Blythely Dancing

I absolutely love the positive “It Gets Better” campaign that has arisen from the tragic deaths of gay teens who have experienced brutal bullying. It is not right for young lives, who have so much ahead of them, be lost! Yet it is easy to lose sight of possibility in the face of so much hurt. The "It Gets Better" message is relevant to all sorts of young people, not exclusively those who have been bullied for being queer, although that can be particularly tough- any kind of difference can bring ridicule. To have so many people speaking out about what gifts maturing has brought them is an exciting shift for a youth-centric culture. In their messages, the celebrities and everyday people are sharing how they celebrate what growing up brings, how they've had the courage to embrace who they really are, and how they've created a supportive community, pursued their passions, found love, etc. Recently I’ve been lucky enough to be helping a small alternative high schoo...

The fireworks have burst, champagne corks popped, folks resolved to make exciting changes in their lives… and I have reflected, envisioned, committed, and eaten my black eyed peas. What does your New Year process look like? This New Year, I took stock of the last year’s accomplishments and challenges in creating my vision and practices for the future, as well as a bit further back, reading through old journals and notes back to 2004. 2010 was one of my most eventful and challenging yet, and in some areas I have been disappointed with my progress. Happily, taking just a slightly longer view revealed that I have been moving on an upward spiral towards my dreams, even with the tough times of life along the way, and some out and out failures! I continue to get more clear about what I want, and move step by step, of course stumbling and trying again, toward it. Here are some particularly relevant bits of my reflections and milestones over the last 7 years: February 2004- “I fee...

West Hawaii Dance Theatre Offers January Ballet Classes with West Hawaii Dance Academy Alumna BLYTHE STEPHENS January 22,24 & 29, 2011 Blythe began her dance education at WHDT from the age of 5-16, going on to graduate from North Carolina School of the Arts. She holds a BA in Philosophy from Whitman College and performed extensively with Whitman Dance Theatre and Whitman Dance Productions. Now residing in Portland, OR, she is the President of the Dance Coalition of Oregon, performs with Mythobolus Mask Theatre and The Dolly Pops, and teaches ballet at the Collins View Dance and Arts Center. Saturday Schedule 11:00-12:30pm Ballet Technique 12:30-1:30pm Pointe 1:30-2:00pm Performance Group Monday Schedule 3:30-4:15pm Ballet Ages 7-8 4:15-5:15pm Ballet ages 9+ 5:15-6:30pm Ballet III/IV 6:30-7:15pm Performance Group Phone (808)329-8876 West Hawaii Dance Theatre...