Hello beautiful,

Hope you had a peaceful World Tai Chi/Qigong Day, freely moving International Dance Day as well as the other events of April. After a full year away, I made it back to Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i and I'm so happy and fortunate to be able to spend time at home with my parents as well as have some time by the sea and adventures with Ela.

For the next couple of weeks I'll be less connected online but still occasionally present and publishing, focusing on being here, celebrating my Dad's 80th birthday, and having some well-deserved vacation time. Online Mindful Movement courses continue on a modified schedule, see below, and in-person classes will have substitutes until my mid-May return to Cologne.

Other creations, recommendations, and questions for you are:

Listening:

• ​Hawai'i No Ka 'Oi - Home in the Islands playlist on YouTube is a growing soundtrack of homey tunes for me
• "Come a'ama Crab" is a 90's classic I got to introduce Ela to following her enthusiasm for the local crustaceans

Reading:

• ​January was Jammed Like a Filled Donut – 2026 Month 1 Reflection article in which I detail how first month of 2026 was absolutely packed, with a bit of restful reflection at the start and then a full-tilt boogie back into teaching and creating, plus more snowy wintery weather than I have yet to see in Cologne!
• ​Atmosphere: a love story by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a romantic historical fiction about early women astronauts which I started listening to audiobook, got over 80% before it was returned, will finish reading the ebook since I need to know what happens!
• Finished ​​The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, vol. 1​​ audiobook by Beth Brower and found it charming, put vol.2 on hold

Viewing:

• Since it is emerging as a series, I created a playlist of Ballet Variations for Small Spaces on YouTube, currently with Kitri from "Don Quixote," Juliet, and more to come...
• "Trust Me: the False Prophet" documentary about the "Samuelites" sect of FLDS is chilling but fascinating

Practicing:

• ​Relishing Rond de Jambe en L'Aire - Basic Ballet Technique - Balletlicious Barre Exercises video on YouTube: Circles or ovals of the leg in the air make an accent you and your audience will relish in classical ballet technique. Check out my "Small Space Juliet Variation" to see them action in choreography! Due to the posture, stability, control, and coordination required, this is a demanding intermediate step best tackled once your basic Rond de Jambe a Terre (circles of the leg on the ground) are competently performed. Both are great for developing strength in your core, hips, and the whole standing side. Rotary movements in ballet are fun to try at the barre and eventually in center and I hope you have a rollicking good time exploring them.
• Packed my bags using my analog Illustrated Travel Packing List about which I posted a video on YouTube, as well as my electronic checklist, continuing my Creative Sketchbook Adventures​

Practicing Together LIVE / Adult Movement Classes:

• Online Balletlicious Adaptive Ballet Barre+, 7-8:00am CEST Tuesdays (Monday p.m. HI) consists of mostly supported barre exercises with a little dancey centre work, building a strong, body-friendly, and graceful foundation for dance at home or anywhere in the world. (English) The week of May 18-24 the class will move to Fridays at 8:30 for the summer, write with any questions!
• Online Yogalicious Gentle Yoga. 7-8:00pm CEST Tuesdays (7-8:00am HI) provides a delicious mindful movement feast which balances strength, balance and coordination for mind, body, and spirit and is adaptable to all levels and conditions (English)

Inquiring:

• How do you adapt your creative and self-care practices for space and time constraints?
• Will you move with me this month online or in-person in Cologne or Kailua-Kona?
• In what ways do you get perspective on life?
• How do you remember to focus on what is important?
• How can I support you in blooming this season?

Gladly share your response to the questions above or provide other updates by replying to this email.

Thank you for reading, for being, and for dancing with me, in spirit or in fact. Take care of yourself, pay attention, and keep moving mindfully!

Love, Blythe

Blythe Stephens, MFA, Bliss Catalyst
they/them or she/her
Creator of A Blythe Coach: dance through your difficulties
and take leaps of faith into a joyful, fulfilling life

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