​

Hello beautiful,

School began again in Nordrhein-Westfalen this week, and I'm in a flurry of preparation to meet new and returning students and teach and learn exciting things this fall! I've included a couple of schedule updates for September below and will keep you in the loop on further developments as I am able.

What role can "gently Socratic" philosophical inquiry play in the context of performing arts education? I consider myself fortunate to have had the honor of participating in Dr. Thomas Jackson's PHIL 492: Philosophy with Children (p4c) course in the Spring of 2015, one of the last courses in my work towards my MFA in Dance. The concepts and techniques have continued to prove valuable over time, so I wanted to share as a resource for fellow educators, performing artists, and dancers.

Due to the time in which it was written, some pedagogical theories and strategies that I mention in the essay below strike me now as a bit out-of-date now, 10 years later. Additionally, rather than a polished essay, the final project was presented as an oral presentation, but the spirit, valuable theory and useful practices are there and I appreciate the reminders of how to integrate such curiosity and joint exploration into diverse subject areas as I embark on a fresh teaching season:

​Read the Philosophy for Children in a Dance Context – p4c teaching applications article here​

My other creations, recommendations, and questions for you are:

Listening:

• Monday I'm busting out my Savoring September playlist on YouTube full of early Fall and Back-to-School tunes

Reading:

• ​Building Momentum by Seizing the Back-to-School Mood: Ambiance, Supplies & Action article from last year is helping me make this school year's plans: as soon as I feel the first chill in the air and sight a colored leaf, I feel a surge of energy, motivation, and curiosity. Whether we currently find ourselves in an academic environment or not, this time of year is an opportunity anyone can seize to invigorate inspiration to create and grow.
• ​Should we stop teaching Yoga for Low Back Pain? article by Paul Ingraham provides food for thought and pain science research
• ​8 cozy books for Fall from Morgan Long helped me refill my library holds list with new-to-me autumnal reads

Viewing:

• ​Piratical Personal Effects Adventure Carry & TBR - Creative Supplies, Reading, Writing, Sketching video on YouTube: I set out on a Swashbuckling Summer with Jolly Roger July, and am continuing to live it up outdoors, in nature with my favored creative inspirations of the moment, channeling my wild and carefree inner pirate to help savor the season while it lasts. Here I unpack my Piratical Adventure Carry bag, loaded with reading picks, journals, writing & sketching supplies, tools with which to observe the world, gain insights, learn, make notes and art.
• ​Explained: the Physics-Defying Flight of the Bumblebee is incredible, adds to my appreciation of these lovely pollinators
• ​Things bringing Shauna Ripari joy that aren't necessarily shopping or consumption include Star Trek Next Generation, Running, Outfits: we don't have all interests in common, but it's a good reminder to consider what activities make you happy and do more of that

Practicing:

• ​Back-to-School Yoga 50 minute practice is a throwback to 2020, but I still like the poem I read and focus on working with fear and beating procrastination
• ​Dance changes everything (on IG)
• ​Ballet is for YOU (on IG)
• Ballet Reign is hosting World Ballet (nerd) Day again and all ballet dancers are invited to participate!
• ​12 Easy No-Stress School-night Dinners from See Mindy Mom if you want to plan for packed days ahead

Practicing Together LIVE / Adult Movement Classes this week:

• In-Studio Adult Beginner Ballet, formerly 6-7:00pm CET Mondays, Tanzschule Tanzraum Cologne, Germany is CANCELLED/combined with Intermediate Ballet on Tuesdays with another teacher until further notice: so sorry for the short notice, it's also news to me that scheduling problems have arisen, further information as it becomes available...
• Online Yogalicious Gentle Yoga. 7-8:00pm CET NOW Tuesdays (7-8:00am HI) provides a delicious mindful movement feast which balances strength, balance and coordination for mind, body, and spirit adaptable to all levels and conditions (English) Back to Tuesdays (was Wednesdays last month) for September onward!
• Online Balletlicious Gentle Adaptive Ballet Barre+, 7:30-8:30am CET Fridays (Thursday p.m. HI) consists of mostly barre with a little dancey centre work, building a strong, body-friendly, and graceful foundation for dance at home or anywhere in the world (English)

Inquiring:

• What does inquiry bring to the creative and educational context?
• What do you wonder about?
• What do you want to know about dance & art?
• How can we go about discovering answers?
• What's in your adventure bag?

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

P.S.- If you signed up for my email newsletter in order to try a free class or coaching session, just reply and let me know what you're looking for, happy to help!

P.P.S- Did you happen to receive this email as a forward from a friend? Thanks for checking it out! Sign up for my free weekly email newsletter to continue to receive resources, updates, and inspiration in your email inbox.