VLOGMAS 2021 Day 8&9 | Puppies! | Health Talk | Always Learning | Kathryn Morgan

[@biologynerd3]

On the note of advocating for yourself: I’ll never forget, when I was a child, the leader of my dance studio ended up being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She first noticed it because she started falling out of turns. She went to the doctor and told them that she couldn’t do a triple pirouette anymore. The doctor totally dismissed her and just told her that a lot of people couldn’t do that and that she was overreacting. She refused to accept that answer and sought additional care and was later diagnosed, had surgery, and made a full recovery. So important to know your own body and advocate for the care that you need.

[@callabeth258]

Wow what an incredible story! I’m glad to hear she found the help she needed!

[@danceandmore88]

This makes me feel nostalgic- I started watching your channel around Christmas 2014. Your life has changed so much since then, it has been such an incredible journey. It's so nice to see your family home, your old ballet school and your dogs again.

[@natalie8457]

Me too 💕

[@savannahcarlon7033]

Can you explain how guesting works? Like how you get the contracts, what expenses you're responsible for, being responsbile for your own costumes, etc

[@joslyngorman7024]

Quick FYI. When I was with the Radio City Music Hall Ballet Company ( 1971) I would safety pin my rings to the inside of my costume. Worked beautifully. I absolutely love what you’re doing. It is so necessary!!

[@silverkimpton3418]

This is what my dance teachers do too

[@joannam.4294]

Q&A QUESTION: Some time ago you talked about possibly recording your adoption story. Are you still thinking about doing that? Thank you.

[@munchki628]

For the Q&A: Do you ever have post performance depression and how do you deal with it? Our Nutcracker season ended already and it is just a sharp come down from all the preparation and adrenaline and excitement to it just being over. Also dealing with worrying about how the videos/photos turned out. Also just curious, how did you decide which tutu to wear for which show and do guest performers usually bring their own costume?

[@szijlstra4365]

OMG I never realized post performance depression was a thing! I just thought I'm a weird junkie when I'm struggling with come down after performances. Thanks for bringing this up! I'll join you on the come down train next week, but I hope you'll feel a bit better already by then

[@szijlstra4365]

So, incidentally I had an appointment with my therapist yesterday and thought I'd bring up post performance depression. She said that although fluctuations in your mood are normal, everybody has a certain "bandwith" in which you feel good. When you go outside of that bandwith in a positive sense, you will inevitably go outside of it equally in a negative sense (the 'come down'). To avoid this kind of come down, you could either try to stay within your bandwith or you can try to stretch your bandwith by systematically going over just a tiny bit until you reach a new level of comfort. If you do go far outside of your comfortable bandwith it's important to take extra care of yourself during the come down, by doing activities that get you in a state of flow (which could be dancing for yourself, going for a nature walk, spending time with loved ones, anything...). The most important thing is to make sure you don't go back and forth between ultimate extremes at a rapid pace all the time. Hope this helps!

[@aneleish]

For Q&A - when you’ve returned to ballet after an extended break, what aspect of your technique do you find is the hardest to get back to the level it was before?

[@chocolina99]

For the Q&A: How to deal with not seeing any improvment for a while, as an adult beginner dancer? Also, what's your advice for dancers who want to go on pointe but don't have a professional that could properly fit them anywhere near them?

[@DestinyHopeLou]

Are you in the US? The Pointe Shop does virtual fittings I heard.

[@lemonpurplebasil]

the teacher who approved you to start should be able to recommend a fitter in the area!

[@maryinsky]

Josephine at the Pointe Shop is a real pro and she does do virtual fittings. See her KZbin channel. Not everyone can be that good, so worth a consult, even if you find someone closer.

[@lyndabethcave3835]

I would love to hear more about costumes, tutus and who's responsible for providing them. I went to college for Costume Cutting and Construction, and we toured some ballet costume shops, so I find it surprising that you're bringing your own tutus. . . how does that work integrating with the design of shows? I'd love to hear about costumes in general from a dancer's POV, because I've only heard about it from the wardrobe department's POV. And please do tell us more about the process of working with Oswaldo who makes such swoon-worthy tutus!

[@southernbella8503]

Miss Sydney! I took from her for 3 years back in high school before having to quit for college! It's so great to see her give you corrections, lol! Her combinations are always so simple yet challenging! Can't wait to watch you tonight!!!!

[@tawnytuppence5573]

As I watch the care of the lovely teacher who was with you at the end, I think of how well she represents all the people who have cared for you through the years. They outweigh the few who haven’t. “It is not the critic who counts!”

[@d14551]

I agree that there are times when we feel our years in a less than positive way. But there can also be times when we can revel in and marvel at all that we have seen and done. We can think of the knowledge and experiences we have accumulated and that we have to offer to others, as you do so often and so well.

[@kewlestgurleva]

As a freelance dancer with health complications in the US, how does health insurance work for you? I imagine all the specialist visits plus physical therapy could add up quickly. More puppy video please! :)

[@AnnaAnna-zi8ri]

For Q&A....If you are comfortable sharing, would love to hear more about specific medications, vitamins, & health tools you use to treat your condition and keep you in tip top dancing shape 💛

[@sophiazimlich]

Wow, I remember dancing in that exact classroom with my sisters when I was tinny tiny!! Brings back a lot of memories! Can't wait to see you perform tonight! I remember when I played one of the little mice years ago! So fun! 💗

[@catherinesullivan641]

Can you talk about how you chose which version to do when guesting? Do directors indicate preference?

[@angelaulrich8365]

Why did I start tearing up at that bag of nexcare tape from your mom? 😅it’s just such a mom move and I love that no matter how old we get they find those little ways to show us they care and are here for us! I realize this is NOT everyone’s experience with their mom and it makes me so much more thankful. Anyways, lovely vlog as always, thanks for sharing with us and have a wonderful run of shows!

[@laurels495]

YES I had that bank! And at my parents' house I still have PNB programs from 2002 (when I was a student)...still love wandering down memory lane

[@monogramme3701]

As a ballerina em pointe your videos help so much and you have inspired me to go to ballet class and work hard

[@kelseysnyder8367]

I’m so happy to see that Dixie, Luna, and Carson are doing well! I’ve missed seeing your dogs!

[@meaghan8740]

Thank you for the health pep talk about staying on top of your health. On monday I have to go get a routine mammogram....i am super nervous and really don't want to go, so your encouragement is just what I needed. As far as the Q&A: I would love to hear about how you handle anxiety...particularly about health but just life in general. P.s so fun to see the dogs!

[@rebekahnewman3876]

When this airs I will be on the road to see you perform!! Eee!! 😍❤️

[@scrim8635]

My family and I saw her perform in Texas! You will love it!!! She was amazing and so kind when my daughter met her!🥰

[@rebekahnewman3876]

@@scrim8635 I hope I get to meet her! I’m so glad that you did!! Merry Christmas ❤️❤️

[@scrim8635]

@@rebekahnewman3876 I hope you do too! Merry Christmas!😊

[@kathryn_morgan]

Yay! Thank you!

[@judyvalencia3257]

It was so nice to see your bedroom and your mother's Christmas Tree. So beautiful!!! I understand your mother saving your things. My daughter was an only child and even though she's a married mother of 3, I still have a lot of her things saved up.

[@ClaireLillywhite94]

Oh my goodness I remember the pointe shoe wall in that room!! It looks so different 😱 time flies! So glad to see Dixie, Luna and Carson looking happy and well too 😍 such gorgeous doggos! Also I’m so, so happy to see you enjoying your dancing and looking beautiful as Sugarplum!

[@virginiaviola5097]

It’s funny that you’ve mentioned jewellery. This Saturday just gone I was blessed to attend the Australian Ballet Gala...because of lockdown the company hadn’t performed on stage for nearly two years because the theatres have been closed, so it was really special moment. They did a gala instead of Nutcracker because no one knew whether or not the theatres would open in time for Christmas. The first half of the show they did Serenade..oh my, it was heaven. But the jewellery..there was a split second when one of the dancers must have been wearing a diamond ring, because it caught the light and sparkled, just for a second, there were 5 dancers on stage and she was in the middle, it actually worked with the costumes, lighting and choreography...but then I started straining to see if any of the other dancers were wearing jewellery 😆

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I can't believe how gorgeous that first combination was. What a great combination. Wow! The syncopation, the fastness, the simplicity, yet the difficulty to do it right! The finesse! Beautiful. Your body and feet look great Kathryn. It is such a huge deal when a local ballet teacher produces a high-level professional dancer such as yourself. Were there other dancers that Miss Sydney produced? Was she ever a professional dancer?

[@zsofiastrbka2030]

I love that you are doing vlogmas so much, these videos make me so happy❤️

[@amywalker1333]

For Q&A- Do you have any advice on living with an invisible chronic illness? I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease this past March and I continually struggle with knowing when to let myself rest or to push through something. Also, any tips on boosting confidence when your illness takes over your body (i.e. body changes due to medication/illness)? So happy to see you healthy and dancing again. Much love, Amy ❤️

[@mclary272]

Q & A questions: what has surprised you most about you journey post Miami City Ballet? Thanks for sharing your story with us ❤️. I'm not a dancer but have loved ballet since I was a little girl.

[@callabeth258]

I only started ballet a few years ago as an adult, but I’m a life long highland dancer and when you were talking about practicing your variation arms on the elliptical it reminded me of an exercise my sisters and I would do as part of our morning before school routine to improve our arms for dancing. We got one of those mini circle trampolines and would just keep our legs straight jumping but we would play our highland music and do the arms in time to the music so we could learn to hold them strong without the landing of the jumps jolting them.

[@Happilyhaleyafter]

So happy to see the duds are doing well! I refuse to believe they are 5 years old. I’ve been watching you well before you even got them. I love that you are back in a good head space to vlog again. I loved your vlogs

[@gisellenorbury2369]

Beautiful photos lovely memories I’m sure .

[@katherine964]

Q+A would you dance at NYC ballet again if there was an opportunity?

[@lorihaley2292]

I haven’t watched your channel in eons. You look better than ever. Glowing, happy. X

[@emilineharris3724]

Off topic but I have family in Fairhope and it warmed my heart just to see all those trees as you were driving.

[@BallerinaValkyrie]

Watching your tendu center boggled my mind for some reason? Other wise, it's so cool to see you dance!

[@gisellenorbury2369]

You are absolutely correct your health is very important. It’s free here in Canada 🇨🇦 we are very lucky.

[@debratravis1761]

Can’t believe so much time has gone by…loved seeing the “old” video room! So proud of you Kathryn, you are so special, talented and wonderful!

[@sherrihellwig85]

I still have those beginner ballet classes that you taught in that room at your parents house and the ones from your apartment in NY. Good times!

[@emilystevens2016]

I really REALLY enjoyed seeing your home and parents and puppies ☺ it all felt very "behind-the-scenes".

[@alyssarosengard6674]

So glad your blood work was good. I remember the old videos and studio. I remember the collection of ballet shoes and old makeup videos. Keep up taking care of yourself. Can’t wait to see the next performance.

[@deborahleatherman7001]

For the q&a-how do you maintain and care for your toe shoes during a show verses when you’re doing just regular ballet classes, etc? So fun watching your videos!

[@LMebert]

Loved the vlog and watching you dance with such joy is just a gift to watch! Thank you for sharing your life!

[@Pluizje1998]

Yay! Pup-update! So happy to see the pups again and of course Carson! The pups still the same as before. Also so happy to see your room again, so much has changed, but it looks so familiar. Where is the white sheet behind the make up videos 🙊😂😂

[@kathryn_morgan]

Haha right?

[@HoppinglyEverAfter]

Wonderful vlog and I enjoyed seeing your childhood ballet school and the puppy footage! 😍 That's sweet that your mom has saved all of your photos and performance booklets through the years. My question for your Q&A is: In all of your years of dancing, have you ever seen or experienced sabotage from other dancers, out of jealousy? I watched a documentary on a Russian ballet school, and it mentioned how some dancers would get jealous and put glass inside of another dancer's pointe shoes, or they would cut the ribbons off before a performance. I can't imagine someone doing such a cruel and awful thing to hurt a fellow dancer, but maybe this isn't very common? It sounds like you've had a wonderful group of people to work with, so hopefully you never experienced anything like that. ❤ Thank you again for taking the time to film and share these fun vlogs with us! Best wishes on your upcoming performances! 😊

[@TheLadyEnchanted]

Just realized how long I’ve been watching you! Nearly eight years now and so happy to see you thriving and happy! Q&A QUESTION: I know you did makeup tutorials long ago (it’s actually how I found you) would you consider doing some again for stage makeup?

[@snabeyratne]

Truly enjoyed this. Bravo KM. You're so special.

[@sarahk2308]

As a chronic pain patient (migraines suck y'all) TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF and yes absolutely advocate for yourself, ESPECIALLY if ur young and 'not supposed' to be sick.

[@kka887]

Miss Sydney! I got to take class from her this summer! She helped me so much and is so lovely!

[@tamsin7460]

Hi Kathryn, my life has followed a similar trajectory to yours with thrills, spills and health issues usually within weeks or months of you, although my career is very different. My question for you would be which event/ moment in you life was the most positively life-changing so far? For example, for me it was coming back from a humanitarian role having lost my home, health and relationship, it gave me a freedom from the fear of that and taught me about levels of resilience I never knew I had and a completely new outlook. Thanksnfor the vlogmas!

[@ericagoehring1089]

I started watching 7 years ago! I absolutely remember your parents' home. ❤

[@awwpaw4797]

Q: Can You make ake a book with Your family about Your career, with pics and stories behind, please. My favourite pic was on 9:31 You being over there without any gravity :D . Very interesting is this all :) . Looks so easy and is superdifficult to dance like that. Thank You so much. Much love and blessings for You and Your family!

[@starmelodyelizabethb7380]

I have a question about ballet for disabilities and pre existing conditions what are your thoughts and what we as dancers can share the world of dance to them?

[@bethanneblack]

This was so much fun to watch! Your ballet teacher is amazing, and I’m so glad you took class with her! 💜

[@joannam.4294]

What an excellently done VLOG. I felt like I was there with you, visiting your home town. And you did that without any fancy tik tok style editing tricks, drone footage, dramatic music - none of that. A very natural flow, good narration, personal without being overly emotional, simple - yet captivating. I know "KZbinr" is not your primary identity, but you have mastered the art of vlogging pretty well!

[@Luthien_Amalanya]

This vlog brings back so many memories!

[@susandunlap6811]

Ms Sydney is a treasure!

[@dreamsend4072]

Love the collaboration you did Charles Szczepanek that came out yesterday! What's the story behind the collab and what inspired your choreography for it?

[@kyleighsherman8790]

Hi Kathryn! I love this vlogmas so much already!! For the Q&A, could you talk about how to balance dance and high school for dancers who do not necessarily want to get into a company but want to go far in the dance world? Thank you and God bless

[@em8559]

Thank you for the vlogmas! We are so happy seeing you experiencing the joy of beeing on stage. Also thank you for all the backstage-info and explanations which non-dancers do not experience - it is very interesting to gain some insights into what it takes in order for us to enjoy the performance, and makes me to appreciate your art form even more! For the Q&A, since we are so into nutcracker: What's your favorite Nutcracker piece, choreography- and music-wise? Greetings and happy december!

[@shelbylandrumCC]

Loved seeing you take class! And LOVE the style of practice wear you have shown lately - SO CHIC 🥰 Question- any tips for hair regrowth or styling with lots of baby hairs (day to day more than show style)

[@Anya12365]

You did so good this weekend!!!! I loved watching you do sugarplum from the wings!!!!

[@Yidenia]

For the Q&A: how do you pick which choreography to perform? I remember last week you said the tempo for the Sugar Plum wasn't working for you so you tried to switch versions in the middle, so there seems to be some flexibility in which version you use, particularly for solos. Sorry if you already went over this lol.

[@lanelmuhammad]

The elliptical stamina truck is GENIUS!!!!

[@lindsayowens8050]

Q&A I don't have your auto immune disease, I have my own liver disease, but I too have the really thin hair that falls out I the shower. What are you currently doing/will be doing for your hair? Btw, have been using your hair tutorials a lot for conferences or formal research presentations for years! :)

[@daviddroxler4910]

Hi Kathryn, will you be coming up to the Northeast, NYC or Philadelphia for any performances or classes? Would love to see you in person. Thank you.

[@foreverestt3631]

What a beautiful vlog! Thank-you for everything. 💛☀️💛☀️💛

[@TheBrookelizabeth21]

Was so great to see Luna again!! I’ve been a subscriber/watcher since before you had her, so it was great to see her and the space in your parents’ house where you used to film class-so many memories! My question: how did you come up with the idea/concept for the Anastasia ballet, and how did you find/choose Charles? Did he write/compose his arrangement and send it to you, and then you came up with the choreography, or did you discuss with him how you wanted the scene to play out and how the transitions would go and he created his piece after? There’s quite a bit of extra music towards the beginning, and I thought that was such a great lead-in to the whole experience of that video. I would love to hear more about how that collaborative process came to be ❤️

[@BethanyAnnette91]

Loved the advice your teacher was giving. I can’t wait to pass this along to My students! Thank you for sharing your private class!!!

[@moondustangel889]

Love it. I'm just wondering what the policy on wearing nail polish on stage is for dancers? Thanks for the great video 🥰

[@GhislaineBeauce]

This was such a lovely episode!! And seeing the locations for your early videos too. You've come a long way!! It's funny how I never think of any questions for Q&A's, but I love everybody else's.

[@sopranosd]

You have the most amazing skin. Pure alabaster!

[@elizabethann5308]

You are doing a great job whomever reads this. I am going to the doctor monday to try and get more answers about my wierd gi problems. It has been 3 years since I first went and there has not been much improvement. I want answers not just more meds.

[@nadia_matulich]

Another one for the Q&A if you are still taking questions; from vlog 10&11- you and your partner mark the variation a lot- how do you know/choose when to mark and when to go full out when you have the choice? I bounce between 'go full out, it will make you a better dancer' and 'trust yourself', but then battle with whether I am being lazy or actually knowing my limits.

[@Anne-Mirthe]

It was so nice to see you in class with your former teacher! Also, that selfie would be a funny Instagram picture for KM & Friends next Animal Day ;). Oh, and I'm still using the videos you recorded in that study. Thanks for everything you give us!

[@TheAmylou36]

😂😂 Ohhhh your precious puppies!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@emilyadams9986]

What a great video. The puppies are adorable as always, and the house looks beautiful decorated for Christmas. I've been wondering for a while, though; has Chris ever thought of making a KZbin channel of his own, specifically for boys and men in ballet?

[@jankoraven]

Didn't realize how long I've been watching you - it's fun to see how your backdrops have changed! And also to see just how happy you are now. I'm loving these vlogs. ❤️🎄

[@alicevillasenor8338]

I'd like to hear more about guesting at different places. Why do you need to bring your own costume? How do you work with a partner in another state? When do the companies decide they need/want to bring in somebody as a guest rather than feature local dancers?

[@fionabalfe24]

I love the puppies! Your house seems so festive in the holiday spirit.🥰

[@nadia_matulich]

For the Q&A- please update us on what food/eating habits are working for you at the moment? Would love to hear more of how you're managing energy and how well its working!

[@mzwandileloyiti7986]

Love listening to Katie , so relaxing and entertaining

[@Amy-gq7ft]

QUESTIONS: How did you “recruit” your three cavaliers? Are you allowed to perform any version of sugarplum when you guest?

[@cristinac.m.523]

This vlog made me so happy! I love what your mom did to your old room, she has such great taste! :)

[@adrienneberg4408]

Katy I am so glad I got to see you after Saturday’s evening performance and we spoke a bit. Your story, your integrity and your down to earth lovely personality are such a joy to be around! Made me smile that you remember me teaching pilates at Synergy (I kick myself That I didnt get a picture with you, haha). And so grateful you included not only the importance of advocating for your health in this Vlog, but also soo enjoyed watching Ms Sydney work with you again! She was one of my teachers too and I glad you have her as a special person in your life.... thank you for all you do Katy and anytime you want to do Pilates let me know💕

[@crystaleaston3008]

Hi Kathryn, you inspire me so much, and I admire your openness. For the Q&A: Do you think adult dancers (late starters/non-pro) should have performance opportunities? How would you recommend they pursue this?

[@amandabrame235]

I love you Kathryn Morgan!

[@annem.j.6691]

Will you please show your skincare routine after a show (taking of makeup, cleansing, etc.)?

[@balletmeli]

❤️ 🏡. My mom save everything also ❤️. Glad to see that the numbers are 🎉. I also have album of my 🩰 days. Thank you for stating the importance of health, and advocacy as a breast cancer survivor I understand . ❤️ this video very nostalgic.

[@BethanyDial]

How do you keep improving your artistry, and how can I improve my petit allegros?

[@Jacqueline17678]

Have you ever considered getting non-damaging hair extensions like the Halo hair extensions?

[@Lirin]

I had a belle bank! I think your hair is looking good

[@hannahfox5422]

If you could only keep 1 leotard in your collection and had to throw the rest out, which would it be and why. Also, what would you tell yourself about preparing pointe shoes on if you could be an apprentice again?

[@lydiahavener5793]

Sweet Kathryn! Merde! Do you have wisdom/advice (that’s helped you) on coming back into dance & the pro dance world from major health issues (so relate to you friend!) specifically in my mid-twenty’s (feelin those muscles ☺️) without being in a company. So inspiring to see someone in a similar health circumstance but a little ahead of me on recovery! So hopeful!

[@KiwiGirl941]

Hi Katy - I've enjoyed watching your videos. "Newbie" to ballet here. Thank you for being so open about your health and importance of self-care. It's so easy to get caught up in pleasing others and seeking affirmation from what you're doing that often our health can be forgotten. Within the last year my appreciation and admiration for ballet has been rekindled and I'd like to start doing lessons again. Do you think I could start by watching online videos and then move into some classes at my local studio? Or would you recommend starting at the studio to have some steady training? I am trained as an Irish dancer and musical theater with ballet from way-back-when and so am familiar with dance, but I'd really love to develop ballet technique ... And just want to do it the right way.

[@anastasiapywtorak5538]

Hi Kathryn! I am absolutely loving your vlogams

[@erisharubingh1940]

Q&A: How do you keep your passion/focus/discipline intact as an artist?

[@hannahringel4892]

Q & A: 1.) When you do a narrative ballet (Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker, Manon Lescaut etc.) do you read the novels on which the ballets are based? 2.) You said „once upon a pointe“ that your favorite role is Juliet and that your dream role is Manon. Are these your favorites because of the music, the choreography or the narrative/the development of the character?

[@nadiacenteno-alvarado2413]

Hello! Q&A: How do you manage self-motivation to train? I find that the "class structure" with other people or with a teacher helps me stay on track

[@CassieB64]

For the Q&A - Is there a way to start to like those exercises you hate. I really hate adage and develope. Can ballet/ dance help with building upper body strength?