Improve Your Dancing FASTER | Tips for Ballet Technique | Kathryn Morgan

[@VeryMerryKim]

I remember in rehearsals the director would say "okay, now do it without the mirrors" and would close the blinds they had that hung over the mirrors. It changed EVERYTHING. We always freaked out 😂 Now I film myself instead of using a mirror (because I'm doing kitchen ballet, haha) and I learn a lot more about what I'm doing/not doing.

[@nikifoertsch9878]

Wonderful idea!

[@holtoncha]

You know something, I started ballet a couple of years back as an adult and I've been in a show and I can do some quite advanced moves aswell now. Just goes to show you can do it at any age if you put the time in. 💕

[@yellowstickers394]

Thank you for this comment. I started ballet at 14, but ever since COVID started I haven’t been back since. I am 20 now, but I was worried that it was too late for me, but you gave me hope.

[@juliafelicione2667]

I really needed the last tip about Rome not being built in a day and it really helped me when you brought in other sports. Sometimes I get so caught in my head and feel like I've lost all sense athleticism (I was a former gymnast and I played softball through college) because I'll do something that looks (insanely) uncoordinated when I watch it back or I'll identify a muscle weakness or something. I think coming from another sport or style of dance can be extremely hard ego-wise because you're used to being able to at least somewhat grasp things on the first try. The flip side to that though is that I came into ballet already knowing the type of work I'd have to put in, I already knew what pain to push through and what pain to back away from, and I'd already figured out how to get myself motivated to get the numbers in when I'm feeling less than inspired. Seeing those self-taped videos get better and better really helps too- it's a nice reminder that i'm at least doing some things right, even if there's still a lot of things wrong :) love you to death my dear, you've helped me SO much this last year

[@kathryn_morgan]

So true Julia! And yes- it’s so hard to remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. I struggle with that too! Love you back!!

[@jenniferthamrin3887]

I started ballet again at 16 and the mirror has always been my constant guide. Now my epaulment is a disaster because of it 😅

[@JessicabelliciMa1]

Seriously I have a bad mental state. And you made me realized this. Ill try to be more self compassionate within myself.

[@lezachary5678]

I just have to say how inspiring you are to me. This past years has been a rough time to be a dancer and you seem to always be there to offer your help! Can’t thank you enough! ❤️

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it.

[@emmysparks7307]

Whenever I mess up instead of getting upset or acting mad I kinda just laugh and brush it off, accidents happen and sometimes they're funny! And it helps to tell yourself that it's silly over telling yourself you're a bad dancer

[@rachellynncreates2703]

I need to show this to my daughter. We keep telling her that she has to put in the work to see the progress.

[@pheart2381]

Tip for people with small rooms filming barre,try filming legs one day,upper body the next if you cant fit yourself in frame. Not ideal but better than nothing.

[@tamsin7460]

I think a lot of your tips actually apply across other learning experiences. I'm a doctor and I do the once a week aim, I do the not beating myself up and being positive. These are positive skills to learn whatever your walk in life.

[@madelineb5184]

Many many times I have regretted not filming my dancing. I’ll look at a video of me performing onstage and go “I had no idea I looked like this!” Should have taken a video so I could have made those corrections. Today I tried to film some pirouettes and realized I let my arms collapse and they aren’t round enough in my turns. Now I have something new to work on!

[@bridgetmorrow7629]

Putting myself down has always been tough for me. I’m in a class where all the girls are two years+ older than me, and I’m always scared I’ll never be as good as them. :(

[@gerbertela]

I started filming my pirouettes a while ago, and I found out my issue was that I was leaning SO much to one side. I really didn't "feel" it or "see it in the mirror" when I was in action! I've gotten better because I was able to pinpoint where/when/how I was leaning, and it's thanks to the slo-mo videos!

[@TheAmylou36]

AMEN!!! I adore you for constantly saying "don't cheat!!" 🙏👍❤

[@natalicarmi]

Wow... dear Kathryn, I feel like you hit me right in the spot... take one day at a time, don't be too hard on myself and relax about deadlines... I enjoyed listening to every one of your tips. Allsaw liked what you said about the teacher's prespective about those students who have "pity party"... That's so true. I love your approach to ballet, to the hard work, but always with a smile. You are truely my idol and my insperation to achieve my ballerina dream. simply love you!!! Thank you💗

[@adleighstrickland2952]

girl, I need to 1 listen to all your tips 2 actually do what you are telling us to do 3 send this to all of my friends

[@Kaalokalawaia]

What I love about this advice is that it spans any dance practice not just ballet.

[@sarahlynnstaple565]

this helps so much just how you word things makes so much sense! i have been having a really hard time with turn out and i have been cranking my turn out and it started to hurt me because i though if i crank it i can get it in one day but everything takes time and this video helped me realize that thank you so much!

[@claireinaflower]

I've been so hard and frustrated with myself, this video came at the perfect time! thank you so much

[@awesomesauce23]

The filming yourself thing works. I filmed myself improvising to some music, and it was humbling. I found something I didn't even know that I was doing whenever I start pirouettes. I will definitely use these tips.

[@starsupontheland]

Thank you! Your tips about not cheating or rushing have helped me so much, I might honestly be (more) injured by now without them.

[@JoPaar]

I totally agree. I wish I had knew this 10 years ago. My individual quick tip is to work on your placement first. It has an immense effect of lifting up right for high legs, pirouettes, balances ect. I thought to break it down again to baby basics to fix my placement. I’m doing it for only one week now and I do see a difference . And it feels different already in developpes. Thank you 🙏🏻 💕🍀🩰

[@isabellek6680]

Hey kathryn! I would love a video about jumping practices, maybe like a Center video but with only jumping? I don't come to practice that too often (thank COVID 😂) and would love to improve it! Thanks for all your effort!

[@amyallison3787]

These tips are great!! Especially the film and slow motion, as hard as it is to watch 😂 really seeing what you’re doing and being able to assess progress is the only way to really know. Also being able to show someone else who is knowledgeable, especially now given less studio time for a lot. I find other people can sometimes pick up on things or notice things I don’t see. It’s like having someone else edit your writing! That was the way I learned the best!

[@clararodrigues-cheung5831]

Love the new logo! Your hair looks amazing! Love this video

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you so much!

[@Indiasheawynn79]

Ty for the tips. I liked the one where u said pick a certain thing to focus on each class. Today I think I’m gonna focus on placement. Placement of my feet, hips, arms and everything else. Lots of love!!❤️

[@KalikaInLeather]

Just started watching, but Love the darker hair! Can't wait to hear your tips now of course!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you! ❤️

[@stevenboston9400]

You're so brilliant. I wish someone gave me this advice when I was training as a young dancer

[@patrizia1029]

Thank you! This video is so perfect…in every way. I’ll keep listening to it.

[@pshshshvf]

this is so helpful, i’m listening before class and I really am gonna try to take it slow and let myself really feel things today. thank you:)

[@angelsapphire6088]

Thank you - I'll definitely try videoing myself because I do stare at my dancing in the mirror constantly :D

[@cece121234]

I have been needing this for a long time! Great tips.

[@mumlanmumlan]

Thank you for talking so much about the problems with using the mirror all the time. I'm a dance teacher myself, and mainly work without mirrors, which seems very difficult for people to accept and understand. I've talked about it in blog posts and pod casts, and even wrote a book but many people still think it's some kind of dwell-in-emotion-nevermind-technique hippie thing. But you explain it so clearly, how it's actually about learning technique properly. I feel inspired to go on now.

[@rachelesala6972]

I love it when I get a notification for one of your videos! 😁 Could you possibly do a really good pilates/mat based workout? You have a few on here but, could you do another one? I looove them! I feel so good afterwards. 😃💥💪🏻💪🏻

[@biancahagenberg7471]

I second this! Oh, and I know ads help with financing videos, but would it be possible to have no ads in the middle of the fitness videos? That would be awesome! At beginning or end - no problem! Thanks in advance, Kathryn! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@eleanor.organa]

About the mental state... I feel like there is bad days where you're actually not dancing good and bad days where you just hate yourself. I try to make sure I only have the bad days where I'm not dancing good. For example the other day I was not dancing as well as I normally do, I was falling out of doubles (which I usually don't) and I could have been frustrated but instead I just thought about how happy I was to see all my friends, how happy I was nutcracker was starting, and how happy I was that even if I didn't feel at my best right now, I still had lots of time to improve!

[@aashumi5vora]

REQUEST- could you put up more intermediate and advance center class? I love doing your classes! They have been real saviors

[@jessicajohnson8416]

I'd love a short basic barre (like your pre-performance warm-up). I don't always have time for a full barre, but I love the stretch and focus a quick routine can bring. Thanks!

[@judithricca6915]

Katie, I love watching your videos; I learn so much. I have been a fan of yours since your NYCB days. I am not a dancer, but I did take class as an adult for many, many years. In this particular video your ability to analyze a situation, and pass it on is front and center. I also enjoy your variations videos because I get to see you dance again. Always, All the Best to you.

[@patrizia1029]

This is one of your best talks! So much wisdom and compassion and so much truth! Thank you for using your platform to offer such valuable insights. 🙏💕

[@chilanya]

I love how there so much quality content on the internet for ballet lovers these days!. Thank you so much for putting in the effort and making these hugely useful videos. My requests for future videos would be collaboration with other ballerina channels like Maria Khoreva or Claudia Dean.

[@catarinaproenca6361]

Thank you so much for this video. I´m working very hard to improve my technique and to become a dancer and this helped me to stay strong, so thank you

[@blakejones3176]

Ooh great tips, I’ve definitely had those days where I’ve been really frustrated, I’m now really self conscious about being so annoying 😂😂 Thank you!

[@miezepups15]

I've been doing this regularly for about half a year now. I've also spent a lot of time analysing my own movements and looking at what I do differently in my better side vs my worse side. I've watched you with eagle eyes to see how you're doing various movements. And I've watched a whole lot of how-tos and tips. So, seeing that I'm doing something wrong was only the first step. Finding out what exactly I'm doing wrong ahd how to correct it was a whole nother. But seeing myself improve bit by bit and having aha moments has been really nice, so far. I've also improved so so much more than I did when I went to ballet class again some years ago. The internet is full of great techers. You just have to put in the work to make sobethung out of what they are telling/showing you.

[@mmn958]

Missed you! I'm not much on social media these days (maybe I'm finally catching up with my age, eh? 😀) so I mostly rely on youtube for updates from you. I agree with all the tips you've shared and also with the people below who've said they can be applied to other areas in life, all in all just good advice to make life less sucky lol. Looking forward to the new barre videos! Maybe another strength&stretch video as well? I know there's only this many exercises you could do for cross-training, but seeing them in a different routine always helps motivate me to do them. Stay well, sending much love! 😘💕

[@sydneybowles7102]

I’d love to watch a video covering cross training, how to do it and what not to do!

[@TheMusicMaker311]

It would be fun to have a Disney inspired barre or different barrels based on specfic ballets! Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, etc.

[@kathryn_morgan]

OOHHH... I love this idea... hmmm ❤️❤️

[@savasanatherapies7440]

I love your comment: “It takes longer to rush!” I’ve been doing: “Do less, accomplish more.” It’s been working amazingly 💃

[@edenleath7837]

Thank you so much for this! I love your hair and makeup it looks gorgeous. I would love to have another barre with no barre those were SO helpful for me, I loved doing them. Thank you for all you do!

[@cardamonradio]

The part of about mirrors is SO incredibly true. My studio had to change locations due to a fire this spring, and the new place had absolutely zero mirrors in it. Me and my class have improved so much in the past few months (especially with alignment but other things too) mainly because we didn't have the..crutch, I guess, of the mirror. We really had to feel what we did, instead of seeing it.

[@cf8595]

Your hair looks really wonderful today! that's a nice shape framing your face. You remind me of Belle!

[@mirabojanic8875]

Thank you Kathryn! You are amazing and so helpful. I love this video.

[@ms.kellygolightly]

Thank you so very much for always being straight up. I greatly appreciate it. You’re an inspiration to many.xox

[@jericho9960]

Thank you so much for these awesome tips!! I started a little late as a ballet dancer so I’ve been looking for tips to help me improve quicker!!😊

[@leannlindsey7350]

Loved this video...such great advice. Thank you for posting.

[@xOpheliaDrowningx]

The only good thing besides live online classes from all over the world is that I don't have a huge mirror to dance in front of. Which led me to filming myself. It helps sooooo much. Thanks for your advice!

[@TheMusicMaker311]

Love your tips! I'm going to start picking a focus starting on arms. Could you do a video on doing foot beats/battus?

[@nataliaosipovafan8147]

Thank you so much! Your videos are always so helpful 💕

[@heidirachaelpieterse5109]

You are fabulous! Thank you for this video. Super helpful, wise and funny.

[@joudyabohilal1975]

Amazing Advice and tips, I hope to use this because I VERY often cheat at the Barre! 😅And also your shirt is so cute Love you kathryn ❤️

[@kellyhandler8316]

Thank you Kathryn! Your advice is always so helpful!

[@ec3484]

I would love more center work pls. ❤️ That would mean a lot. Thanks!

[@dronesclubhighjinks]

Regarding the tip about not beating yourself up, this is sage advice for absolutely everyone on earth. You can learn to be your own best friend who supports and reassures you, and who goes everywhere with you. I'm not a dancer, but I fancied myself a relatively high achiever, and I set lofty goals for myself. It wasn't until I had cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) when I was in my 30s that I learned to become my own best friend. I discovered that being kind and supportive towards myself was even more effective than scolding and berating myself. Wow! The reason we do this is a cognitive distortion called "double standard." It means that one treats oneself with different (usually higher) standards than one treats other people. The way you speak to yourself (inner monologue) - would you say that to anybody else? "Ugh my hair looks bad today. I hate how I look in this leotard. Those two girls in the corner are probably talking about me and laughing." Would you say that to a friend? Why do you say it to yourself? Is it fair? Does it help you? You can test it for yourself. Try just for one day to be kind to yourself. If that seems too unrealistic, try doing it for just one hour. And choose the hour when you're most likely to have negative thoughts whether it is dance class or math or PE or whatever. Instead of saying "I can't do this combination right. I feel so stupid. I'm angry at myself because I should be able to get it. Everybody else is getting it." Instead say, "This is hard and everybody else seems to get it so that means I can do it too. What am I doing wrong? How can I help myself to understand it better? If I practice more, I should certainly be able to get it." Look up the term "cognitive distortions" online. There is a list which describes common negative thought patterns that all of us have at some point. If you're feeling down and thinking, "I was so bad today. I'm never going to be a pro five years from now when I turn 18," look up "cognitive distortions" and see which one applies to your thought. When you realize that your thought is a distortion, you can try to take your emotions out of the situation and reassess it. "Instead of getting mad at myself, which is not helping, why don't I go watch that helpful video from Kathryn Morgan again. I think she said Rome wasn't built in a day. She said it's a long process which requires constant work over years. It would help me to hear her say that. There is so much that we can do to help ourselves, to reassure ourselves, to help calm ourselves, to keep a perspective on what's happening in our lives so that one performance or audition or exam is not going to overwhelm everything else. You can be the best friend whom you need who goes everywhere with you! I wish I had known about this when I was a teenager or even in elementary school. You can do it! Good luck!

[@LouisaRubyDDD]

Love the top about using Slow-Mo! I hadn’t thought of that!

[@sigridpetersen7901]

For a video request, I remember you did a barre for upper body/port de bras ages ago (2014, I think). I found it to be an amazing barre to do when I focus on artistry. Maybe you could do a newer similar one if you had the time? I know getting studio time is a nightmare currently, but if it's possible, it would be very appreciated

[@TayaSews]

Yes! That barre is STILL my daily go to for home ballet. I have been doing that barre for nearly 5 years, it's such a great video. I would also love an update version.

[@clarejames8743]

excellent, thank you Kathryn :)

[@sreASEH]

This really blew my mind

[@meltedicecreamfilms]

This is so helpful as always! You give me so much motivation! Thank you so much!

[@veronikalimanskiy9291]

Hello Katie! thank you so much for this video and I can ask you to give me some tips on how to make leg extensions higher because I’ve been working on them for more than a month and it’s still not working out! really appreciate it! thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dangkodoes7429]

Love your content! Sharing away!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@selectedshipper8282]

The mental thing is so helpful

[@DancingFlicka]

My studio always covers the mirrors up with paper the month or so before recital! Very helpful!

[@chris22824]

Spot on!

[@spolums]

Thank you! You look stunning! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@taylormitchell4562]

Hey Kathryn!! Your videos help me so much!! I was wondering if you could do a video on what exercises you recommend aspiring students to do daily? I also have a problem with tucking/ not pulling out of my hips... do your have any tips?? I’m on the waiting list for the Cincinnati Ballet’s summer intensive and I really hope I can go and meet you!!

[@emily-rb5dk]

Love the video! I've been having such an issue on trying to improve quickly but correctly and I've been getting overwhelmed. Im an adult beginner and My teacher doesn't give corrections unless we're on the wrong foot or our arms are wrong. I've been giving myself corrections based on feel and hoping its correct 😬

[@olivia_rcr]

I’ve been looking for something like this! Thanks!

[@beautywearsboots6458]

I only danced recreationally as a kid, but I remember my studio used to cover the mirrors a few times a year to prep for different performances

[@sylviekarow3828]

GREAT Tips, obviously based on huge experience, thank you!

[@elfadashistorias]

I needed this, thank you ❤️

[@jazmynrose5899]

So helpful for your wonderful tips !!!!! Thankyou

[@claireeckhardt4472]

Thank you so much for this Kathryn!!

[@sophie61125.]

Thank you so much for this!!!!

[@nicolerodriguez2130]

That's amazing! I'm going to watch it! ❤❤

[@dilaekim]

Your "barre without barre"s 😍😍❤️❤️

[@DancerDawn018]

I'm feeling a little called out by the last tip, but thank you! I needed to hear that, especially with an audition tomorrow.

[@melaniegill196]

I needed this so bad! Thank you! ♥️🩰

[@cecilymonahan8794]

Thank you for this!

[@kathryn_morgan]

My pleasure!

[@simonethomas4090]

spitting facts

[@sensualcharmm]

ikr this was a great timing

[@Ro-ry6dx]

Just what i needed thank you 💛💛💛

[@catalinaionescu5450]

You are amazing. Thank you!🙏

[@Poppy-]

Yes, quick fix for a long term process. Flexibility develops (hey, I'm more flexible then I ever was), but it takes time. Katie any tips on how to properly stretch? I'm satisfied with my back and port de bras at the moment, but not so great for my turnout in retiré (passé for you).

[@kathryn_morgan]

Make sure you are warm when you stretch and holding them long enough- at least 20 to 30 seconds. Also if you are really tight in the hips, use a tennis ball to roll out beforehand as well. Xoxo

[@mackenzieboudreau9816]

Great tips!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@ritaribeiro15]

What a fantastic video!!

[@nesspan3474]

Hey! I’d love for you to do more floor barre classes!

[@likhayaloyiti4010]

I always play my solos and variations in slomo and I can pick out every single mistake, sometimes it makes me sad 😂😂but it's good

[@carolinehansen00]

I always think I look better in slow motion lol 😂

[@faithd2046]

Thanks so much! This was very helpful

[@natalialynn4285]

Can you do a center just for practicing petite allegro and small jumps (beginner and intermediate)?

[@kylanhiggs7536]

Lovely as ever!

[@jessicawoo9282]

I noticed that some of your more recent videos aren't on the app. Just curious as to why. I really needed to hear these tips as I was beating myself up when I had an off day yesterday due to going back to school again after lockdown (England just came out of its third). I kind of feel like life is an ongoing war that we can't win but still have to fight every day. Sometimes we'll win a battle and sometimes we won't bit we still keep going. Sorry, that got a little deep!