Conversations with Lydia: A creative problem solver
Listen to the podcast with the powerful Lydia Smith–Lenardson, where she discusses the inspiration for her choreography. Her bout with cancer left her paralyzed from the waist down. If that was not challenging enough, she now…
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Teacher Burnout by Dr. Desiree Cremer
I want to make something quick, easy, and healthy when I come from work. Most teachers can tell you that it is difficult to find time to eat during the school day. Yes, as a…
Keep readingEducational Reflections to Frittata: Teach Your Passion
Students, teachers, and the community deserve better. It is time to work smarter and draw from our teacher practitioners’ passions. For example, if you have a degree in media arts, with video as a major, maybe…
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Chicken stir fry
Chicken stir fry made with organic chicken breast, miracle noodles, garlic, ginger, onions, green onion, celery, carrots, kale, cilantro, crushed boiled egg, coconut aminos and olive oil. Light and delicious, gluten-free and diary free.
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What Stirs podcast
Conversations for stories of practice on movement, mindfulness, the creative process, and social justice happen around creating meals. As I slice, chop, and prepare a meal, thoughts for the next podcast and blog sometimes come while…
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Art, Architecture, and Food
Marianne Cooper grew up in Sweden; she recalls sitting around the fire with every family member doing something with their hands. Her mother was knitting, her dad creating or inventing something. And she and her sisters…
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Paprika chicken with kale potatoes
Paprika chicken is a hearty meal that is quick and easy to make, especially when you need some spice in your life. Cooking in my social justice kitchen is all about the conversations and possibly outrages…
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Guiding Principles
During the pandemic when most schools were in distance learning, I talked with Dr. Erin Thompson for my podcast, What Stirs, Thompson shared her thoughts and principles on the pandemic and education.
Keep readingChildren learning through Play
I had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Theresa (Terry) Lock on my podcast, What Stirs. Dr. Lock discusses the importance of play in early childhood and elementary school education. She states that children learn through play,…
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Is this the new normal? In-person learning and quarantine
The students are back at school as if there is no pandemic. There is no social distancing and no safety. Just because educational leaders say the schools are safe does not necessarily make it so.
What Education can learn from the Arts
Masala chicken
Masala chicken is a quick and easy meal that gives just that tangy kick in the week. After teaching all day, I want something thing that reminds me of…
What is the pandemic teaching us?
The pandemic teaches us in education that we cannot go back to business as usual. It reveals the inequities for students and teachers and brings to the surface the…
Dijon mustard chicken with portobello mushrooms
Dijon mustard with chicken and portobello mushrooms is one of my comfort foods after a long choreographic teaching day. It is quick and healthy. As I prepared this meal…
Cooking Choreographer 
I love this website…the content, the colors, the engaging topics, and the charming host, Dr. Desiree! You bring together seemingly unrelated concepts of food, dance, education, and social justice and stir them all together to create a thoughtful masterpiece that challenges us to reflect on our past, acknowledge our present, and move forward in hope for a better and brighter future. Love your work! Keep it up! 🙂
Thank you
Hi Desiree, I just loved listening to your What Stirs podcast! I loved the stories of food and the creative flavours of thought that stirred your guests creativity. Keep stirring that pot my beautiful friend I can smell the sweet aroma of creative thoughts that makes me dance with you one more time💕
Thank you Carol.
Stirring the creative process for me begins in nature or being able to just relax.., and ideas pop out from there. The more tense I am the less creative.
Ty for sharing, Des! You continue to inspire!
You ask at the top, what’s stirs the creative process? I appreciate the pun. I also suspect that, in your case, waking up in the morning stirs the process in you.
Love this website. What an exciting way to learn. I love the fact that you use avocado oil to cook. I find it much healthier and tastier than other oils.
Yes, I agree, it has a smooth taste. I hope you get to read my blogs on education and dance.
Hi Des,
This is a great way to portray two fine arts. I like it. I can attest to how good the Dijon Chicken dish is.
TK
Yes, this meal comforts me.
I cannot wait to make the Dijon chicken and portobello mushroom recipe. Thank you for sharing such a healthy recipe, Desiree. I love this!
Thanks Faith, it is my go to meal after a long day of teaching
I love this dance education path because of its unbounded and spiritual nourishment.
Keep up the good work.
Thank you, Lee
Awesome to see this Des, cool👍 – L .
So lovely to read your blog, Des. I love the intersection of dance, practice-based learning, and equity commitment. Mahalo and looking forward to more!
WOW! This is so amazing. I am so proud of you and I can’t wait to see what you do in the future.
I am looking forward to reading more!
What a great idea, love it!
Love this website and looking forward to your podcasts!
Exciting!!!! Fresh new way to educate. Mahalo. I love the social justice element
Thank you Keola
Exciting!!!! Fresh new way to educate. Mahalo.
Exciting!!!! Fresh new way to educate. Mahalo.
I love reading your blogs, its always interesting and well written.
Deep conversations re education to nourish our minds while adding cooking to nourish our bodies ( and our souls). What a terrific idea! Excited to see where this leads.
Really looking forward to future posts and podcasts. Exciting and wonderful content is coming!
I always enjoy reading your thoughtfully written essays. I can’t wait for more! Also, I am looking forward to your podcast.
I am so excited to read more from you in your blog. You always seem to understand what we (educators) are feeling & facing in these challenging times.
Cooking and dancing, what a creative concept!
This is awesome and refreshing! Can’t wait to learn and see more!