Me too! Even for non-dancers (or with very little dance experience) these thing are so clear. Even my husband who has no clue about dancing at all and was listening in, he understood this and it made sense even to him.
I own a small ballet school and I absolutely adore you and all your video content. Your channel is "required viewing" for all my advanced students. We just started partnering classes this year for our first ever Nutcracker production and I was shocked at the lack of content available on partnering for my students to be able to watch. It's so helpful as a teacher to have professionals who are accessible like yourself who validate what we are teaching in the studio and add insights and dimension to what we are saying. I wish the professional ballet world had been more accessible like this when I was coming up. We either had to go to something live or cross our fingers for a PBS special. 😂
Thank you so much for this! I truly appreciate it. It was the same way in my day - everything was SO secretive. So I try to be that voice that they can learn from. xoxox
I'm just an amateur dancer, but I'd love to do a pas de deux or just have a partnering class one day. Sadly it's almost impossible to get that chance when you're "just" an amateur dancer...
Story time: Once during summer intensive we were doing repertory and the dance we were learning was a partnering dance from Giselle. The very end pose was that the guys are kneeling and the girls are sitting on their guys’ knee. (I’m a girl). When I went to sit down on his knee, I landed with my butt flat on the floor! It took a couple of times to get it right, but I finally learned to hold back and let the guy get down first. This was totally my fault, as I wasn’t letting him lead the way, like Kathryn suggested. Your tips for partnering are so helpful and definitely would’ve helped me in that situation!
Thanks so much for this. I am 31 and about to start ballet and pointe again after a 15 year hiatus and I am going to forever keep all of these tips in the back of my mind once we start working into pas de deux stuff.
I would love more partnering videos! Thank you so much! I had some issues in partnering class yesterday, and my teacher isn't sure what's wrong yet. He said its something with my coordination, but he can't put his finger on it yet. Can you talk about coordination in one of your upcoming videos?
Yes I will. For now - try thinking of everything moving as one piece. Arms, legs, head, etc, all together. That should help. And I will definitely post more partnering videos!
This is perfect timing, I'm having to be the base (since I'm a tall girl) in some simple partnering for a jazz dance and so all of this advice will be super helpful. Thank you so much!
I usually avoid watching these things when my husband is around, but I also know he doesn't mind me watching it either from time to time. But just now hubby listened while I watched (and listened of course) and he actually liked what he heard and even understood it ... my husband, really, the man who has no clue about dancing, he understood what you were talking about. So ..... well done Katie!
Hi Katie! Could you maybe make a video on double piques, especially on pointe? I really struggle with them, and your technique tip videos are so helpful!! 😚
Katy, you are my inspiration, I was a dancer and Colorado conservatory of dance and boulder ballet. I started very late, at 15 which caused me to push so hard to the point that I ended up breaking my back at 17 I took a full year off and now I’m dancing at the college level and still aspiring to go professional. Because of said injury I have a huge fear of all back sensitive lines, what are tips for lower back extensions but cheating it so that the line is still beautiful and gives the appearance of more flexibility?
I dance, but not ballet, and it’s purely for fun. I mostly dance by myself, so not a whole lot of partnering experience, but when i watch people dance together, something i always notice is how well they interact. With inexperienced dancers (which i am haha) i notice that it almost seems like they’re just dancing next to each other, not with each other?? I’d actually like you to talk a bit about that, how to work better with your partner and actually have a connection.
Thanks Kathryn! I'm gonna take a one-day partnering class this Saturday and was so nervous about it. This video helped me so much for what I have to get ready for the class! I'm gonna try my best in the class and probably gonna appreciate to you again after.
I started as an adult, so partnering education is limited. Videos like these are helpful. The first tip (for girls) is great. Lifting a beginner is a world of difference vs lifting an experienced female. Letting the guy lead allows the pair to have much better timed plies and gives the guy strong leverage to do the lift; lifting a fleeing dancer is near impossible. The thumb tip I also appreciate, as I've never heard it before. Usually you hear only about using the whole hand surface vs fingertips. Now I have something new to think about and practice to make sure the girl is more secure and comfortable.
I don't dance, however, I do learn alot about how to appreciate ballet. What goes into the training, moves, etc. It makes the ballets on stage more real. :)
This is going to help me so much because my studio has a summer workshop that I got invited to and there is a lot of partnering in it and I was a little bit stressed about it but now I feel more confident about it! Thank you!
I've been wanting to dance ballet for a long time now and I'm finally taking a mini-introduction-course on monday (excited!) I was wondering if you think it's too late to start practicing and dancing ballet when you are nineteen? (Not thinking professionally, but because I adore ballet so much!) Love your videos as always! :D
Rebecca Sundström Im not Kathryn, but from my own experience: its never too late to start doing something that makes you happy. Respect your body and do your best every class! Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because learning is all about being corrected, not being correct. Lots of luck!
Rebecca Sundström I started (again) at 19 as well and I'm 20 1/2 now and on pointe and exceptionally happy with it! It's never too late if you work hard and accept your "limitations" of your body. I for example will never have a completely square turnout but I was able to get flexible enough for splits, so I'm happy!
I myself am a 10 year old young dancer, and I am doing my very first dance with a partner. It's way different than I thought, and this helped me a lot!
This is FANTASTIC as I just transferred to a different ballet school and will hopefully begin partnering in the next few months. Any suggestions for someone who’s brand-new to partnering and scarcely knows any of the guys she’d be partnering with??
great! As for the tip of the thumb - guys here is a * always try to be first, aware of the point/s/ of contact that is between your hand/s and the partner's body. explore to find the perfect fit between your hands and the body you are holding - when you find those places reach for them knowingly while you prepare to make contact. Be aware of the surface that is touching including the thumb - then think, how can I use my whole body from the ground (feet, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and last but not least fingers separated and holding nice ) up through the center of gravity to your hands and thumbs to make the most stable, powerful, gentle, intricate and so on . good luck (:
love the background! :) also can I just say? Your videos are the ONLY ones I immediately thumbs up even if I haven't watched it yet. You can do no wrong girl. All your content is top notch
Thank you! That's the video I was wating for 😍 My problem would be, I look like I string when he lifts me up. (I'm not heavy I believe) Maybe I need more core?😥
Very interesting & unique video, Kathryn! There was once a day I'd have loved to be able to dance with the girls....until I heard about the injuries when things go wrong. And people think Football players have it rough! Keep up the "reality checks"...Eye opening for days!
Will you include more footage of you in rehearsals, as well as performances, in your videos, like you did in this one? I love watching clips of you in action. 😊❤️
I just read about a ballerina who complained about her very famous partner, saying that he was totally selfish and the worst partner she had ever had. What would it mean for the male to be the selfish partner? What would he do/not do?
Definitely working on the blogs - I just literally haven't had time. I barely have had time to get videos up on this channel haha. But I will go back to it soon!
Confidence! Believe in yourself! The audience will notice if you're unsure of yourself. Even if everything is going horribly wrong - keep going and pretend it's fine. And enjoy yourself! Just portray the best version of you. After all, you can only do your best :) And don't beat yourself up if it's not perfect. What happens on stage, happens. :)
Yes- confidence! If something goes wrong, own it! Don't let it show on your face. Take one step at a time (literally) and remember the in-betweens (like glissades) are just as important as the big things.
They dont offer Pas De Deux classes at my studio (as there is no male ballet dancers my age there) but this was interesting! I'll keep this in mind for the future :)
Thank you for this video😊😘 tomorrow is my first partnering class so I'mma bit scared, I don't know what to expect so yeah😅😅 hahahaha good luck to me hahahah😁😁
Hi Kathryn! I am able to do double and sometimes triple pirouettes on pointe, but I find balancing on one leg on pointe more difficult. Like my calves and outer thigh squeeze and I try to lift up in my chest, but I just kinda flop down. Please help! Love your videos by the way! ^_^
One of the questions I have is about the placement and action of the guy's hands for pirouettes. Should they simply be placed on the hips, or should the guy actually aid the girl in the turn by actively manipulating the pirouette?
Larry Pool I've always been taught to not let the guy turn me unless it is in the choreography, OR it is a last quarter turn just to get the girl in position. But the girl should feel comfortable enough to give it her all while turning with a guy. Cause it's all about trust.
wait but what if I smell bad- I overthink things lmao I usually get complimented on the way I smell but stillll I just started partnering and im kinda nervous, and so is my partner
KATIE: When I do a ponché my bottom foot always gives out. I’m not sure if it’s my shoe or what but my legs are in a completely flat split and my foot comes off pointe and ruins it and I don’t know what to do
Think of pushing right where the ribbons are. Also keep your supporting hip solid - sometimes we go back in the supporting hip and it messes up the foot. If you are doing penche with a partner and this is happening - it's his fault. He doesn't have you fully over your leg.
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the backdrops and editing she did here
Aww thank you! I'm trying haha
Al Pal yess
I don’t even dance ballet but enjoy these videos so much 😍
Thank you Jennifer!
Me too! Even for non-dancers (or with very little dance experience) these thing are so clear. Even my husband who has no clue about dancing at all and was listening in, he understood this and it made sense even to him.
Me too :-)
Loved that you added clips of you dancing!!
Thank you!
Sounds like relationship tips too lol
haha true
Oh yeah, that was one of the things that had my husband smiling ... and appreciate this.
“let the guy lead” is a terrible relationship tip 😅
It's so sweet talking about getting a partner to demonstrate. Now she has Chris 💕 Aww! That makes me happy 🥰
I own a small ballet school and I absolutely adore you and all your video content. Your channel is "required viewing" for all my advanced students.
We just started partnering classes this year for our first ever Nutcracker production and I was shocked at the lack of content available on partnering for my students to be able to watch.
It's so helpful as a teacher to have professionals who are accessible like yourself who validate what we are teaching in the studio and add insights and dimension to what we are saying.
I wish the professional ballet world had been more accessible like this when I was coming up. We either had to go to something live or cross our fingers for a PBS special. 😂
Thank you so much for this! I truly appreciate it. It was the same way in my day - everything was SO secretive. So I try to be that voice that they can learn from. xoxox
As nurses in the 1980’s we were taught to use our leg muscles for lifting patients too. xxxxx.
I'm just an amateur dancer, but I'd love to do a pas de deux or just have a partnering class one day. Sadly it's almost impossible to get that chance when you're "just" an amateur dancer...
UGH YES! The only guys that are ever at my studio either become professionals or quit! There is never an opportunity for partnering class!
My ballet studio doesn't even have men...... probably because I'm in China and ppl don't tend to send boys into ballet
Story time: Once during summer intensive we were doing repertory and the dance we were learning was a partnering dance from Giselle. The very end pose was that the guys are kneeling and the girls are sitting on their guys’ knee. (I’m a girl). When I went to sit down on his knee, I landed with my butt flat on the floor! It took a couple of times to get it right, but I finally learned to hold back and let the guy get down first. This was totally my fault, as I wasn’t letting him lead the way, like Kathryn suggested. Your tips for partnering are so helpful and definitely would’ve helped me in that situation!
Thanks so much for this. I am 31 and about to start ballet and pointe again after a 15 year hiatus and I am going to forever keep all of these tips in the back of my mind once we start working into pas de deux stuff.
I will probably never do pas de deux but I still watch this video because Kathryns videos are life
Awww thank you!
This rehearsal footage is awesome, you have such amazing flair and style! Love it!! Xx
Thank you so much!
I would love more partnering videos! Thank you so much! I had some issues in partnering class yesterday, and my teacher isn't sure what's wrong yet. He said its something with my coordination, but he can't put his finger on it yet. Can you talk about coordination in one of your upcoming videos?
Yes I will. For now - try thinking of everything moving as one piece. Arms, legs, head, etc, all together. That should help. And I will definitely post more partnering videos!
Thanks so much!
finally, tips for guys!
I love the clips of you in rehearsal 💜
Thank you!
This is perfect timing, I'm having to be the base (since I'm a tall girl) in some simple partnering for a jazz dance and so all of this advice will be super helpful. Thank you so much!
Of course! xoxo
I haven't danced in years and never done partnering but I looove the insights in the technique ! So interesting !
Thank you!
I usually avoid watching these things when my husband is around, but I also know he doesn't mind me watching it either from time to time. But just now hubby listened while I watched (and listened of course) and he actually liked what he heard and even understood it ... my husband, really, the man who has no clue about dancing, he understood what you were talking about. So ..... well done Katie!
Hi Katie! Could you maybe make a video on double piques, especially on pointe? I really struggle with them, and your technique tip videos are so helpful!! 😚
Besides the amazing content, I loved the colour combination between your blouse, your earrings and your eyes!
Also, 7:06 so adorable
Thank you! xoxo
Katy, you are my inspiration, I was a dancer and Colorado conservatory of dance and boulder ballet. I started very late, at 15 which caused me to push so hard to the point that I ended up breaking my back at 17 I took a full year off and now I’m dancing at the college level and still aspiring to go professional. Because of said injury I have a huge fear of all back sensitive lines, what are tips for lower back extensions but cheating it so that the line is still beautiful and gives the appearance of more flexibility?
You are an amazing teacher. Love you and congratulations !
Yeah, I would LOVE some more partnering videos.
I dance, but not ballet, and it’s purely for fun. I mostly dance by myself, so not a whole lot of partnering experience, but when i watch people dance together, something i always notice is how well they interact. With inexperienced dancers (which i am haha) i notice that it almost seems like they’re just dancing next to each other, not with each other?? I’d actually like you to talk a bit about that, how to work better with your partner and actually have a connection.
Thanks Kathryn! I'm gonna take a one-day partnering class this Saturday and was so nervous about it. This video helped me so much for what I have to get ready for the class! I'm gonna try my best in the class and probably gonna appreciate to you again after.
Please expand on these soon!! I’m about to start partnering for the first time!
I started as an adult, so partnering education is limited. Videos like these are helpful. The first tip (for girls) is great. Lifting a beginner is a world of difference vs lifting an experienced female. Letting the guy lead allows the pair to have much better timed plies and gives the guy strong leverage to do the lift; lifting a fleeing dancer is near impossible.
The thumb tip I also appreciate, as I've never heard it before. Usually you hear only about using the whole hand surface vs fingertips. Now I have something new to think about and practice to make sure the girl is more secure and comfortable.
I don't dance, however, I do learn alot about how to appreciate ballet. What goes into the training, moves, etc. It makes the ballets on stage more real. :)
Thanks for the tips 👌🏼
This is going to help me so much because my studio has a summer workshop that I got invited to and there is a lot of partnering in it and I was a little bit stressed about it but now I feel more confident about it! Thank you!
This is so helpful
I've been wanting to dance ballet for a long time now and I'm finally taking a mini-introduction-course on monday (excited!) I was wondering if you think it's too late to start practicing and dancing ballet when you are nineteen? (Not thinking professionally, but because I adore ballet so much!) Love your videos as always! :D
Rebecca Sundström Im not Kathryn, but from my own experience: its never too late to start doing something that makes you happy. Respect your body and do your best every class! Don't be afraid to make mistakes, because learning is all about being corrected, not being correct. Lots of luck!
Rebecca Sundström I started (again) at 19 as well and I'm 20 1/2 now and on pointe and exceptionally happy with it! It's never too late if you work hard and accept your "limitations" of your body. I for example will never have a completely square turnout but I was able to get flexible enough for splits, so I'm happy!
It's never too late! Just enjoy the process! xoxo
Thank you so much! I will definitely work hard! :)
Thank you very much! That's pretty amazing :O
I myself am a 10 year old young dancer, and I am doing my very first dance with a partner. It's way different than I thought, and this helped me a lot!
This is FANTASTIC as I just transferred to a different ballet school and will hopefully begin partnering in the next few months. Any suggestions for someone who’s brand-new to partnering and scarcely knows any of the guys she’d be partnering with??
Every time you update, it makes my day ❤
Thanks, Kathryn! I'm about to teach a small pas dance for the recital we're doing, and I'm going to keep these things in mind to tell them!
HOLY CRAP UR AMAZING I LOVE THE EXAMPLE VIDEOS😍
great! As for the tip of the thumb - guys here is a * always try to be first, aware of the point/s/ of contact that is between your hand/s and the partner's body. explore to find the perfect fit between your hands and the body you are holding - when you find those places reach for them knowingly while you prepare to make contact. Be aware of the surface that is touching including the thumb - then think, how can I use my whole body from the ground (feet, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and last but not least fingers separated and holding nice ) up through the center of gravity to your hands and thumbs to make the most stable, powerful, gentle, intricate and so on . good luck (:
love the background! :) also can I just say? Your videos are the ONLY ones I immediately thumbs up even if I haven't watched it yet. You can do no wrong girl. All your content is top notch
Can you do a video focusing on partnered pirouettes? Sometimes I can get in like 6 turns and others I can’t even get one. Love this video though!
I’m s boy but I’m on pointe and will probably be doing Pas De Deuxs because I want to be a ballerina! ❤️💙
Are there any more partnering videos? I couldn’t find them in your videos. It would be so very helpful to have some pas de deux videos from you.
Thank you! That's the video I was wating for 😍
My problem would be, I look like I string when he lifts me up. (I'm not heavy I believe) Maybe I need more core?😥
Yes - really hold your center. Keep your shoulders down and be as solid as you can.
Very interesting & unique video, Kathryn! There was once a day I'd have loved to be able to dance with the girls....until I heard about the injuries when things go wrong. And people think Football players have it rough! Keep up the "reality checks"...Eye opening for days!
LOL that moment with Tyler at 7:05 😂
the background it's elegant as always ❤
Thank you!
More on pas de deux please!!!!
You are giving advice for life! Loved it!!!
WHIP TURNS
Finally a video for guys thx
thank you so much for this!! its my first time partnering and i really have problems keeping myself square😳😳
Avoid the Ken hands and noodle arms! Hee Concise and informative as ever and I love the live inserts of your dancing.
I loooove ur tip videos!!
Will you include more footage of you in rehearsals, as well as performances, in your videos, like you did in this one? I love watching clips of you in action. 😊❤️
I will do my best! I am just happy I found this footage haha. But I definitely will!
Dance tips that can be applied to life. 😊
Can you post more on your second channel? And nice video!
I will! It's just been a schedule problem. I haven't had the time to devote to it. But I promise I will get back to it!
Okay, thanks.
Please do a advanced point workout bar thing. LOVED THE VID💕💕
Thanks kathryn!!!! This helps a lottt
would love a partnering videos.
Helped me so much I love you ❤️❤️
I'm so glad!
I just read about a ballerina who complained about her very famous partner, saying that he was totally selfish and the worst partner she had ever had. What would it mean for the male to be the selfish partner? What would he do/not
do?
You are such a beautiful dancer 😍
I find your videos so interesting!! Miss your vlogs:) Also, I love your earrings.
Definitely working on the blogs - I just literally haven't had time. I barely have had time to get videos up on this channel haha. But I will go back to it soon!
You should do an updated dancewear collection☺
Please make a partnering video to demonstrate
I have a ballet competition on Sunday. I know it's a kind of late, but do you have tips how to look more professional on stage than you actually are?
Confidence! Believe in yourself! The audience will notice if you're unsure of yourself. Even if everything is going horribly wrong - keep going and pretend it's fine. And enjoy yourself! Just portray the best version of you. After all, you can only do your best :) And don't beat yourself up if it's not perfect. What happens on stage, happens. :)
turtle Thanks for these tips 👍
Yes- confidence! If something goes wrong, own it! Don't let it show on your face. Take one step at a time (literally) and remember the in-betweens (like glissades) are just as important as the big things.
can you talk about promenades in greater detail?
They dont offer Pas De Deux classes at my studio (as there is no male ballet dancers my age there) but this was interesting! I'll keep this in mind for the future :)
Thank you for this video😊😘 tomorrow is my first partnering class so I'mma bit scared, I don't know what to expect so yeah😅😅 hahahaha good luck to me hahahah😁😁
Could you make pas de deux choreography videos for viewers to follow along with and learn?
Hello! Very helpful video! Could you maybe do an updated leotard collection video?
Will you be attending the RDA Festival this year in New Hampshire?
7:06 was so funny :D Lol!
I'm doing partnering rn and the guy I'm with is only a couple inches taller than me. Its incredibly difficult to turn with him. Any tips?
I will probably never dance with a partner, but I still loved the video.
How can I do if my studio, although I receive very good training for ballet, doesn't have any boys and I can't do pas de deux class? I'm 16
Hi Kathryn! I am able to do double and sometimes triple pirouettes on pointe, but I find balancing on one leg on pointe more difficult. Like my calves and outer thigh squeeze and I try to lift up in my chest, but I just kinda flop down. Please help! Love your videos by the way! ^_^
Unfortunately we dont have partnering class.. would love to do that.
I love your makeup so much in this!
Thank you! I actually filmed a tutorial the same day for this look that goes up next week! xoxo
One of the questions I have is about the placement and action of the guy's hands for pirouettes. Should they simply be placed on the hips, or should the guy actually aid the girl in the turn by actively manipulating the pirouette?
Larry Pool I've always been taught to not let the guy turn me unless it is in the choreography, OR it is a last quarter turn just to get the girl in position. But the girl should feel comfortable enough to give it her all while turning with a guy. Cause it's all about trust.
And i have had partners who have used their hands to turn me around and it is a bit uncomfortable, for me anyway... Good luck!
te amo ❤
wait but what if I smell bad- I overthink things lmao I usually get complimented on the way I smell but stillll I just started partnering and im kinda nervous, and so is my partner
See if you can work together with Harper Watts!
I need help with echapees
I think a tip for the guys would be to be an uncooked noodle; not a cooked noodle.
7:06 hahaha
KATIE: When I do a ponché my bottom foot always gives out. I’m not sure if it’s my shoe or what but my legs are in a completely flat split and my foot comes off pointe and ruins it and I don’t know what to do
Think of pushing right where the ribbons are. Also keep your supporting hip solid - sometimes we go back in the supporting hip and it messes up the foot. If you are doing penche with a partner and this is happening - it's his fault. He doesn't have you fully over your leg.
Kathryn Morgan thank you so much!!!
"even if you're buff" ha ha
....I feel personally attacked.....that arabesque with arms flailing all over the place is me :'D
Can you do a how-to improve your borrees?
Hamburger barbie hands 😂😂😂
💪🤗
no partner 💔 u.u
Brilliant tips!!! Thank you so much!!!