A Ballerina’s Second Act | Miko Fogarty | TEDxBerkeley

In her TEDxBerkeley talk, internationally acclaimed ballet dancer Miko Fogarty discusses her decision to switch directions completely and pursue science. As a dancer, Miko has received worldwide recognition, including the Gold Medal at the Moscow International Ballet Competition and featured in the award-winning ballet documentary "First Position". Miko received a contract with the Birmingham Royal Ballet in England at the age of 17 years old and stayed with the company for one year. She danced and taught in over 20 countries prior to and during this time.
She is now an undergraduate student majoring in Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley and researching brain cancer therapies at UCSF. She is also the Conservatory Director of San Jose Dance International, a non-profit arts organization with a mission to provide entertainment to the community through dance performance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@inesdecastrocorreia]

I grew up looking up to Miko as a tiny dancer myself and today I couldn't be prouder. I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for her to leave pretty much all she had been for the past 10 years and making such a bold move to follow her heart. BRAVA!!!

[@Ds-hb2lr]

Inês Correia I agree!!!

[@danceballetacro]

OMG I WAS WONDERING WHERE U WERE?!?! u disappeared from the ballet world. glad u are doing great :)

[@AE-ld9ck]

Miko - I remember watching “First Position” and being absolutely blown away at your abilities, not just to dance but, as well as to rise up during unpredictable moments. So proud that you kept that mental strength as a dancer, and successfully applied it to other aspects in your life! It’s definitely not an easy task, but you sound truly passionate speaking about both performing and on your own fascination with the capabilities of what humans can do. You have such a bright future, and some serious public speaking skills. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@danceballetacro]

we all remember puberty. most dancers do not last 5 years beyond it.

[@petitluna2571]

Do u know where can I watch this doc?

[@jandyramaciel6709]

Ugh this has brought tears to my eyes. I am a professionally trained dancer and currently working as a performer, choreographer, director and educator. However all of it has been destructive to my mental and physical health and I am now considering a major change...at 32 years old. I am chronically burned out, unmotivated, and a nervous wreck. I have admired Miko for many may years and finally watching this talk might just be the push I need.

[@jewelmarkess]

Well, I'd imagine in Miko Fogarty case, winning competitions was very different from working in corps.

[@jasmine6393]

This is why I love Miko. This is what I needed to hear. After 10 years of dancing, I quit a few days ago. I was just not enjoying doing ballet anymore and I was continuing for the wrong reasons. I will always love ballet, however it is time for a new chapter in my life. Thank you Miko ❤️

[@Sara-qc8qz]

What a brave woman she has become! And I'm really impressed by how good she is at public speaking.

[@ionalesne2634]

in First Position, everyone saw that it was her mother's dream, not hers. And it was so sad to see this young girl, as many others, didn't live dance as an artist searching the sense of the movement but executing the movements for performing like high level sport. The way she learn in her country it's the way to loose the soul of this art.

[@adelakozakova8895]

I love how her gestures are very elegant as if she was dancing 😊

[@melissabarredo1267]

I grew up watching Miko and she was my inspiration as a ballet dancer. I'm so happy she did something for herself and for her future.

[@littlefishiesinthese]

I remember watching Miko when I was younger and her inspiring to continue my ballet! I developed an ED as well, and after taking a year off to recover...I never went back. Miko you are so strong and I am so proud of you!

[@laurene1389]

Miko, you are AMAZING. I admired you in your dancing years, but I admire the woman you are now a great deal more. You are a wonderful role model and I wish you the best of luck as you continue your journey.

[@hannabergmann8831]

When I saw her in "First Position", my stomach ached. She was much too thin, and her mother pushed her too much. Shocked what she ate in the evening and how her mother talked to her brother, who didn't want to surrender to ballet and wanted to eat sweets and chocolate. She was dancing fantastic, but to me, something was wrong. I'm happy for her, that she did what her heart wanted to do. The ballet carreer was probably necessary to reach this point and to become a wise woman. Well done, Miko. I hope your brother is fine, too.

[@irenfolie]

I understand you very well. Puberty is the period which changes everything and you start to look for who you really are. I also had problems with finding myself and watching my body change. I was suffering from anorexia and I almost died, but when i finally found myself and why I'm on this Planet, the feeling was amazing. Like I was alive for the first time in my life. Thank you for this talk, I'm sure many people will appreciate it!

[@gregdahlen4375]

when you found yourself who were you?

[@roxyshishou3362]

I went to college with her and got to know her, she was a great person and a very hard worker. Never realized she was famous till she left. Best of luck to you Miko!

[@lbchoc4]

Another biologist-in-training/former dancer here! I understand a lot. It feels scary to let go of something I've devoted so much of my life to, but my love of science and learning keeps me going. My experience was a little different, but something very common- I was good enough to dance in high school and college, but not good enough to make it a career. So I was very lucky that I had another passion besides dance to keep me going. It's so wonderful that Miko got to find something she was really passionate about! Good luck, girl!

[@m.s2148]

5歳から長年バレエを続けています。 ミコのエトワールを初めて観た時、心が震えました。こんなバレエダンサーは後にも先にもいないって強く思いました。心を掴まれました。 道を変える決断を知った時、正直に言うとショックで悔しくて残念でたまりませんでした。自分のことじゃないのにね。今日までずっと引きずっていました。 でも、このスピーチをやっと聴くことができ、今なおミコに心を掴まれたままです。 この魂が滲んで見えたからミコの踊りが素晴らしかったんだと気付きました。道を変えてもミコの中にある魂は変わらないのです。 私はこれからもミコの魂に心を動かされるんだと思います。

[@MrBubblygoodness]

This really shows how stringent the requirements for a ballet dancer is. Not only do you have to be talented and determined. Genetics also play a huge factor.

[@JessicabelliciMa1]

Not just dancer but for actor too

[@jewelmarkess]

This is true, but I think it also shows that ballet isn't a competitive sport, and winning competitions while very impressive doesn't always (or maybe even often) lead to a successful career. Doing variations isn't the same as being in corps, I'd imagine.

[@ellascott9401]

i’m so proud of her!! i remember when i was around 11 and i would always aspire to be like her!

[@swervedriving1328]

To be perfectly honest, I'm not surprised at all by this outcome. She was a really hyped-up dancer in the competition circuit at the time a certain documentary came out, but I remember then feeling like her involvement in dance was largely the result of exterior pressure, as well as what seemed to be her own innate perfectionism rather than a true passion for the art itself. We're actually the same age, and I have also taken the decision to move away from ballet as a profession for reasons both physical and mental (though I am still passionate about ballet and have many ideas for artistic projects related to it). I think it's really inspiring that, at the end of the day, ballet helped her discover her own life path she is now embracing, and I hope I can do the same with my future endeavors.

[@zoelovesballet]

I teared up when she spoke about having no regrets! From one former dancer to another 💛

[@z-mackdos6echo311]

Giving up dance that’s been so much apart of your joy, for myself. For you I see it as a double edge sword. I too saw my first ballet there at the Zellerbach theater. I don’t remember the ballet company just the the male lead, Rudolph Nureyev. I have tried to maintain a healthy body. No alcohol, pelo diet, and yet each time I tried to dance I sprung an injury. No matter how much I work to keep my range of motion, flexibility, core strength, something always derails my complete recovery. It all can’t be age, but a friend once told me “dance choose you, not the other way around”. It took what I had to give at the time I was able to at my highest level it discarded me, but it will always be apart of me essence. It’s easy or it should be easy to reinvent ourselves, because that’s what we do as dancers when we perform a different role in a ballet, or take on a jazz dance choreography, or style of modern dance. We adapt, we embody the movement given to us. Congrats on all your accomplishments, and good luck with future endeavors moving on in your new path.

[@carolyou4231]

it’s amazing to see how far she’s gone since i danced with her at my former studio 🤩 go miko!!

[@Londynwiggins]

Oh wow, watching Miko is so incredible, this may be my favorite Ted Talk.

[@madisonfitness332]

I was nervous to watch this video because I understand how painful it is to restrict your food and lose interest in what your whole life had been about. However, I am so glad I watched it because I can relate so much to your journey as a person who does ballet and now does a little less of it. I am so inspired by your courage and initiative. I grew up wanting to dance just like you and now you help me realize that one can change and that one needs to do what they love. Thank you so much for your message!!!

[@miaom7738]

I've been seeing this for hundreds of times and I will keep seeing this untill I died

[@dsom1961]

Very inspiring and bravo on your next chapter! You have a lot to give Miko!

[@macmacroosa]

i’ve watched & been inspired by Miko for years since watching First Position, and I’m so happy to see that she’s doing better and finding herself in a new way ❤️

[@Nikisright]

What an inspiration for all. I'm glad one journey took you to where you really wanted to be. Good luck in all you do.

[@aineraffertyart]

I remember watching Miko as a ballerina myself back in the day and looking up to her, so amazing to see her speak such a great speech 😊👏🏻

[@6225sac]

loved this genuine and courageous self-reflection shared by Miko; inspirational!

[@eticketgirl]

So much love for you, Miko! Your dancing is hypnotizing and your honesty is liberating! Thank you.

[@charlottepinkerton3867]

this makes me so happy to see because I remember watching her in the movie first position and that was how I got back to dancing and I honestly wouldn’t be dancing if it wasn’t for her and the others in that movie

[@SarahArnoldTheAccidentalArtist]

Well done Miko! I always loved your dancing but the two-month break was a blessing in disguise. It allowed you to breathe and reassess. All that we have done is only a sum of the whole. For sure, your dancing will play into your new healing arts. (I do miss seeing you dance though-- always such an artist in class even). XOXO Sarah

[@danceballetacro]

i have left dance and ballet temporarily and am in grad school to be a mental health practitioner

[@veronika.ballet]

HER HEART IS PURE AND SHE FOLLOWED IT. SO AMAZING WHAT SHE DID AND WHAT SHE HAS ALL OVERCOME. SHE COULDNT BE PROUDER OF HERSELF. For me a REAL ROLEMODEL!!!!! All the best Miko 💗💗💗

[@klorlean]

Miko you are extraordinary! Thank you for making this video. As a former dancer myself I struggled with the same issues but not in the public spotlight. I'm happy you have found your path. You are an unstoppable force.

[@AkemiNishikido]

Miko, I needed this today. Thank you!

[@angelicadiaz4107]

What a beautiful and powerful presentation!! I bow down to you for your courage and your wisdom to keep pressing forward without bitterness or resentfulness but being greatfull of what you had had and learned! Bravo Miko !!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@pinkribbon1007]

i love how confident she is

[@candidacarino669]

Thank you very much 😊 @ Miko Fogarty ❗️ You inspire us all 💗 with your sincere 💖 speech.

[@erpollock]

Wonderfully touching and truthful. I hope Miko fulfills her career in science and keeps ballet an important part of her life on a part time basis. The talk was intelligent, succinct, and memorized. A promising future scientist!

[@Ds-hb2lr]

This was so inspiring to hear. Sometimes we doubt a shift in life’s pathways but this reassured me that even beautiful dancers like Miko have passions and a life beyond dance. She learned so much through her journey and continues to inspire others.

[@MikachuAi]

She’s my fav ballet dancer and I’ve watched her for ages, she’s such an inspiration

[@nicolejarel5953]

I quit dance and still regret that decision sometimes. But I will forever be grateful that I got to experience and learn such an amazing art. I am still so passionate and in love with ballet even though I do not do it anymore.

[@fourthgirl]

Miko, I've followed you for years and I am so glad you have found your true self. You are worthy of this great institution. Fiat Lux and Go Bears!

[@williamogle204]

Awesome job Miko! I am thrilled that you are doing so well and are thriving at Berkeley.

[@MrLerma-ui7pl]

Wow! I love this! I remember watching her in First Position doc and now she's all grown up! So neat!

[@CW-ri1ug]

❤ So happy to see her living her dream.

[@Esyroth]

Woow Miko... you were so inspiring to me when you were a ballerina, i have never imagined you inspired me even more after quit. Wish you all the best on the new journey!

[@teve8001]

Incredibly brave to stand up for yourself and your grown up dream!

[@hellochicxs5630]

I love miko forgaty...she came to my city to give some classes but I could not see her hopefully someday.....she has always been someone I admire

[@susanpaul4752]

I watched Miko for years, on videos of her competitions in various settings. I had seen "First Position", the film about her and her family..remembering her Tiger Mother, full of ambition for her daughter. I remember thinking...well, maybe it works to have had such a mother. Miko was a very beautiful, accomplished and talented young dancer. This interview uncovers so much which was not known about her during those years of success and world wide recognition. It does not surprise me to learn of her internal struggles and challenges. Brava, Miko, for following your inner guidance and wisdom, to find the world you want to be in. I have heard that of late, that you are following a path to becoming a foot surgeon when you complete medical school. I am sure you will be among the best at whatever you do. Congratulations.

[@lydiamanaois2284]

I loved this! I grew up as a ballerina watching Miko and being so in awe of her talent. When I heard she had shifted away from ballet I was so sad, and as I would watch her videos over the years for inspiration I wondered what happened to her. (The solo from Paquita that she played a snippet of is the very same solo I performed for my senior solo in high school :')) This TED talk was so inspiring and it was encouraging to see her loving life. I'm in a communications class right now and our last project is to construct our own TED talk...I wasn't sure what topic to speak on although I had considered ballet. Now that I've heard Miko speak I feel inspired to share some of my own story and how ballet has shaped me!

[@anasosa01]

Thank you Miko Fogarty! So beautiful

[@ericalaurenthompson4769]

Miko, you are beautiful and inspiring. I’m proud of you. 👑

[@marymohagheghi4875]

SO well spoken

[@cakt410]

such an inspiration! brought tears to my eyes

[@albertorodrigues-nutricion1127]

Eu acompanhei toda sua carreira desde o documentário e não sabia que tinha desistido da dança. Fico feliz que você encontrou seu caminho. Parabéns. Sucesso. A carreira da dança é meio complicada, amor e ódio. Sucesso

[@ElleSakamoto]

Miko chan! I'm so proud of you for your accomplishment! Can' believe you've so grown up :) Keep moving! If you ever come to NYC, let me know, I'd love to see you. Say hi to your parents. xx

[@fredrika27]

I don't want to start an argument, but I always felt that Miko was under her mum's thumb and that her mum was a tiger mum! I say this because in the movie First Position, Miko's brother was made to dance and didn't want to! I thought wow, how can the mother not see that! I, too, was a tiger mum, but I had enough sense to allow my son choices! Miko, I am so happy that you stood up for what you wanted to do, because you have to live your life not your parents! I also hope your younger brother has also found happiness too! Parents often have good intentions for their children's futurs, but forget that children also have a right to say what they want in their careers! Miko, if you don't like studying medicine after your degree, get a MA in Fine Arts! It's as simple as that!

[@blaineturnacliff7907]

Yes. Totally agree and believe her mother had a lot to do with the push into the ballet world when in fact, it was not something she felt deep within herself.

[@user-zc4ip8dr5g]

agree

Greatings from Brazil, Miko 💕

[@oase248]

Beautiful🙏🏻✨

[@aliciah8250]

My inspiration 😍😍😍

[@rlatimer10]

This seems to happen with many children who are pushed to bloom too early. The actions of those who pushed this incredibly talented girl to the edge, border on being abusive and exploitive.

[@lanbee9116]

I relate to Miko SO much, I’m currently struggling with the same thing that Miko struggled as she was in her ballerina identity Crisis. I ask myself constantly now, am I doing my ballet classes for myself anymore? Who am I doing ballet for? But then I would also asks myself that I didn’t want to quit ballet because I didn’t want to disappoint my teachers who put so much work in my ballet classes, and to my parents because even though they did t say it, I knew that they had expectations about me to become a professional ballerina.

[@jaccobouwman6499]

Thank you I needed to hear that

[@allesundmehr]

I remember her from First Position! I am so impressed by her!

[@angelalin8322]

Your amazing ❤️

[@hiiragihasmanywaifu]

She's one of my idols in ballet, she's srsly amazing but I'm really glad miko found what she really wants and she's still amazing (Idk why i watched this late but Im inspired to do what i want to become a pro ballet dancer) Edit: had a chance to have miko as my teacher in a summer intensive and i like how she focuses on giving exercises that avoids injury

[@InfiniteLuminance]

Thank you Miko, you inspired me.

[@aylu7557]

I am in the same position with Miko I did ballet for about 14 years and now I stopped because it was not my passion but at the same time I felt sorry about me, cause that was my biggest dream

[@Budoshoha]

Fantastic speech!

[@camilahernandezgarcia8411]

God bless you Miko!

[@yandynestorperez7501]

The sad and true reality is that this type of "talent", once they win all the competitions existing on this planet, it's impossible for them to take advantage of the rhythm and discipline within a professional company, where you have to start not necessarily as a star, and where the figure of your "dance mom" no longer makes sense.

[@joanabd6288]

I definitely agree. I'm happy to see her happy, since she was a dancer all ballet people saw growing up. And she was not the only one featured on First Position who quit after entering a company. This should be taken as an exemple of how carefully this ballet competition culture and ballet media exposure should be approached. It certainly helps lots of dancers, but, once in a company, other qualities apart from gorgeous tutus and perfect technique are required: resilience, endurance, and a strong will.

[@joanabd6288]

@@HanNah-ck5py I was obviously speaking about joining a ballet company, dancing in the corps, progressing and work as a team (I believe when you go to Lausanne twice you are really focused on joining a company). If Miko has those qualities as a medical school student, then ballet has done its job and all I can hope is that she'll be as great as a doctor, researcher, whatever she chooses, as she was a dance competitor.

[@jewelmarkess]

@Ha Nah - true, but I think other comments were specifically about ballet career not how well she'll do as a doctor. Compare competition dancers to graduates of top professional academies - many of them don't go to competitions at all or only go to a couple when they are near graduation. But they are better prepared for work in theaters. Even in terms of "perfect technique", competition dancers spend a lot of time working on individual variations and practicing moves specifically for variations. In comparison, students from top professional academies spend a lot more time on overall technique.

[@elyseenger2646]

@@jewelmarkess That probably contributed to her inability to fit with her dance company. I have said it so many time, top competitive ballerinas rarely make good soloist material. The few who succeed in their careers have had experience in stage productions. For example Antonio Casalinho and Ashley Coupal both participated in them and it's why they won. Because they understood their variations as one part of a bigger whole.

[@jewelmarkess]

@@elyseenger2646 All true.

[@9emmasu9ar]

You're my inspiration forever, Miko!

[@isabs8616]

You are one of the best ballerina I saw, you are a genius of dancing. It is difficult when you reach the top so young, what is the path for improvement ? You made me cry, you are so courageous!

[@jewelmarkess]

Genius? She was excellent in competitions, but she's not ever shown anything beyond that. The top for a ballet dancer is dancing leading roles in top theaters beautifully, portraying characters throughout the performance and not just in variations, not winning competitions. BTW - a ballerina is a female principal dancer in a ballet company not someone who won competitions, but left ballet after a year in corps. She had a lot of talent, but maybe she burned out or maybe working in corps was a let down, or maybe she didn't like it as much.

[@jupitired777]

thank u

[@kaca2903]

Damn she is so fierce ❤

[@ultravioletspirit]

Yes!

[@nickys3734]

Good on you Miko

[@melamusicworld]

wow, she's awesome!

[@mianaabramson963]

As a 15 year old ballerina in training I just wanna say that her life is kinda my dream but she burned herself out by the time she was old enough to be part of a company. This is why I think people shouldn’t be leaving school at 11 to travel and dance because they don’t have room to breathe from it. I personally came from a competition background but my parents listened to what I wanted when I wanted to go into ballet. Now I’m not as strong at ballet than I might have been but I know it’s what I want to do.

[@jewelmarkess]

I am not a dancer, but comparing Miko Fogarty to, for example, Russian ballet students or those at other top professional academies, it seems like the latter are better prepared for theater work. These academies prepare dancers for corps, and then in theaters, some of them will stand out and become soloists and principals. These competition dancers spend a large part of their time on variations danced by principle dancers and soloists, they hear accolades and comments how great they are. Then, they end up in corps where they are supposed to blend in, be like everyone else, and they find out also that they aren't really better. Some of these other dancers may not have won or even taken part in competitions, but they spend most of their time on perfecting their technique and practicing by dancing in school and theater performances, often in corps. Just an observations from a simple ballet fan...

[@elyseenger2646]

@@jewelmarkess And often these competitive dancers find themselves stuck in the corps to the point of burnout for years while dancers from the academies get promoted to soloists and principals because they have good foundational skills that lend themselves to major character roles.

[@jewelmarkess]

@@elyseenger2646 Yes. I've been watching classical dance exam videos from Vaganova, and I was wondering if Miko would've really stood out there. Now, most of them might not have done well in competitions (if they were to go there which they can't except when close to graduation and with permission) while students because they didn't have as much time to spend in variations, but theaters' don't hire to dance variations.

[@omecool20]

Nice one Miko :) Followed your career and Insta, since 'First Position'.

[@fernandacarvalh.o]

Incrível ❤🎉

[@reneecrotty6910]

Love this! I wondered what happened to her xo

[@user-xn3hq3gu9e]

Замечательное ВЫСТУПЛЕНИЕ!..

[@julinhabogater]

Legends in portugues pleaseeee 💕

[@pinkribbon1007]

miko ♡♡♡

[@ptrisno]

Miko 🥺🥺❤❤

[@louisaq7390]

There are so many girls out there got greater technique , perfect bodies and legs. But not many like you, you got the gift, so beautiful and brave. Your are still very young as long as you willing to practice seriously again. People love to see your dance not only your fantastic technique, you got the gift. Hope to see you on stage again. I do ballet too still love it, I am 52. Love you don't want you regret when you grow older Xx

[@jewelmarkess]

She is studying to be a doctor now, and she lost several years. It's not likely she'll go back to ballet. Also, she left after a year in corps, so it's fair to assume she didn't like it. There is a difference between dancing ballerina variations in competitions and be one of many girls in corps. She also said in another interview that she lost passion, had started losing it even earlier.

[@Anaa1234ana]

Please put the subtitles 💕🙏🏻

[@gabsl1552]

Ana Laura Rodrigues yes please! I really need eng sub

[@ptrisno]

My idolll ❤❤

[@marianoelgonzalez9833]

entiendo lo que dices... Pero es una verdadera pena no volver a verte bailar. Mas allá de todo , lo que es seguro es que tu tienes talento y angel para el ballet. Tal vez hubo demasiada presion siendo demasiado joven. Ojalá vuelvas a bailar!!

[@gabbyfringette7250]

Go Miko!! (I went to FRC with her)

[@septicvortex8114]

so beautiful

[@heloisaalves8425]

Cade a legenda!!!!1

[@matina_angel]

This is what happens when ballet becomes a sport and dancing becomes part of a contest

[@jewelmarkess]

This is what I am thinking too. She was great in competitions, but I'd imagine a year in corps was very different than doing ballerina variations in competitions.

[@yandynestorperez7501]

Exactly my thoughts!!

[@maybewise]

Right. I want to get my niece into ballet, but I wouldn't encourage her to pursue anything competitive, or to choose it as a career. I'd just want her to do it as a cool hobby, because she's naturally graceful, and points her feet for no reason. XD

[@katie4623]

If you've seen First Position it seems like her mum was the one that pushed both her and her brother into this and both of them eventually dropped out.

[@harrisonmcclintock6681]

K Lu you shouldn’t make assumptions about people you don’t know especially based on a documentary that specifically was designed to highlight how intense ballet training is. Most successful ballet dancers have a driving force behind them like a parent or teacher.

[@UKISOCIETY]

Agree, although she seemed not to push her son after he decided to quit. The movie also suggested that her mom had very odd dieting philosophies.

[@annaohashi8568]

what's her accent? I know she's from the states but can't tell what it is...is it British accent mixed with American accent?

[@ChronicallyCassidy]

Anya Glinka She is part British

[@Natalia-xm4lu]

Because it was Miko’s mom dream ….. You can see it in “First position” movie.

[@himomimfamous]

She did well! 😊 her voice was a little bit shaky, understandably

[@champigranja1179]

Only the first 5 min

[@gaialo]

💖💖💖💖💖💖