Dancing Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty

This is the story of how I got and first danced the role of Aurora in the Sleeping Beauty with New York City Ballet. I love telling you stories of my ballet career. It's a tale of true ups and downs, including a sprained ankle in a dress rehearsal. Hopefully it will show you that's it's not always about beautiful tutus and tiara. Welcome back to #onceuponapointe!
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I am a former soloist with the New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet. When I was a young student, I was always looking for insights into the ballet world and how to improve my dancing as well as beauty and lifestyle tips. Now that I am a professional, it is my turn to share.
On my channel I make ballet, beauty, and lifestyle videos for everyone of all ages. My goal is help dancers improve and achieve their dreams as well as open up the ballet world to non dancers. You will see many different kinds of how-to videos here including makeup, hair, ballet workouts and exercises, Q and A sessions, lifestyle advice, and DIY on this channel. I hope you find all of my videos helpful!
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[@Alexis-ic4xl]

"When in doubt flap and look miserable" 😂

[@kathryn_morgan]

YEP haha. Swan Lake in a nutshell 🦢

[@Calliopeigh]

Should be printed on a shirt!

[@Snips.Snails.Fairytales]

I came to comment this, but you beat me to it 😆 just gonna put that next to "where'd she go" and "oh great! An old man doll! Just what I've always wanted!"

[@cat56789]

The definition of Swan Lake😂😂😂

[@carolinacosta6234]

@@Calliopeigh That could turn into a cool partnership between Katie and Cloud&Victory!

[@JoieFoster]

"I'm never the one who assumes I'm going to get it; I'm always the one who assumes I'm in trouble." - 11/10 me at my job too

[@clairewaldroup1906]

Joie Foster same that’s totally me!

[@jenmareck8669]

Yeah that's me in a nutshell.

[@kellym587]

Can I just say I teared up when you quoted Peter.... “You are Aurora.” Amazing. Love this story! ❤️❤️

[@kathryn_morgan]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@kiaraeijo]

Me too!

[@mariapapira]

Me too. So touching…

[@mathildewesendonck7225]

„Aurora‘s biggest problem is that she is asleep“ 😂😂😂 Love that 😊

[@LumiereSwan]

Hey, I just wanted to tell you that the decision that you made recently sets a precedent and thanks to you and some others who are speaking up the ballet world is going to be a better and safier place in the future. You are amazing, thank you for everything you do to the ballet community. You will still shine but in places that give you a proper (and decent) treatment. Go get them queen!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you so much Paula! I truly appreciate it ❤️

[@anikaxmeisel]

I’d love to see a video with you and tiler talking about your time together at nycb!

[@jntbleger]

You should make a t shirt that says, “ When in doubt, flap and look miserable.”

[@kathryn_morgan]

I should!

[@cherryji2422]

YAS!!

[@megan88]

YES whit a swangirlsiluett behind the text or something

[@evancarlson1634]

Or “Aurora’s biggest problem is that she’s asleep *dead serious face*” 😂

[@sedekiman824]

Lovely story! I think Fonteyn said the only 4 Act ballet she couldn't do twice in one day!

[@claireeebee]

"When in doubt, flap and look miserable". Hahaha, love that!

[@skatergirl8019]

This is an emotional rollercoaster!!!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Oh yes!

[@BreatheCarolinna]

You know you’re a big Kathryn Morgan fan when - Katie: “I was not a soloist yet, this was May, I was promoted to soloist..” Me: in October Katie: “..in October.” 😂❤️

[@kathryn_morgan]

Amazing! Love it haha

[@ritatouilles00]

I missed your stories so much!! Not only is this great advice for those who want to be professionals, but it is also very encouraging to hear you for those who do ballet as a "serious hobby" like me. Thank you so much Katie

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you Rita!

[@kipklop975]

I think they cast you in all the classical ballets in winter season also to show the audience more of you and what you're capable of (I.e. classical ballets), to really build up to your Aurora debut (: It seems the faculty really helped you out a lot and believed in you. Great story.

[@strawberry1025]

I have two youtube windows open watching this. One to hear you tell the story of dancing the role and the other watching the videos of you actually dancing Aurora. Absolutely lovely to both watch your 'effortless' artistry and hear the story of the blooming hard work and committment that brought it to fruition.

[@pixiedustsisters1666]

I was a Page and Tree in Sleeping Beauty as a SAB student in 2010 this first season you did Aurora! You're my favorite dancer and my idol now and it's amazing to me that I got to share that stage with you!

[@mcgil8891]

That's awesome

[@junebug2705]

Hi Kathryn Morgan, when I grow up I want to be a professional ballet dancer I'm eleven right now but, I just wanted to say I really love your videos they are very helpful! When I'm fifteen I will be going to Atlanta ballet center for dance education because that is the company I want to be in. :)💖💖💖

[@kathryn_morgan]

Good for you! And thank you!

[@junebug2705]

@@kathryn_morgan oh my goodness! Thank you so much for replying, you are my biggest inspiration!!!💖💖💖😍💓

[@karenkingrey6142]

We’ve missed you!! 😉

[@paulajemima34]

I loved this OnceUponaPointe - can't imagine the strength required to dance Aurora with a sprained ankle for your debut and no full dress rehearsal! And at only 20yrs old! Your Aurora is you the most authentic and breathtakingly beautiful Aurora. Can't wait to see you perform it again x

[@shandah.1982]

These are my favorite type of videos and I will definitely be watching this instead of my online school😂

[@kathryn_morgan]

Love it! 😂

[@KittyHurryUp]

Your story motivates me so much! Even that I could never be professional, i hear often that people love seeing me dancing and it’s like a magic done to me 😊

[@juliafelicione2667]

your ability to hold steady and step up to the plate as the underdog - through illness, injury, inexperience, lack of rehearsal, whatever - I think that is something that every young dancer and young woman should take a second to learn from you

[@melaniegill196]

I loved this!! You are a great story teller! I was laughing at one point and even teared up a little when you talked about your conversation with Peter. What an incredible memory to look back on!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@kierafitzgerald8062]

Love ‘Once upon a pointe!’ Missed them. :)

[@cece121234]

Wonderful story! Cannot wait for the next barre and have loved all your online classes.

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you so much!

[@the_dancerjen1773]

There are so many moments of this video that are so wonderful. Just hearing you talk about your experience in a honest way is so refreshing AND when you were talking about audience reaction at the gala, I was brought to a moment I had (on a smaller scale) of reacting to the applause I had received for a performance that always will stick with me. I miss the stage and studio so much and I long for it again. Thank you Katie for sharing your story!

[@MsLadyAustin]

I love your comment about it’s not about the tricks or being cookie cutter, but it’s about the stories you can tell and what you can leave the audience with. I try to instill in my students every day I teach them.

[@wendychampness1901]

Great story and by the way, I think your makeup and top really make your eyes pop ❤

[@ChuckSmallvilleLOTR]

Great discussion about strengths and weaknesses. I always find myself comparing myself to other people, knowing that you did that too is so encouraging

[@devanalaya]

I missed you! Your videos got me through quarantine!

[@milica8979]

Katie, you look stunning here! Good to see you doing well -- you deserve it! :-) I was wondering: are you planning on doing a life/career update video about leaving Miami?

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you so much! And most likely! Because there are some things I need to speak up about. :)

[@bridgetf88]

totally agree that she’s gorgeous here...but she left miami? did i miss that announcement?

[@milica8979]

@@bridgetf88 There hasn't been an announcement, but I heard her say it in an interview on Instagram, so I figured she wouldn't mind me mentioning it here. I'd be interested to hear what happened.

[@thebookwyrmslair6757]

@@kathryn_morgan GREAT JOB leaving where they obviously didn't appreciate you!! You are better than their narrow minds.

[@deepwaterbluesky]

I missed you! Was just thinking about how I miss your commentaries. I’ll take stories too, though! You look so healthy and happy!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@Fairly-odd-kel]

I love these, been waiting for this one

[@angelinaningpiano]

Hi, I love your ballet barres! Everyday during quarantine, I did your ballet barre and because of that, I was able to move up a level one year early! I might be able to start pointe soon because of you! P.S. I’m waiting for a new ballet barre 😂😂😂

[@samanthapaines2938]

Hi Katie, I am by no means a ballet dancer but I just love your videos so much and am so inspired by you xx Please could you do a once upon a point where you talk more about your friendships with the other dancers e.g Tyler, Tiler, Robbie, Seth ... I'd love to hear about your favorite dancing and normal moments while you were in NYCB?

[@sabinamaria]

I am so early haha!! I LOVE your once upon a pointe videos!! They are so lovely!!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@awiddy]

I love the #OnceUponaPointe series so much and I miss your stories! I'd love to hear more about your experiences and it would be fun if you had other dancers as guests who could also speak about their exciting first roles, funny stage experiences, etc.

[@zrashid3350]

I found you during quarantine and following your videos has been one of the things keeping me active. Thanks for making youtube vids, you're such an inspiration and you seem very kind. Idk, I find your videos very comforting haha

[@meaghan8740]

I just love these videos:) I find them so interesting and fun. You are such a wonderful storyteller!!! Oh and you look so gorgeous ( as always!) :):)

[@kathryn_morgan]

Awww thank you so much!!!

[@Walkinthewoods-u2q]

You are a natural storyteller📚😀I look forward to all your once upon a pointes🥰

[@ashleyperez2085]

I love your video’s so much!!! Keep doing what you do!💓💓💓💓

[@amybloomfield4834]

So glad OUAP is back!! Love your stories :-)

[@Berriesofafeather1122]

Yay Kathy!! We miss you! Also thank you so much for the barre videos btw. It helps me a lot since I cannot afford classes BC of college and stuff💜💖💖

[@bethanhughes9448]

I don’t dance, but I’m absolutely fascinated by your stories!

[@mcgil8891]

Same lol😂

[@francinafedele1308]

Hi Kathryn! I don't know if you remember me from private lessons (probably not lol). I loooove this video so much! It's is such an amazing story

[@kathryn_morgan]

Of course I remember you Francine! You’re a star! Congrats! That’s amazing! Really use your plié and use your back for those Swan arms 🦢

[@francinafedele1308]

@@kathryn_morgan Wow!!!! Yay!!!! thank you so so much!! I will defiantly use my back 🦢🩰💗 Thanks so much for responding!

[@vermillion9nelson188]

Hello! I really enjoy your insights. I would like to request that you consider doing a video on musicality. It's something that everyone mentions as being important and, yet, no one ever says anything beyond that. I was fortunate enough to have a class on musicality during a summer intensive when I was, I think, 10 or12 years old. It was an absolute game-changer for me and I think it would be extremely beneficial to other dancers who hear the word "musicality" but can't define it and don't know how to do it. I look forward to the next class you post. It sounds intriguing.

[@biologynerd3]

She has a video on musicality! If you search her channel you should be able to find it.

[@alyssawatkins8764]

Your hair looks gorgeous!! Have always loved your videos from the beginning ❤️

[@MaggieHasper]

Omg I’ve missed this kind of videos 🥰

[@muffin_heart]

Yesss!!! Another once upon a pointe! Sadly, I have math homework...

[@gabsy6443]

I love your zoom classes, I hope they will continue for a lot longer 💕💕💕

[@EnchantingWings1]

While I've not been to class in a very long time (psoriasis affecting my ears, my knees aching more and more), I've had my "you are Aurora" moment. At my old studio, we did a 5 and a half minute version of Cinderella, but it was with the live action film music. I was chosen to be the Fairy Godmother. I was on stage pretty much all the time from after stepmother and stepsisters had to the ball. I woke up the little mice (yes, we had the 5 years and under girls dancing the mice and yes, it was adorable), I transformed the dress... Then became a guest at the ball. It was a role I loved and people really loved me dancing that part as well. The wand was this clear at the top and pink and the bottom light up wand that I bought at a Guy Fawkes night bonfire and fireworks event. It shimmered different colours when it was on, or it changed colours. Kids loved to take out room me during rehearsals XD But yeah, people lived be dancing and playing the part of the Fairy Godmother.

[@jessieborrell1856]

As always, I love your stories

[@michellec3871]

Wow this story is so intense! You tell it so well😂😊

[@emmam1282]

My tiny little company (I’m a student) did Sleeping Beauty last year for our spring production and it was *killer* we hardly have 20 something dancers so trying to fill all the roles was challenging. I had about 5 or 6 on my own so I defiantly agree it is the hardest ballet

[@ym_yongmai]

This story is so inspiring!

[@margaretblount4794]

This is amazing! Also, I'd love to see a video on this makeup, you look great! Mostly I want to know what lipstick this is

[@kristen1881]

You are a great storyteller. Thank you for sharing. It really feels like I'm listening to a friend.

[@dariask904]

The passion and genuineness is shining through you when you tell us about your life as the professional dancer :) Love listening to your stories not only because they give us a peek into your life, or life of a ballet dancer, but also because of your wonderful happy spirit and inspiring words. Thank you for sharing this story with us! :)

[@ScreamingNeonDinosau]

I can't believe this never came up in my subscriptions

[@judaxa]

I missed these videos so much!

[@gabbyc7217]

This was a wonderful story! Also I can’t wait until your fall Kathryn Morgan haul!!💕

[@bridgetmorrow7629]

This is so motivating for me. Thank you so much Ms. Morgan!!! I am thirteen, and I do ballet. I am in a class where all the girls are older than me and are already friends, and I know I’m not as good as they are with moves or technique, but I try to put my heart into my dancing.

[@bridgetmorrow7629]

What helped you most in gaining confidence in dancing? I struggle tremendously with that. 😭

[@christinecardimen544]

Just amazing!

[@charliefields3859]

You're a wonderful storyteller. I always love OUAP.

[@penelopepolinsneemeyer4757]

So lovely to see you back Katie! Thank you for sharing the story with us xxxxxxxxxxx

[@kryswilson2743]

You have amazing ballet talent Kathryn

[@bonniehawkins2979]

Thank you.

[@ryleecweaver]

I am so glad you are back!! I absolutely love your Once Upon a Pointe videos!! ☺️♥️

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@ryleecweaver]

@@kathryn_morgan You're welcome!

[@lanakranjcevic2752]

this video is sooo fun, loved it💕

[@mfranziska1656]

Have you ever done odette/odile with nycb? If so can you do a storytime on that too? Btw i looove your videos you are a true inspiration!!!

[@ellier2762]

yay ily so much!!!!

[@Poppy-]

This was totally a Jaws thing. 🦈 The tape literally bit your shoe! I'm glad that you had that chance of being, and still be, Aurora ☺️👸🏻🩰. This is a wonderful story of coming of age and perseverance.

[@Poppy-]

And may I add: your videos were so helpful during quarantine that I was disappointed of my return to the studio Tuesday: too easy after Katie 🤭

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Love it!

[@cat56789]

You are a warrior you did R+J in 3 hours and just got thrown into it!!! You also did sleeping beauty with a sore ankle that was sprained BRAVA👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@jennylunn9639]

Really great -thank you so much

[@kiaraeijo]

I love Sleeping Beauty! My flute’s name is Aurora! My question for you is What’s the difference between dancing in New York City Ballet and dancing with Miami City Ballet? I’m currently working on the Flute excerpt from Sleeping Beauty. I had something happen in my Senior Recital where my undergrad piano teacher (He was my main pianist) where I was on stage with him and I was so nervous that I forgot to bow before we played. I remember after playing each piece that I played with him (We played two pieces together), I went next to him, he grabbed my hand and he said “That was beautiful”. The rehearsal that I had with him about two and a half weeks before, I had a panic attack that was so bad that I vomited and after that rehearsal as I was packing my flute, he said “I have no doubt that you’re gonna pass your hearing. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine”

[@maryamayman2020]

This is really helpful and fun to watch! Can you please do a video how to improve balance on pointe? I love you❤️🥰

[@AmyB369]

I love sleeping beauty

[@goosesmommy6626]

What a story. You must’ve been so upset thinking you might not be able to debut Aurora. You were just a baby! And oh so beautiful in that role!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@JGreen-le8xx]

Katie❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😄

[@TheJollyGiant18]

❤️❤️❤️

[@annasahlstrom6109]

My right ankle is my nemesis. I have sprained it more times than I can count.

[@ryleecweaver]

I already commented, but a question for you just popped into my head, I was wondering what thera-band you would suggest for pre-pointe work? My teacher wants me to get one, but I don't know which would be the best choice. I was also wondering if you will do another Ask Katie video? I guess I had two questions...☺️

[@celiap.1949]

"When in doubt flap and look miserable"

[@monongahelacats]

I laughed so hard at that! It may work for ballet, but for my office job, not so much! Hahaha!

[@charlotte-vq1kz]

Katie, have you stopped dancing with Miami City Ballet? You aren't listed on their website anymore... I just hope everything is okay and that you are doing well!

[@fasuleolabisi5890]

I really love your videos.they are really helpful. PS I just started a new KZbin channel and I will be posting soon

[@anaroy1422]

🤩🤩🤩

[@zeinabkouaider4822]

I love your so much, 😍😍😍😘😘😘😘

[@madhumitasur5614]

Is it very important to wear ballet shoes for dancing?

[@Estertje93]

Yes, they give you some friction on the floor versus socks. Bare foot doesn't work for turns. So yes, they are important. Some people like socks on more slippery floors though, because the sweat makes it less slippery (gross but it works 😅)

[@madhumitasur5614]

@@Estertje93 Thankyou so much actually I am from India and love ballet but I am not getting it anywhere its my dream to become dancer

[@Estertje93]

@@madhumitasur5614 just practice and stretch as much as you can and try to find a teacher when you can!

[@madhumitasur5614]

@@Estertje93 In India ballet is very very rare so I am not getting any teacher.😔and that's the reason I practise from the videos

[@cat56789]

Can you do more commentary videos? I ❤ them

[@kathryn_morgan]

Yes!

[@kryswilson2743]

Can we dance a pas de deux together

[@APetula]

those could become podcasts. just saying...

[@viiviwagner3240]

No wonder so much of stress got you sick