Blythely Dancing

Stand/Theme/Keyword for 2018: VISION (2016: Connection & 2017: Service) By "Vision," I mean trusting what I see and perceive, through my senses, intellect, and intuition. Relying on my judgement and input from other trusted sources, gaining perspective to see underlying truths and act in accordance with the greater good. Seeing what is possible in dance and education and empowering others to expand their own capacities. Creative contributions and problem-solving. With an annual stand or theme rather than a list of resolutions, I create not a fix or changes, but a place to come from for the year, asserted on a daily basis. It aligns with my values and is a litmus test for my priorities and activities during the year. Then I revisit my projects and take on what is i n alignment with my Vision, update my commitments and timelines. In 2017 I celebrated many accomplishments, including my second semester of teaching DNCE:131 Beginning Modern Dance at WCC...

Curious what I’ve been up to since I finished my MFA in Dance program last spring? At first I was concerned that since I so loved being a student again that I would miss it horribly. Though I did have a wonderful experience in graduate school, turns out I’ve also been having a fantastic time developing professionally and personally as well as traveling this past year! I’ve been lucky to be dancing and teaching a lot, including serving as an adjunct professor at Hawaii Tokai International College, teaching at The Movement Center, Page Academy of Dance, and Island Tumblers Gymnastics, and substitute teaching at Mid-Pacific School of the Arts. In the Fall, I was honored to perform in “Midnight Moon” with the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble for their 40th Anniversary celebration, Ten Ten , at the Hawai‘i Theater. At Hawaii Tokai International College I designed and led a college class, HPER150: Introduction to Dance, for mostly ELA students from Japan, covering dance techniques, history, con...

A number of current issues in dance education have been on my mind this last year, including how to teach the art of dance to all learners and how to develop a network of academic and life skills through dance. I rely on selected resources to fuel my teaching and dancing practice and thought I would share some that I have found the most thought-provoking and practical. My intention is to continue to share favorite relevant resources in the form of an annotated bibliography or brief articles going forward to support other dance educators, teachers, and practitioners. Themes of teaching all learners, developmental stages, disabilities ·       Autism - PECS ·       Physical Disabilities – Principle-Based ·       Special Needs ·       Ritual ·       Assistants ·       Dance as Art ·       Structures ...

I'm now sharing my Teaching Values Statement on my website, along with an updated version of my CV and am interested in providing mutual feedback with other dance educators and teaching artists. What do you think is important in teaching and what are your strengths as an educator? How do you frame your experiences when applying for funding and employment?  http://blythecs.wix.com/blythe-stephens

My stand for 2016 is connection, so I'm reaching out, sharing what I'm up to, and welcoming contact and support. For up-to-date information about my artistic and professional work, please also see my other websites: Wix- blythecs.wix.com/blythe-stephens  Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/A-Blythe-Coach-159204794109227/  LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/blythekirkpatrick Twitter- ablythecoach I'm currently working on my online presence, aligning and updating my profiles, portfolio, and writing. I hope to soon share more samples of my work, such as syllabi, lesson plans, student work, and recent references, testimonials, and evaluations. Stay tuned for more dancing and coaching fun to come!

Happy Fourth of July! It's a day to celebrate our freedom and independence. I'm not saying that these United States are perfect, but we do have a lot to be grateful for. I often think of the liberties we enjoy here, in this age, that could easily be taken for granted. We get to decide where we live, what we do for work and play, what we wear, what we eat, who our friends and romantic partners are, how, when and if to have children, what religion, if any, to practice... and we have the freedom to make mistakes learn from them. Sometimes we get overwhelmed by all the choices we are free to make! It is such a blessing to have multiple appealing options in life, a treat to choose our favorite or what seems to be the best at the time, and make so many choices throughout our lives. I believe that with all these wonderful choices comes responsibility. Responsibility to consider the consequences of our actions for our future selves, for others, and for our planet. Happy o...

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...