep the creativity going with daily practice, by joining me on my email newsletter, in upcoming workshops and live classes in-studio and online!

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

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.

5 Ways to Start a Daily Creative Dance Practice - How to build a habit of mindful movement improv

Emboîté means "fitted together, 'boxed' [...] It is a type of jeté done without a brush of the working foot." (Gail Grant, Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet)

In the versions I share here, we jump up and change feet in the air, landing with weight on a new foot each time we spring in either sur le cou de pied, attitude, or other positions. It can be performed small (or petit, some schools call this petit jeté) or large (grand), landing on flat or en pointe.

This enticing footwork is applicable to a variety of dance styles, and as always take things slow and as appropriate for you. Learn to use those to develop power for springing and landing on one foot, focus on technique, go at your own pace, and don't worry about height or speed.

_Chapters_
00:00 Sneak peek of the Emboîté step
00:09 Introduction to myself and today's movement
00:58 Start with the basics at barre: Plié, Tendu, Changement de Pieds (Plié & Changement in the cards)
03:15 Similar to prances in parallel as in the Saucy Prances and Sautés and Piquant Springing Prances videos (also in cards)
04:15 Practice Emboîté with music at your own speed (I play with different rhythms)
05:48 Practice again or watch a demonstration of Emboîté that starts faster, kicks higher, and uses other connecting steps, arm movements, etc.
07:19 Thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter and I look forward to connecting with you.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: “Switch It Up” by Silent Partner on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Enticing Emboîté Allegro - Balletlicious Dance Jumps switching feet

This is a replay of the special International Women's Day 2023 yoga practice I hosted live online on the theme of Equity. What an honor it was to practice live online with folks near and far, known to me and new!
Like the skill of physical balance, the state of social equity is not something that is accomplished once and for all, but requires ongoing practice, attention, and nurturance.
The practice includes grounding, intention-setting, physical asana, breathwork, and meditation/relaxation. All practices and poses yield fruitful variations in seated, standing, or reclining positions.
As always, move mindfully, follow the advice of your physician, and only participate in a way and to an extent that is appropriate for you.
May connecting to your internal resources nourish your movement and creative practices and fuel your work for equity for all.

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

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.

International Women's Day Yoga 2023 Replay: Equity-themed adaptive 1-hour practice

"Changement" means to change, and here we jump up and change feet in the air, landing with a new foot in front each time in 3rd or 5th position.
A great ballet basic for any time of year, Changement feels especially fitting with the surge of new energy and transformation of springtime.
This Changement exercise begins with plie and coupe to sur le cou de pied change, then when our plie spring action and rolling through the feet are warmed up, builds to the full jumping step.
This peppery footwork is applicable to a variety of dance styles, and as always take things slow and as appropriate for you. Learn to use those to develop power for springing, focus on technique, go at your own pace, and don't worry about jumping or springing high at first.

_Chapters_
00:00 Sneak peek of the Changement step
00:18 Introduction to myself and today's movement
00:58 Start with the basics at barre: plie, tendu, saucy prances and sautes (in the cards)
02:40 I teach how to Changement at the barre
03:40 Learn the combination of steps that we will practice with music
08:02 Practice the Changement combination with music at your own speed
09:52 Thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter and I look forward to connecting with you.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: “Active Form” by Chasms on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Peppery Changement de Pieds - Balletlicious basic jumps, changing feet

In both Echappe Releve and Sousus, dancers must draw the legs apart and together simultaneously, springing to slide their feet across the floor to land in a new position.
Starting with a strong Plié, we build strength, coordination, control, and explosive force as we gather and scatter energy through the legs and feet.
In this exercise, we will rise from 3rd position to close and open the legs, passing through 2nd position to change. We will practice a sequence of 3 Sousus and 1 Echappe to change feet. Then speed up and/or reverse, as you like.
As always, take it mindful, slow, and easy, building in difficulty, speed, and complexity incrementally.

_Chapters_
00:00 Sneak peek of Sousus + Echappe Releve movements
00:13 Introduction to myself and today's movement sequence
01:15 Definitions from Gail Grant _Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet_
02:55 I teach the Sousus movement, practice
05:30 I teach the Echappe movement, practice, link Echappe Saute video
07:00 Learn the combination of steps that we will practice with music
09:56 Practice the Sousus + Echappe combination with music at your own speed
13:23 Thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter and I look forward to connecting with you.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: “Spring Field” by Godmode on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Snappy Sousus and Échappé Relevé - Balletlicious dance technique

Pas de Basque is a step originating in folk dance and adapted to ballet technique as a traveling and transitional or linking step.
At first this compound movement may seem a bit complex, but with practice it will become a movement pattern forever available in your toolbelt! I recommend reviewing Rond de Jambe, Tombe, and Chasse to help you put the pieces together.
It is also a great way to practice dynamic placement, shifts of weight, footwork, and stage presence for a variety of movement forms.

_Chapters_
00:00 Sneak peek of Pas de Basque
00:11 Introduction to myself and today's movement sequence
01:07 Pas de Basque defined by Gail Grant, _Technical Manual and Dictionary of Classical Ballet_
02:00 Verbal directions for Pas de Basque glissé en avant
02:35 I demonstrate and explain Pas de Basque technique and options
05:35 Practice Pas de Basque with music
07:29 Come on over to ablythecoach.com to sign up for my free weekly email newsletter

See you next time, thanks for watching and/or dancing along!

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Music: “Kiss the Heavens” by Asher Fulero on YouTube
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany

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.

Gracious Pas de Basque - Balletlicious dance traveling & transition steps, presence & character

Dirgha Pranayama or 3-Part Breathing is a simple breath practice that you can do lying down, sitting, or standing.

We send the breath down into the belly/lowest part of our lungs, into the ribcage, and all the way up into the chest, then cycle through all three creating a wave of expansive internal space and mental clarity.

Great to relax and create greater awareness & appreciation of breath & body.

A gift for International Women's Day week if you're joining in real time, and you are also invited to join my special Women's Day practice online (or a sample class anytime), just reach out and let me know 🙂

Let’s connect by email or on Instagram @ablythecoach, I would love to continue to dance through difficulty together.

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

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.

Dirgha Pranayama / 3-Part Yoga Breathing Technique

Play with momentum and turning on one leg with supported fouette or whipping turns useful for ballet and other dance techniques involving precise turns.

Whether you aspire to black-swan status or just want to build basic balancing and turning skills, this fouette at barre exercise provides valuable practice. Eventually we can work towards practicing such turns on one leg with a dance partner as well as unsupported.

Please be mindful of your space, choose a sturdy barre or support to reliably catch you like a good partner would, and go slowly and mindfully as always.

_Chapter Time Stamps_
00:00 Sneak preview of the Fouette turns at Barre exercise
00:30 Greetings! Intro to Fouettes
01:20 I teach the exercise
04:33 Practice Feisty Fouette turns at Barre with music
06:45 Thanks for watching!

Glad you joined me for this ballet turning technique practice, and I look forward to dancing together again soon.

Check out my videos on other ballet turns and steps such as pirouette en dehors and en dedans, lame duck, flic flac at the barre, spotting, arm techniques, and more.

If you benefited from this video, you will enjoy my whole library of offerings as well as live classes in-studio and online.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany
Music: "Damn" by Yung Logos on YouTube

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.

Feisty Fouette Turns at Barre - Balletlicious supported whipping turn technique - one leg in place

"Lame Duck"/Stepover/Pique Tour en dehors (outside, or rotating away from the standing leg), is a delightful basic traveling ballet turning technique that is helpful to practice alone before in combination with other steps.

It also makes an appearance in many other dance techniques and is frankly a lot of fun.

Building on a foundation of alignment and technique, we learn how to step over and up into a string of Lame Duck turns, later applying them in choreography.

_Chapter Time Stamps_
00:00 Sneak preview of Lame Duck turns
00:08 Introduce myself and the Pique Tour en dehors movement
00:50 Pique turn (en dedans) video card
05:25 Spotting technique video card
05:57 Practice Lame Duck turns with music, vocal cues
07:05 Practice again (possibly) faster with music, no vocal cues, Arms for turning video card
07:56 Thanks for watching!

Glad you joined me for this ballet turning technique practice, and I look forward to dancing together again soon!

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany
Music: "Fluffing the Duck" by Kevin MacLeod on YouTube

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.

Lovely Lame Duck / Pique Tour en dehors - Ballet Turning Techniques traveling across the floor

Today we are preparing with a tendu devant (to the front) to a lunging 4th position for pirouettes en dedans ("inside" or rotating toward the standing leg) closing to 5th position with a pas de bourree transition.

Building on our basic balancing and turning techniques, we play with passe to retiree and then single turns.

_Chapter Time Stamps_
00:00 Sneak preview of the Pirouette en dedans exercise
00:48 Greetings! Intro to Pirouette en dedans 4th to 5th
03:24 I teach the combination
05:00 Practice Pirouette en dedans exercise with music
07:50 Thanks for watching!

Glad you joined me for this ballet turning technique practice, and I look forward to dancing together again soon.

Check out my videos on other ballet turns and steps such as pirouette en dehors, flic flac at the barre, spotting, arm techniques, and more.

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany
Music: "Pirouette" by Asher Fulero on YouTube

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.

Pirouette en dedans with Panache - Ballet Turning Techniques

This ballet barre exercise is a playful way to practice tours en dehors (turns outside, or rotating away from the standing leg) and en dedans, specifically using a "paddling" Flic Flac action.

Building on a foundation of basic alignment and turning techniques, we move through small pas de cheval scooping movements of the feet, through fondu, and then practice launching into sharply-flipped Flic Flac turns.

Stay playful, use your barre for support, don't be afraid to fall around a bit as you experiment (I sure do) and only attempt these when you are well-established in the basics!

_Chapter Time Stamps_
00:00 Sneak preview of Flic Flac footwork at barre
00:11 Greetings!
00:40 Transferrable turning skills to different dance styles, paddle turn
01:50 Building on basic alignment and turning techniques (video card)
02:55 Start with a Pas de Cheval scooping foot movement, then Fondu, Flic Flac
03:50 Practice Flic Flac combination with music REPEAT video/music from here to reverse and practice equally on both sides
06:00 Thanks for watching 🙂

Glad you joined me for this ballet turning technique practice, and I look forward to dancing together again soon!

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany
Music: "Flickering" by VYEN on YouTube

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.

Flirty Flic Flac at the Barre - Ballet Turning Techniques

Happy New Year and since we're now in late January, merry Chinese New Year of the rabbit!

During the transition from the winter holiday celebrations of one year into the planning stages of a fresh new year, I have certain reflection, completion, and planning rituals that I like to carry out to reset my intentions and clarify my vision and actions going forward.

One of my favorite parts is migrating and refreshing my Bullet Journal, and in this video I am walking through the evolution of my BuJo and notebooks system, what my current setup, approach, and collections.

This method brings order to chaos, helps me reflect, plan, memory-keep, and create. However, your process and system are bound to look differently and I share this only as a brainstorm of ideas that I hope will inspire your own journey of discovery.

Brands and items I mention in the video are just what I personally use, based on personal experience and opinion. This video is not sponsored and I encourage you to use whatever supplies you have access to and enjoy.

_Chapter Timestamps_
01:11 Important for artists, performers, creatives to journal
01:33 Powerful Portfolio (video card)
02:30 Early Bullet-Journal style threading in dance journals 2018ish
04:00 2021 Red Bullet Journal (video card)
05:26 Dance and Yoga Teaching notebook, indexing, tabs
06:30 Chaotic reality, sticky notes, receipts, loose papers (Artful Archiving blog)
07:30 2022 Bullet Journal(s) (video card)
09:26 Spending, Income/Expenses tracking in old Filofax
10:57 Sketchbook from Muji, random notepads
12:14 Binder from Mead, tools for Signature Program, A4 what I am studying currently
12:38 Main system late-2022 into 2023: Moleskine Cahiers in two sizes with covers
15:30 Twenty-three 23s in 2023 inspired by JashiiCorrin
16:14 Future Log
16:44 Collections Notebook: Read, Write, Create, Podcast, Video, Email, Letters, Challenges, Practices, Adventure, Connect, Sustain, Dance Improv & Choreo, Music, Poetry, Crafts, Food, Service (Teaching, Coaching)
18:40 Dashboard, Word of the Year
19:00 “Quarterly” Notebook with Monthly, Weekly panning, reflection, memory-keeping
19:30 Using stickers & ephemera
22:00 Fueling creativity, productivity with playfulness and whimsy
23:33 I hope you are inspired to find what works for you, create the life of your dreams!
24:13 Moving over favorite bookmarks
26:00 Almost fully moved-in, clearing spaces, refreshing for a new year

How do you plan for the coming year?
What systems nourish your creativity and productivity?

Subscribe to stay tuned and see my face again soon, or come visit me on my website or on social media!

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

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.

Notebook Migration 2023 - Journal & BuJo Planning

This is a fun way to combine a traveling tombe pas de bouree and tendu derriere to 4th position as preparation for pirouettes en dehors (outside, or rotating away from the standing leg), then practice rising through passe to retire shape and rotating.

Building on a foundation of alignment and technique, we move towards performing a strongly balanced retire on releve, then a single turn starting in an open/4th position and landing into a closed 5th or 3rd. Eventually we can attempt multiple revolutions once our single pirouette is cleanly mastered.

_Chapter Time Stamps_
00:00 Intro to myself and the Pirouette en dehors turn
00:40 I teach the Tombe Pas de Bourree, Tendu, Retire/Pirouette combination
02:50 Pirouettes can turn in two directions and start and finish in various positions
03:40 Spotting
03:52 Practice the Pirouette en dehors combination with music
08:04 Thanks for watching!

Glad you joined me for this ballet turning technique practice, and I look forward to dancing together again soon!

Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives dance through their difficulties and take leaps of faith into fulfillment through coaching, yoga, & dance education
Studio: Tanzschule Tanzraum Nippes, Cologne, Germany
Music: "Heel Flip" by Slynk and Kermode on YouTube

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.

Plentiful Pirouettes en dehors from 4th to 5th position - Classical Ballet Turning Techniques

Something a little different today on the topic of artistic education, some inspiring books from way back. Specifically, a few selections I've had since conservatory, which I bought with friends during special times off campus.

Visual Art, Poetry, Intuitive Insights...what inspires you?

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

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.

Sources of Lasting Creative Inspiration - Barnes and Noble Books from Way Back at Conservatory

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