Going on Pointe? My Best Tips! | Pointe Shoe Advice | Start Dancing on Pointe | Kathryn Morgan

If you are working to get on pointe, I am here to help! Today I give you all of my tips for making going on pointe a bit easier. We talk pre pointe exercises, strength, fitting tips, how to approach class, and more. PLUS, I have an amazing offer for you from my incredible friend and trainer, Allie Christensen.
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Hi I'm Kathryn!
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. Let's bring the joy back to ballet! You will see many different kinds of videos here including ballet classes, workouts, Q and A sessions, life advice, performances, beauty tutorials, technique tips, and more. I hope you find all of my videos helpful!
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[@SuzanneStrom]

I'm a 'more mature' dancer who started ballet at age 50 (which was over 10 years ago!). I went on pointe several years ago (you do the math. . .) and I absolutely love it. In hopes that it might encourage someone, here are some of the things I've learned as probably one of the oldest 'on pointe' dancers out there (maybe we should start a club??). 1. If you are not young you need to take it REALLY slowly and not compare your progress to anyone else's. After about 4 years I can do pointe in center now including a few simple turns but am still working toward a pirouette, something that many 12-year-olds can do. Yay for them! Yay for me! 2. Mindset is a good 50% of the process if not more. And don't discount your mindset - it's actually reasonable and healthy to fear teetering around on tiny, stiff papier-maché boxes. At the same time, trust your body, often it can do more than you think! Especially with baby steps! 3. Do anything you can to get properly fitted shoes (thank you, Josephine!). And as Kathryn says, that fit will change as you progress and your feet shape, your muscles, and your technique change. It's so hard at first, when you have literally NO IDEA what these strange things are supposed to feel like, so you have to have an experimental mindset. Including with the padding, elastics, etc., etc. 4. I really didn't make much progress until I did pointe work 3 times per week, twice in class and once more with one of Kathryn's pointe barre videos (oh man that Harry Potter one still does me in. . .). Once I was able to do a full pointe barre at least once a week my improvement really accelerated. 5. Have fun and be proud! No matter what your level, you are doing something amazing and beautiful! And I want to give a shout-out to my wonderful teacher, who has been nothing but encouraging and supportive - gratitude to all teachers out there!

[@healingdreamwork]

We should DEFINITELY start a club! I'm with you, fellow "silver swan"! I returned to ballet at age 45 (after working at and being in love with the art form from ages 8-30). I am now 15+ years past 45 --I've found nothing as empowering as the feeling of being on pointe and staying there - held by your own strength... wondering now if I could return to pointe work after pandemic pauses etc. Grateful for Kathryn Morgan - for SO many reasons --and for your post! (Thinking of signing up for KM's adult intensive this summer!??)

[@PaigeBartholomew]

I’m 53 and just starting pointe! Thank you Kathryn for your videos! They keep me in shape when I can’t get to class!!

[@VickyBrehm]

@@PaigeBartholomew Hi Paige, I just wanted to say - I too am 53 and have just been fitted for my first pair of pointe shoes! I start pointe class tomorrow.

[@MoonyAJ]

I'm a singer, not a dancer, but I find that so much of these "dancer's mindset"/"learning advice" videos are so useful for singing as well! Taking your time, slowly building up your technique with lots of repetition, doing little bits stretched out over a long time rather than spending loads of time all at once, not trying to rush from one skill to another but waiting until you're nice and comfortable with one skill before you introduce the next... these things are super-relevant for classical singing too!

[@micaelaferreira8337]

My daughter is on pointe since October and I would like to add 2 extra tips that were given to me by experienced dancers. 1- Prepare your fitting. I took my time looking for a good fitter, I got some advice on the most likely shape of shoe for her and I called ahead making sure they had potencial good shoes available, that they had plenty of time for her, etc. We had to travel a bit for the fitting but we had an amazing day: she did try a lot of shoes, the fitter was amazing and we had plenty of time and I took a lot of pictures. This seems obvious but she has a friend who did not went prepared and she was rushed and has terrible shoes. My daughter has been having a great time on pointe and she has no issues with the shoes. 2- This tip is much more importante: learn about foot care. I spent as much time researching for foot care as I spent researching for shoes. She broke a toe when she was younger and we both took our time learning about foot care and what to do after pointe class. She hasn't had any blisters or any issues other than sore muscles. She loves your Disney classes, thank you :)

[@Amy-ey9il]

This is great. I haven’t been on pointe in 23 years and I need to think like a beginner. So much has changed…including my feet. I would love to see more Beginner pointe classes.

[@angelsapphire6088]

Your pointe classes have been extremely helpful on here for my first year on point! Because of my work schedule, I was not able to take the beginner point classes - so my teacher let me take the intermediate which is after I work. So using your beginner videos on point (especially the Harry Potter point class :) ), I have been able to get some of the beginner essentials and also learn how they are used in the intermediate classes. My pointe teacher the other day told me I was doing very well :) Also - I am 25.

[@kathryn_morgan]

Amazing!

[@hillarymichelle]

Okay. I know I’m super old but I just turned 30 and I’m restarting my own ballet journey and had doubts I would never be able to get on pointe again. You just gave me so much hope!

[@maryprice6090]

Thank you for all of your incredible videos. As an adult dancer I never thought pointe was in the cards for me. I had it on my "bucket list" for about 20 years. After finding a fantastic studio and 2 and half years of extremely hard work, I finally for my pointe shoes. It has been a huge learning curve. I am so grateful for your videos these past 7 years. They were an amazing preparation for me.

[@ezdoyle701]

More beginner pointe classes would be amazing!!

[@susannarita4259]

This is perfect timing! I'm getting my first pointe shoes tomorrow - super excited as an adult dancer, it feels like I'm rewarding the little girl inside

[@anikaxmeisel]

Just getting back to pointe after a couple years off! I already feel so much stronger after 6 classes. Your video on pirouettes helped me a lot! I used to be able to do so many en pointe. Slowly getting out of my “scared” phase with turns

[@judithricca6915]

Hi Katie, I am not a gorgeous dancer, I am a gorgeous balletomane. 😉 I enjoy your videos I learn so much, which enables me to enjoy performances even more. It is always important to have knowledge behind why one enjoys something. Young dancers are fortunate to have you as a resource.

[@MolissaSmithy]

Yes please begin pointe classes would be great. I’m a adult beginner and would love some good online classes today in between studio classes

[@PaigeBartholomew]

YES PLEASE DO MORE BEGINNER POINTE CLASSES!!!!!!!!

[@chilanya]

I teach pointe to recreational students, ages 15 to 30. you make excellent points in the video! it's so much fun to guide them through this exciting time, first time on pointe! but i will also let them know ahead of time we will be going slow and focusing on strength and control. first classes we will go off the barre for a bit but only to do tendus and other things that don't require relevés. just walking in new pointe shoes with some grace is already quite a new thing to learn.

[@elenavaldez5895]

About the snug fit for pointe shoes, there's another important thing. Katherine is talking about 'traditional' shoes, but there's also other materials (gaynors) that doesn't give up that easily after certain period of time, they won't get much bigger and die the same way the traditional shoes would. So the fit has to be done with that in mind plus all the other details about foot changing its form after warm up etc...

[@thelightdivining]

Can I just say, as a non dancer ( not anymore) that you look really wonderful in these last videos? Really healthy and glowing of satisfaction ☺️. I began with pointe at ten after five years of training, and I remember how hard it was, the blood at the end of the day. But to go on stage on pointe for the first time two years after, was an absolute joy.

[@kilandrayeuxdoux2804]

I am now off of physical therapy. Yeah!!!! And now am able to do some barre work (baby steps though) and find it extremely fun too. 🥰 Remember everyone that even with pointe shoes - baby steps turn into beautiful moments.

[@samanthataveras5891]

Can you make some more back to basics pointe videos?? 💗

[@Mel-xz8dc]

What would you advise for adults who can't find beginner adult pointe classes ?? Thank you 😊

[@ainsley.cotton.05]

I’ve been en pointe for a couple years now. That’s pretty new so I like watching videos like these for little nuggets!

[@Augeta10]

LOVE IT! Thank you kathy! And I echo so well that to have a real teacher to start with. I absolutely LOVE following your pointe classes and think they're even better excercises than my old teacher. But when I first went onto pointe, my teacher was so important there to explain and observe my feet, posture, and how to use my feet and ankles safely. Looking forward to more pointe classes from you Kathy!

[@CorinnePina]

Thank you! I don’t have a teacher right now, but love your beginning pointe videos. I did pointe years ago. I feel like it’s a great feet strength workout ( in addition to theraband) just to do some tendus and going through that demi-pointe to pointe and back. It’s so much work. I only do about 20 minutes after 1 or 2 of your other videos. I do feel my ankles and feet are getting stronger . I promise I won’t attempt anything fancy without a teacher. Love 🩰❤️🩰 and thank you always for your great classes and inspiration.

[@Genin99]

I've found a ballet school that teaches adults, just simply by Googling adult ballet classes where I live.

[@CorinnePina]

Which school?

[@Genin99]

@@CorinnePina It's a school in Montreal called Ballet Divertimento

[@pineappledanceschool6841]

Kathryn: You are the best! Thank you for all the research and care you put into your teaching! You are an inspiration!!!

[@brendastevens9077]

Yes I would Love some Pointe Videos. I would Love to go back on Pointe. Although I was in High School the last time I danced Pointe.😊💝

[@georgiarichards4923]

Great video! Could you make a video on how to get over your box?

[@andreakron]

Love this encouragement….I have been teaching anatomy for dancers and giving students a 6 week anatomy and injury prevention course as well as sewing….xoxo

[@jenniferharris7633]

Your videos/tutorials are so fun to watch, and I've never danced a day in my life.

[@RomySews]

It’s really interesting hearing about this. When I was a kid/teens I did ballet/tap/modern and when we were about 15 we were offered to go on pointe but I said no because I had dodgy knees and flat feet and wasn’t that confident in ballet. I don’t think the girls who did do pointe were properly prepped or trained, they did a bit of extra pointe class but I think they had bad habits from what I’ve learned from you since. I’m glad I never did it as much as I’d have loved to try because I’d probably have messed up my feet and knees even more

[@bevturquoise4651]

I love these videos! Thanks for caring Kathryn.

[@PaigeBartholomew]

More point classes please!!!!!

[@naomi.j.m.]

Wonderfully timed video! I am in high school and just got my pointe shoes last week! I have been hoping to get on pointe for a long time, but was set back by losing my dance studio. However I have found a new one and I am so excited to finally have achieved my goal! I am just hoping it's not too late.

[@fangzhouzhao2489]

It is a nice video. Could I ask if men can also learn pointe works and put on pointe shoes? They are gorgeous.

[@MargueriteFan]

Thanks!

[@CorinnePina]

I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to attend the Pointe Screening Day during your Adult Summer Retreat . I also enjoyed your Pointe Classes. It was hard, but I enjoyed every second of it. I can only do things with 2 hands on the bar and 2 feet on the floor. Now I’m on my own again and try to do it very carefully at home. I also signed up for Allie’s Pointe Strength Program and hope this helps. ❤🩰❤️🩰

[@floralscene]

Thanks for this. I am an adult learner 7 years in steadily. How can I know when I am ready to start Point work?

[@nikifoertsch2405]

Such valuable advice!!

[@caitlinbenallack835]

I always struggled with pointe because my feet swelled so much. I once went and had a shoe fitting after class when my feet were warm. When I put them on at the beginning of my next class, I could slide two or three fingers into them. If I wore a shoe that fit at barre, I was in agony in center with the flesh of my feet bubbling up over the box, looking like a busted can of biscuits. I just couldn’t win. There wasn’t anywhere to warm up at the studio before class, and I live in a cold climate so my feet always started sooo cold. That said, it was the early 2000s, and I wonder of there are now better shoes and training strategies that could have helped me.

[@gabrielle4821]

I think they might give you two different shoes nowadays! I’ve heard of people switching to a smaller/bigger shoe mid week and I don’t see why you couldn’t do it mid class.

[@alexliu5595]

It's pretty hard to find decent fitters in Paris. It may seem crazy, but there are only two good fitters in Paris: Bloch and Freed (haven't tried Freeds yet). So we don't have much choice... Local brands such as Repetto and Merlet are very specific and don't work with me. Capezio, Gaynor Minden, Grishko are quite hard to find in Paris... I wish Josephine Lee would come to France to do a fitting!

[@micaelaferreira8337]

That's interesting. I am in Portugal and my daughter had an amazing fitting in a small shop. They had so much variety and she was fitted the perfect shoe. I was definitely consider a fitting in Paris when I was planning to go but I guess I'll stick with BalletShop 😅

[@Estertje93]

I told my fitter, hey, my feet shrink A LOT when they warm up. I had warmed up my feet beforehand, put on my shoes, and she says 'you're in a size too small' After the 6th pair of shoes she takes it back 😅 she said she could see my feet shrink with every shoe we tried on 😅😅 Sinking is a huge issue with me, lambs wool is my savior, i put a wad under my smaller toes and it is night and day I tell you.

[@katharinaspeelman1623]

Currently suffering a toe injury from pointe and recovering

[@IrisBarnesBalletDiaries]

Hi Kathryn! I'm having a lot of trouble with turnout, especially en pointe. I have done clamshells every this month and I don't feel like there working.

[@margotmcmanomanowitz5808]

“Try Everything” is my ANTHEM 😂

[@avwel3827]

Already thanks!!🙏🙏❤❤ How about when you already have bunions already? Is there any chance you can still get on points or not at all?

[@kathryn_morgan]

Bunions are not a "make or break" thing for pointe. So you can still get on pointe with them!

[@avwel3827]

@@kathryn_morgan wow!! That would be awesome! Thanks a lot for your answer!!🙏❤❤

[@anikaxmeisel]

You might ask the fitter about toe spacers!

[@mermaidopulence8539]

When I got my first pair of pointe shoes on 2006 the lady doing the fitting didn't know what she was doing and basically just gave us a shoe and said go with this. Let's just say that wasn't the best time en pointe for me. Also I love Zootopia and I instantly started singing that when you said that.

[@Deinareia]

I really wish the shops here actually stored more than one brand :D Here, it's basically one brand per city. So you really need to have an idea of what will probably fit you.

[@brianne9]

I've been en pointe for 20 years now! However, a bit of time off during lockdowns and flare ups of old injuries has me basically back at square one and working mostly on strengthening at the barre. Pointework gives me so much anxiety now to the point of feeling queasy when I have to let go of my security blanket (barre) and do center work that I've been fully capable of in the past. Getting over the psychological fear is my biggest challenge. But I'm stubborn and refuse to give it up. It's all a bit frustrating to say the least.

[@kathleenmayorga822]

Can you tell us your make up colors

[@cf8595]

the hardest part of pointework is...preparing the shoes. I basically hate being on pointe because I hate sewing

[@KayoEll]

Recommendations for people whose teachers insist on certain brands of pointe shoes? In rural areas, we may only have one studio in a 60+ mile radius, so "just find a studio where they understand that you should be in the shoe that is most appropriate for you" isn't an option.

[@nessagirl1911]

I hear some of Josephine's wisdom there😉

[@JGreen-le8xx]

Katie❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😄

[@maddie107]

I now have the Shakira song in my head 😁😁

[@kathryn_morgan]

Right!?

[@Genin99]

Since my flat shoes feel looser during a class, I guess I'm a shrinker, Since my ballet teacher said that the loose feeling is normal.

[@gracey4958]

I had no idea I liked an energetiks🤣

[@susanbrownstein3971]

Soooo repetitive…

[@Emptynestballerina1]

My dance teacher told us to pick a partner then she left the room and the person I asked said no .