Ballet Hacks that WORK! | Kathryn Morgan

[@goldburnm]

I have no idea why I enjoy these ballet hacks so much. 😂 I'm a guy who has never danced a day in his life. It goes to show how good you are Katie!

[@amystubby]

The orajel thing for blisters is great for people hiking or in workboots all day. Ballet feet are high maintenance. Dancers will always have the best foot care advice.

[@goldburnm]

@@amystubby Great point.

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@sebeckley]

It's a window into a fascinating world. And you never know when you'll learn something that applies to your own life in some way.

[@lubeeluonline]

I put cheap teabags in my pointe shoes after class & it acts like those charcoal dehumidifiers. Obviously throw them out the next day (don’t make tea with them 🤢) but I find it helps neutralise odours too.

[@kathryn_morgan]

Great idea!

[@ber1779]

@Zhen Zhen Spring lavender tea bags or mesh bags?

[@southernbella8503]

Whoa! You look adorable! That top really compliments your eyes!

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@MissMeadows]

I've done two photo shoots out on ice covered lakes in pointe shoes (something I can't recommend tho - slippery as f***k...). Both times I used dead shoes, and both times the shoes got completely soaked in the ice cold water that was covering the actual ice. The next day, when the shoes had dried, I discovered they were pretty hard again! So I guess soaking dead pointe shoes in ice water will make them live longer! :)

[@hanbigim]

well, that's a fun way to find a hack

[@elizahendrick912]

I did the theraband ankle jam hack in physical therapy to increase ankle mobility and it helps so much!!!

[@sarahwillis9405]

For the speaker hack, if you can't find a small bowl or cup, you can put your phone on the floor in a corner and it works almost as well

[@mar1za69]

These hacks are so amazing😍 I'm doing Ballett as a hobby for 12 years now and I just love your hacks❤️❤️❤️ Btw I'm so jealous of your gorgeousness

[@kathryn_morgan]

Awww thank you so much!

[@Karrolicious]

I’m so happy I found your channel last year, Kathryn! It gave me the confidence to finally start dancing ballet at 23 🌸

[@SkullToonix87]

OMG TRUE???!!! I'M 17 AND I LOST ALL HOPES CAUSE PEOPLE TOLD ME THAT I'LL NEVER BECOME A BALLERINA but I'm practicing it at home without a teacher or a pointe shoes :(

[@Karrolicious]

Melody fairy demon I’m not aspiring to become a professional dancer by any means, but I do enjoy dancing ballet as a way of working out and would absolutely recommend anyone to start! It’s a great way to build strength and increase flexibility, and it’s SO much fun! 🌟

[@Poppy-]

LinaLee if its any "consolation" I started at 41. There was no adult class until recently and I always wanted to do it. Looking forward to my class tonight

[@kathryn_morgan]

Good for you! That's amazing!

[@lisabmpls]

If you don’t have a bathtub you can still use Epsom salts. I put them in a big sprayer bottle with water and use that while standing in the shower. Before turning the water on, natch. I mix them up in a glass measuring cup, about 1 part epsom to 2 parts hot water. Stir until they dissolve, let cool, and then pour into the sprayer bottle. Voila...epsom salt bath to go!

[@cherylmalikpaynexx]

I love how happy u look! You’re practically glowing!

[@strawberry1025]

That wonderful hack of visualising your process before you pack is one I always use for any kind of packing, including holidays.

[@doriscunningham9930]

Last hack answers the question I posted on the Kathryn Morgan Facebook group minutes ago🤗.

[@AlyseMeiLan]

Thank you for sharing these! I agree the Dr. Scholl's really work for pointe shoes or ballet shoes. I used them for all that standing and posing in Swan Lake and it saved my legs!

[@amelia85293]

I am SUPER hyperextended, so hack #1 was perfect for me!! Love from Alabama! 💞💞

[@clairewaldroup1906]

Yes! The party scene is soooo much standing around!!

[@ellie5636]

I will definitely show this to my best friend who is a male dancer who has recently started pointe work!! I’m sure he will be amazed at all of the different pointe shoe hacks :D

[@irmakafsar9906]

Yaaay! Got so happy when I saw the notification! :)

[@lydiakiamos9116]

Same!! I love her❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lydiakiamos9116]

Same!! I love her ❤️❤️

[@kathryn_morgan]

Thank you!

[@bessonovafan6454]

I started using orajel for blisters in my everyday life, and it's a lifesaver! Being able to walk around instead of limping with no pain is lovely!

[@epeeist2008]

Love these hacks, but need to dispel some incorrect information about exercise physiology: lactic acid does NOT cause muscle soreness. That phenomenon (DOMS = Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is caused by inflammatory cytokines (like IL6 and TNF-A) that cause cell swelling and cell wall rupture. Lactic acid is just a biproduct of a substrate (“molecular food”) breakdown which is reassembled by the liver into carbohydrates. Lactic acid is our friend! I love your videos Ms Morgan, and wanted to infuse some science to debunk our unfounded hatred of lactic acid 😁

[@lych3e]

i believe lactic acid does contribute to temporary muscle fatigue and muscle pain that you feel during exercise, however yes the muscle soreness felt several hours after the exercise is not caused by lactic acid!

[@awesomesauce23]

6:31 There are shoes called "demi-pointe" or "pre-pointe" dhoes that sometimes teachers will require students use before going to pointe, which are a lot like that. They build up strength, endurance, and articulation before you go on to pointe. Very helpful.

[@Kholte]

I am so happy you are making videos again! Wishing you all the best!

[@LinaSingers]

The first, second and the ninth tip couldn't have come at a better time 🙌🏻 My forced summer break is over and I'm back to working out all those kinks 😁

[@lise7158]

Thanks for these new hacks ! Love the Serenade music you used as an example for hack n°5. Have you ever danced this ballet and if yes could you make a commentary of it ? I would absolutely love that ! Have a good day

[@kaykomckayface1097]

Fellow hyper flexible person here! That heal pad thing sounds like it would work! Gonna give it a try! Thank you Katy 💕💕

[@jinathompson7781]

I really struggle with keeping my weight over the ball of my foot instead of my heel especially in pointe shoes so my heels always hurt by the end of the day. I will definitely try the first hack!

[@erinthecollector3268]

I love the fact that your tips/hacks are ACTUAL hacks❤️! It’s a huge pet peeve of mine when clickbait “hack” videos/articles claim to have hacks when they’re just...explaining how something is supposed to be normally done. Just because someone was taught wrong and/or done it wrong for years or whatever, doesn’t make doing it the correct way a “hack”! 🤦🏻‍♀️blarg! Anyway, thank you for an awesome insightful video ^.^

[@louiselins]

Hey, girl! I'm for so long wanting to share it! Many girls in Brazil is to keep the padding, separators and other gel stuff in any recipient with a lid with some baby powder or similar. It keeps the freshness, reduces the friction with skin and they last longer. You don't need to fill the recipient with a lot of powder and you can use any recipient, good to recycle some plastic. The same goes to resistance bands, a little of baby powder spilled all over on both sides helps to keep the elasticity. These were things I always did in hot weather and they still work now living I'm in Sweden. I hope you can read that. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@mackenzieetienne4012]

So glad you're back on a video schedule! Also you look so happy, healthy, and relaxed!💖

[@Sherrn21]

I started the Orajel usage back in the day at least 18 years ago. It was a huge hit. Had a horrible blister during dress rehearsal before a weekend of shows and it helped me get through it.

[@caitelizabeth9475]

What pointe shoe are you wearing now that you’re back dancing professionally?

[@LadyBlack22]

I just spent an hour and a half looking for the last hack in this video and it was so worth it. Thanks for sharing all your brilliant hacks and tricks! You're the best, Katie!

[@kittymervine6115]

the packing tip is fabulous. I've been doing this with writing down "Day one.. nice dinner, so nice dress....day two....walking, sneakers, socks, rain jacket..." But dressing myself, I won't forget those hair ties again (I did once!)

[@smadm2437]

such great tips. I never want to do points ever but super useful advice. last week I took out liners out off my tango shoes and a couple of dancers next to me were shocked. Most people/social dancers have no idea what professional dancers especially ballet dancers do to look amazing on stage!

[@lydiakiamos9116]

These are so helpful!! I still use the packing checklist even though I'm not a ballet dancer!!I am a rythmic gymnast.. Not everything is the same but it still is very helpful!! I love you so much Kathryn ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@noodlepipkin]

Oh Katie, you look like a new girl. I’m right pleased for you and you so deserve it after everything that happened. You’re testament to a woman’s strength and inspiration (even to a 40-odd year old nurse who’s never done ballet, watched twice though 😂). Been watching for years and so glad you turned this round ✊☺️! From North 🇬🇧

[@Emma-jd1hf]

Hi could you do a video on detail of yagp I’m doing it this year please love you btw

[@kathryn_morgan]

I will add that to my video idea list! xoxo

[@kj_amerman29]

i’d always let my pointe shoes air dry in my studio (we had a bench in the front of the studio where the advanced students put their bags and shoes) and then at the end of the day before leaving, I’d put my shoes in a big ziploc bag and stick them in the mini fridge/freezer in the lobby of the studio. it prolonged my shoes so much longer than even just air drying them, I highly recommend putting your shoes in the freezer!! (edit: make sure you take them out with enough time to warm back up before you wear them again so you’re not putting cold shoes on 😂)

[@maryedwards7263]

Ordering the Orajel, what a brilliant hack, having suffered very painful blisters in the summer Thank you x

[@jackystar5099]

I didn't even know I was hyperextended until my teacher told me. I have noticed I do sit or most of my weight is on my heels and it's frustrating because I can't get my weight forward. I think I might use the Dr Scholl's hack.

[@MsAvidWriter]

Your dress is beautiful! 💛

[@laurenlan453]

I know that you’ve already touched upon this before, but could u do a video on dealing with and preventing blisters💜

[@kenna5412]

I’ve been dancing since I was 2 and I’ve always disliked Ballet BUT now it is my favorite because my new ballet instructor is so wonderful and has a lot of knowledge so I’m always learning new things constantly so I hope 🤞🏻 one day I will get to go to a ballet school 🏫 ❤️❤️❤️

[@gloriouspurpose18]

Those heel inserts have been absolutely saving my life for years!👌🏻

[@Ct27111]

That orajel hack is great for anyone! I’m training for a long hiking challenge next year and I’m sure blisters will begin to appear, so I’ll keep this in mind for sure!

[@enchantedelfie]

After watching your video on sewing pointe shoes I sewed my ribbons in one whole piece and it has definetly supported my arch more :)

[@Hellbender8574]

I especially like the idea to sew your ribbons on in one piece. I'll have to try that next time. Thank you!

[@Erika-cw4lk]

I really like to make bath salts for after dance, you can make it with epsom salty, baking soda, and essential/frangrance oil for scent

[@Wytchvvood]

These hacks are amazing! definitely using these. I'm currently about to change dance studios to a more professional one, These will help a lot!

[@balletmeli]

I knew about air dry pointe shoes. I remember doing that all time. The orajel trick I wish I knew that during my dancing days. I have still all of my old pointe shoes. ❤️ your videos.

[@Erika-cw4lk]

Can you do a video on jet gluing pointe shoes? I know you have included short clips in some of your videos but I would like a whole video on it please

[@bowawang7106]

Your energy is so great in this video

[@ToledoLua]

Oh thank you Katryn for always helping us! The thing I use for stiff or sore muscle is a tablet of camphor diluted in alcohol. But I don't know if it's easy to find in the US, because I live in Brazil and in here is easy to find in drugstores. I don't recommend use it during the bath though, only to apply on skin.

[@NicoleEspinel]

YES!!! ballet hacks from this channel are the bestttt

[@danicadiederiks3632]

3:33 I also keep my ribbons in one long piece; what works in terms of placement on my foot, though, is to carry it around the back of the shank into the actual heel of the satin (and stitch the whole thing down - never have to worry about the ribbon stitching coming apart!). I feel like this also helps the back of my shoe stay on better (for when you have that one pair that likes to pop off at the back) and gives me better support from the ribbons around my ankles

[@brbwlk]

Hey. Did you ever do a Once Upon A Pointe about getting your Corp contract and first Sugar Plum at NYCB If not, please do so.

[@carenome1]

Omg. I had to stop ballet after some major surgeries and cancer bouts. I lost my fabulous center floor grand plies! My ankles are now so stiff I can't even do a grand plus at the Barre. I've got to try that last tip/hack with the band.

[@ingridxavier4513]

I wear these inserts for my plantar fasciitis in my everyday shoes! Will try in my ballet shoes as well!

[@carenome1]

Just the ones from Dr schol?

[@ingridxavier4513]

@@carenome1 I wear a pair from another brand, I think them all would work just fine

[@ericagoehring1089]

Love these videos. I also must say that the soft blue is so beautiful on you!

[@llamalover02]

Thank you SOOOO MUCH for the ankle thing!!! This will be life changing in such a huge way. You're a lifesaver. 🤗

[@chloecm]

I got a new pair of bloch ballet slippers that actually have a very lightly cushioned heel! I had been away from ballet for a while since starting college so when I went to get new slippers recently I was like, wait, I can get slippers without an annoying drawstring and the elastics already sewn?? haha. but it does feel great to have a little heel cushion, I hadn't thought about it helping my posture with my hyperextended knees but I think you're absolutely right, and your videos are so helpful for me as I've gotten back en pointe after 5 years!

[@debunkdagain]

I love your videos and have been following you for a few years now! Not even a dancer myself (unless adult beginner classes count :D )... I'd love to hear a Hashimoto's update, though. I have Hashi's and between losing my hair and feeling too fatigued to exercise, I'm super impressed and excited for you that you're back with a company! Would be interested to get your hacks for dealing with it all!!

[@kaileenlee2282]

Your video at such a good timing for me! Having a really bad jammed ankle, and it has really became a lot worse since starting school. Will definitely go to the PT, ofc but gonna try this soon. Thanks so much Kathy!!

[@lynnrose7562]

I love these hacks. I have always had a passion for ballet though I only danced as a child. These hacks are so clever.

[@commonvegetable]

that shank hack is what we do here in the UK for our RAD exams - we need soft blocks, but a cheap alternative is to rip out the shanks to wear when you’re in class.

[@dancingprincessmj]

You look so pretty! I love your sense of style and that top!

[@krhodes02]

OMG the first one I’m gonna try definitely, because I put all my weight in the heels of my feet so it makes my knees and feet hurt thank you😭

[@cheryldueck318]

I’m not a dancer either, but love your videos. Those last two tips, especially the 2nd to last one, are going to be very useful for me. I broke and dislocated my ankle badly 5 years ago and it still gives me a lot of problems, despite much and varied physio. It jams up on me all the time :/ And I have the same issue with other muscles taking over when using the theraband to work my foot strength.

[@goldsparkle5376]

I love her ear rings. They are so cute. It complements her top.

[@TheRainbowDragoness]

Absorbent gel packs are also helpful for drying your pointe shoes.

[@kirklanddragon3076]

katy you are glowing gurl and i love it 💙✨

[@celestelmcdonald]

I was using my old pointe shoes for ballet shoes for the last few years that i was dancing 2004 to 2006 as it was costing me too much money for not alot of wear

[@Poppy-]

Thanks Katherine for all those tips. Many were questions I had in mind. The cup tip (gramophone principal) I did 20 years back with my Walkman 😂

[@lcrjones5220]

Thanks so much for your tips! I love these hacks so much as a late starter with a chronic illness, and your story is so inspirational. What therabands do you recommend?

[@evelynamos]

If you like the orajel, maybe also try dermoplast spray. It’s made for skin so it might work better but it has the same type of numbing agent in it.

[@rosanerio2]

I LOOOOVE your hacks videos! thank you gorgeous Katie!!! 🙆‍♂️👏💖😍😘🌺

[@missarthemis]

Thank you so much for the bend knee and terra band hack. I was wondering why I hit a plateau with feet strengthening and this might be the issue.

[@sebeckley]

Great tips. Stash a packing checklist in your bag so you never lose it or forget anything. Don't make your brain store the info. But visualizing anything you want to remember is the best memory trick.

[@annaackerman2393]

Thank you Katie you’re the best of the best!😍❤️

[@lindseybelsky4065]

Yas!! so helpful, especially the first one!

[@Mari_Iijima]

This was very good!

[@NamiNaeko]

not a ballerina but man do i love these videos from you!

[@lalalalala9451]

I love your hacks they always make life sOOO much easier 😁

[@emmebunn8640]

i just got my pointe shoes and they fit big on the heel should i wear the dr.shols hell coushions

[@everybodybeauty5499]

I teach children's ballet classes and I am going to try the heel pad hack.

[@annyhunter2317]

Hey! Great video :) I am a beginner dancer (adult) and sometimes I really struggle with finding the right "placement" for the theraband on my foot. It will either snap at me or roll down from my toes to the ball of my foot. Is there an easy way to find the right spot and how do I recognise it?

[@elliecraig94]

Orajel is also good for when you have stubborn ingrown toenails and you can't get it out at the moment!!

[@LuLuBell270]

LIFESAVER

[@javieracuellar7590]

Omg, you look so happy. I’m so exited for you Kisses 😘

[@K_ballet]

Thank you!! Do you recommend Demi pointe shoes at all? I never heard of them until recently. Im back to ballet after 26 years!!!! Epsom salts are my new best friend! 😂

[@lindypierce3766]

K Ballet I believe her suggestion of using dead shoes for barre would be similar to using demi pointe shoes. Your toes are still more restricted and you still have to work your arches harder than you would in flats, plus the balancing would be similar with a thicker sole.

[@ashimochi]

My academy doen't use those either, you are either a pointe dancer or a flat dancer, but I feel like you can work through without the transition to pointe (obviously the teacher's requisites for moving you to pointe are probably higher, idk)

[@andreawallenberger2668]

Sansha makes them, and they really helped me strengthen my feet, coming back into ballet after 40 years. They are sometimes called called "soft pointe". The box is hard but they come shankless and are *not* for pointe work *ever*, just barre/demi. I like them especially because they fit properly! (If you take the shank out of an existing even dead pair, the fit changes.) I think the British schools require soft pointes for exams at certain pre-pro levels...? Anyway: my Sanshas rock!

[@heycyra3531]

Hi Katie, I am 13 years old and I've just started Ballet(currently taking 2 private lessons a week), do you think I would be able to be a professional dancer ?

[@b.quinchana]

I believe that if you work hard enough, and keep strengthening your feet, and practicing. I'm a beginner dancer too, and I had a classmate who got her pointes in 5 months.

[@nikorucupcake2499]

Misty Copeland started ballet around your age and she’s a professional so who knows? It could be possible :) With hard work anything could be achieved :P

[@Immiadancing]

You might need a few more lessons at week. And you can also do some ballet workouts at home! Keep on doing that and you will make it sweetie 💕

[@skatergirl8019]

Great video!! Thank you!

[@jessicalow143]

I love this type of video 😀😀😀

[@KimberlyJohnson81]

Orajel? That’s brilliant!

[@boussodrame5502]

Hi Katie, I love your videos! Do you have any tips on not rolling over your ankles during fouettes/ a la seconde turns? If anyone has any tips or exercises please share!💕

[@lizsmith4493]

Love your top. 👍 for the Orajel tip x

[@christinecl429]

Wonderful, thanks

[@blakejones3176]

Bonjela works great too for blisters

[@robynthompson412]

OMG OMG OMG I am getting some of Orajel for my feet. My second weekend of PA Ren Faire I got really bad blisters on my pinky toes and still dealing with them.

[@melissagraeff1096]

Robyn Thompson can’t wait to go to Pa Ren Faire this year.

[@robynthompson412]

@@melissagraeff1096 it has been a fun four weekends already!! Hero's of the Realm is this coming weekend.

[@lucygrayson6034]

Does anyone have any tips for hip flexibility and turn out. I've done different styles of dance for most and my life so I'm pretty flexible, but have a badly hyper-extended left knee and at 18 I've never had my middle split because the inside of my left thigh and knee always ends up hurting. I've recently started doing ballet to get basic technique for other styles of dances for when I start doing auditions for different schools. If anyone has had a similar experience with these types of problems, please give some recommendations as I see my teachers looking at me like I'm not trying with turn-out when I know I'm doing it wrong from the knee and not from the top of the leg/hip.

[@heathergoldman12]

Omg I thought I was the only one! I do number 1 too!!