I understand the intention and meaning behind pushing back against the concept of "girly"-ness but I think a better way to frame it is to not equate being girly with being weak at all. So what if ballet is girly? Tons of girls dance and they're all really strong and incredible. Just like "throwing like a girl" shouldn't be an insult, dancing like a girl shouldn't be either.
And then people asking you to go en pointe right in front of them without the shoes and then getting really judgey when you say that's not really how it works lol
Lol yeh, and then they curl their toes up and stand on the knuckles (?) of their foot and say 'look, even I can do it!' and then I reply with a simple 'No'
Most of these misconceptions about ballet are deeply rooted in sexism. Ballet is (considered) a very feminine dance, and society considers most feminine things to be lame...ergo ballet is lame. I have lost count of the number of sports movies I've seen where a character would refer to an athlete as a "ballerina" to undermine their abilities. This is very ironic since ballet requires optimal strength and flexibility. I've done different types of dance styles growing up and ballet is easily the hardest for me.
They in part have their selves to blame. Guys often have to wear the most unfortunate 'costumes'. It's no coincidence that it attracts a lot of gay males.
Hey, there's this doctor mike on youtube who does commentary videos on medical soaps like grey's anatomy and scrubs, so I wondered if you could start a series where you comment on ballet movies or series. I'd love to see you reviewing dance academy. It was my favourite Show as a child !!!
A tip that helped me when I was working in a dance theater with a strange amount of diva personalities: people who are performing at an extremely high level don’t have time for that. They are too busy and usually, they are incredibly kind. Kindness works. Sometimes self doubt creates “divas”-and for those on the receiving end of this bad behavior, very sorry. I’ve been there.
Ballet is also for everyone. Obviously being a professional isnt going to be possible for everyone. However, just to dance ballet is for anyone and everyone. I started at 26, others start at 60. Too many young dancers are criticising adult beginners on instagram because they think its only for certain people.
Now I kind of want to use my Instagram account to parody this phenomenon. But seriously, I started last April when I was 33. I've had to take time off to address some plantar fasciitis issues, but I'm glad I started a bit later in life. That way I got to wear what I want right off the bat instead of putting on light pink tights that would look uber weird on me.
"Too many young dancers are criticising adult beginners on instagram because they think its only for certain people. Wow really?? I'm not on instagram, so I never heard this. wow!
My gym teacher literally once said when we were playing softball to not spin after hitting the ball and I quote "You aren't ballerinas your supposed to be athletes." I got so mad I yelled at him and got sent to the principals office but it was worth it. He also asked at the beginning of the year if we played any sports I said dance and he laughed and said dance wasn't a sport. I then said yeah it is and then he started started screaming at me. (Also know this "gym teacher" was the boys varsity basketball coach for our high school and definitely had toxic masculinity)
Fact: When I decided to switch careers to biotechnology my teacher told me I would be great at it since I was a dancer and had the discipline, determination, and creativity to work in a lab. I was one of the best in class, earned a scholarship, and got the coveted yearlong PAID internship at the state Institute of Technology. Besides getting a job right away afterwards, I joined the university ballet club and met so many talented and SMART ballet dancers who were pursuing PhDs in subjects from Chemical Engineering to Astrophysics. Some of them were even in the local company and did several full length ballets a year. BALLET DANCERS ARE NOT DUMB!
@@halwaffles Dancing is definitely not a sport, don't know much about marching band. Is it mainly about competition? Sports have very little, if any, 'entertainment only' factors to them. Are there golf, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, or soccer 'shows'? By that I mean people pay just to watch those athletes show off skills and there is NO competition. I suppose figure skating bends this line, but perhaps there are two types. I don't think ice skating performers like at Disney are also training competitions. I don't think that Harlem Globtrotters are taking their work as a 'sport'. When you're training marching band, is it with the goal of your upcoming battle? Are there judges, awards and points given and is that the most important thing?
@@halwaffles I know that in Dance Moms, competitions are really done with the hopes of pursuing professional dance careers. Just as ballet has the Prix de Lausanne and YAGP, they aren't sports, but they need to compete to show their stuff and make it to a company. In sports, it's all about winning and that defines their careers. Winning the World Series and the Olympics. Then they retire. I'm sure that if dancers could skip those comps and go right to their company they would.
My high school graduating class had 800 people in it. One dude got into Harvard and the whole town lost their minds about it for the rest of the year, and he got special recognition during graduation 1/800 compared to 3/20, I love that
Growing up in the competition dance circuit in the early 90s I saw quite a shift happen...all of a sudden it was less about good clean choreography and solid technique, and more about "tricks." The dreaded crotch shot tilt...one billion frantic turns...yikes. I think that fad has lessened a bit now thank goodness!!
Jessica Bush i am in the competitive dance world right now and some of the tricks and crotch shots have gone down, but there are definitely competitions out there were you win first just for twerking and doing flips across the stage. it really just depends on which competition you go to
I used to do competitive dance and i hated it! Although i do respect those that can pull off all those stunts, but its just not for me. Ive switched to ballet and i really enjoy it now.
I’m 63 and appreciate your artistry and generosity so much. Back during the time when I was dancing,ballerinas were mysterious and unapproachable. The information and support you share with young dancers is invaluable. I wish you happiness in your return to performing and will continue to watch your videos with great interest! You’re a treasure to anyone who loves dance😍
The Paris Opera Ballet has youth premieres and even the good seats are for like 10? 15? euros. I had the night of my life :) A very few ppl did think i was watching a "high class" thing, but it was actually cheaper than most forms of entertainment!
Honestly I can't for the life of me land triples and I'm also not the most flexible, but I've always had pretty clean technique. Lot of girls cheat with their hips etc and since I noticed that I've really been more confident. Flexibility isn't everything...
Tell 'em, girl! lol Some people are so annoying when they ask you "Uuuh lemme see/ do a pirouette/pliè!" as soon as they know you are a dancer. Like, can you be more mainstream? I don't think you can hahaha Stereotypes in general are sooooo reductive!
Myth that’s also annoying: All major ballet company artistic directors are male, and narcissistic creeps. That’s been a trope in almost every ballet-related film or television show....ever. 🙄
Amyh Swan - The Pink Boudoir Black Swan was supposed to be exaggerated. It’s a psycho/horror movie. They’re almost all exaggerated and filled with stereotypes :)
The Royal Ballet does livestreams to cinemas - movie theatres - where you can go and see a ballet for the price of a movie ticket. I've been to the Royal Opera House for £15 for La Bayadere. OK, so it was way up in the gods, who cares! It was an amazing experience - theatre tickets really honestly aren't that much more expensive than going to the movies - if you go to the movies every week, or whatever, miss going once or twice, save that money and go to the ballet just once. It's a whole new world.
Yes, the livestreams are great! There are also tons of ballet recordings available here on RUclips. I watched a recording of Giselle the other day. Going to the theater is amazing of course but the recordings are also awesome because you can really see the dancers expressive faces.
So true. I saw the Nutcracker live performed by The Royal Ballet in the cinema last Christmas. In some ways it was better because you could see up close in the stage
I keep on hearing "ballerinas are not smart". I agree with what kathy said bcz memorizing and moving all our muscles at the same time especially doing a master class where the teacher gives the exercise right away in a fast forward mode and of course picks up the choreography of a full length ballet right away makes ballerinas more attentive. Then when it comes to studies and life decision ballerinas are responsible, quick witted and does wise choices since we use our brain and muscle all time in ballet it applies in everythung we do. Because ballet is discipline And of course the idea of "ballet is girly", was embedded because of the kids show like angelina ballerina, barbie etc. But i like how kathy explained how ballet is not girly. Thank you so much kathy for spreading that ballet myths are wrong
I took my mom to see the Nutcracker before Christmas. It was performed by the Atlanta ballet (SO BEAUTIFUL), and they sent me a 50% off coupon for La Sylphide! It’s not the first time they’ve sent me a coupon, but it was by far the most off. So my mom and I are going again! I’ve been working out more to get in better shape for my classes. My goal as an adult learner is still pointe shoes 🤩
So many people throughout my whole life have questioned me saying I am a dancer and performer. I've been told many times, mainly by family, that it's not a "real" job. If you're making money it's a "real" job.
You’re so right! Ballet dancers are the one of the toughest people. My husband is 6’5” judo black belt and he is always so impressed with ballet dancers’ strength, grace and athleticism. And I often get £9 (standing) ballet tickets to Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, etc. with the Royal Ballet. Love your videos Kathryn!
I seem to have trouble convincing my mom that ballet is not all playing around and what makes it hard for me is that I have no studio and I struggle to make time for myself to practice ballet without being tangled up in other responsibilities I often times get upset when she says things like that and I don't want to tempt myself to backlash the real truth about ballet is there a debunk that I can say in a respectable way while defending myself as a dancer
I love these videos!!! Literally every time I tell people I dance they're like, "oh?? Can you do the splits? Can you do those spin things?" Gotta love the stereotypes :) You're amazing Katie! Love you!
I'm watching this in an ice bucket after class. And I can confirm that dancers are tough. At least the ones except me. I literally started crying when my tights ripped one day *for no reason* .
The pirouette one gave me a lot of hope haha. As a guy, seeing all the male principals and soloists that are all great turners, doing eight clean ones straight from fifth and having control out of this WORLD in their a la seconds sometimes make me feel bad. Mostly they inspire and motivate me, but on a bad day it can be a real wet towel on my dreams haha. Thank you for this video! Very relatable and eye-opening as a young dancer. I will continue working on my technique and strength. Can't wait for more videos!
I have no ballet experience but I absolutely LOVE watching performances. I live in a university city in The Netherlands and our local theatre often has specific performances of ballet, opera or classical music for young adults, so it's cheaper and features a free introduction to explain what's going on. It's great!
Oh my goodness! My friend thought I was dumb because i am a ballet dancer and I said to her "Oh yeah, learning avariation in one night and keeping my average up to a high B? Yep so dumb."
The myth about pointe shoes that it's made from wood reached to ballet dancer! I saw ballerina on a video where she explains to kids what the pointe shoe is!
When people ask me about feet I use the example of people that work with their hands. You wouldn't ask a carpenter why he would allow his hands to get rough and large knuckled. You would appreciate the aging of his hands as a representation of his dedication and love to his craft.
This video is everything. I literally can't like it enough. I want to shout it from the rooftops. It's so applicable to other artists as well. I'm a musician and have said so many similar things to my own students. Well done, Katie! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
I went to see Swan Lake with my school when I was 11 ans I think the programme explained enough of which each act was depicting that it didn't take anything away from it. It helps that I already knew some of the narrative, but so many ballets are from folk tales or have even inspired other interpretations themselves that you would see this quite often. Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are ballets that the story and the music as well as the dance itself that I knew about from a young age.
"We are happy to do whatever it is and tell all the mistakes we made in that evening's show." lmao THATS ME. I get pretty uncomfortable with ppl complimenting me and usually start listing all the things I messed up during the show.
Could you do a video on outfits and character costumes? I can get a bit obsessed with portraits and symbols in them and totally obsessed with ballet anf opera after seeing a video from the Royal Opera House. Thanks :)
Whenever I go to watch a ballet, I read the story out of a book (of ballet stories), but it helps me explain the story to people I'm watching with when the story is included in the program
For no 7, I've also seen the stage mother accusation fly in areas other than ballet as well. Sadly, it looks like it's a universal thing. It's so goddamn annoying. As a classical musician, I've seen and heard rumors/accusation of someone having a demanding parent(s) way too many times than I can remember. I had a dollar for every single time I heard an accusation, I would've probably been a millionaire by now. Now are there kids who were pushed by there parents? Yes. But at the same time there are also many who weren't and were self-driven. At the end of the day, no amount of pushing and coercing from mommy and daddy dearest can turn someone into a virtuouso. It has to come from the musician within. It has to be something the musician is willing to achieve. Same thing within anything else, including ballet. People can just go ahead and take their insecurities to another planet.
Can you do a video on discipline, aka getting some, for dancers and non dancers alike. It is one of the skills that is most transferable from ballet to life.
Pretty sure one girl (Lauren B) from your class went to Duke with me! :) I didn't even realize she went to the SAB until I saw one of your photo album videos (!!) Ballet dancers are almost always the smartest and sharpest people I know.
Could you do a video on partnering or a partnering class? I've been struggling with partnering this year and would love to see another video about it. Love you!
Your videos are always so informative and fun to watch! I was wondering if you have any videos of you performing soloist parts maybe you could do commentaries on them too? For me that would be just as interesting as the principal roles
Hello, thank you for your videos, always so great! I have a few video requests: I'd be interested to hear about costumes (dancing in costumes, fittings, maintenance...); what would be your opinion and recommendations about becoming a ballet teacher when having started too late to be a professional (at 21 years old) and the journey of point shoes right from the acquisition (because usually its hacks, how to improve, but not the first things to do, how to go about it from the very beginning) Thank you so much for sharing! Oh and you look beautiful!
As a late starter I don't think you can be stupid and dance ballet. All the terms and memorizing and science that goes into ballet is complicated for my beginner brain.
omg all of these are so trueeee - when i was in gym class one time i was bored so i was practicing pirouettes (pls dont judge) and then this boy in my class was like ooh a ballerina and he was spinning in circles and it was really annoying but tbh kinda funny
Even after quitting dance, I still am so passionate about it and try to do some exercises at home. And it is definitely a workout! My sister who is a gymnast, is also extremely passionate about ballet. I’m so glad i have someone so close in my life that appreciates ballet as much as I do.
Question, what do ballet dancers do when they cant dance anymore? Do a lot of them want to be coaches, or get a new job [like lets say a doctor, lawyer, a job with a desk.] I always wondered this, because its not like you can be 60 on pointe everyday for hours on end. Im assuming its like how Olympians and how they retire kind of thing?
Actually you CAN be on Pointe at...77 and counting! There is a teacher in England who is 77 and teaches Pointe and STILL dances on Pointe! In fact there was a prima ballerina who started at the ancient age of...55! NO...I am NOT kidding...AND she got into a MAJOR company.
Hey, Katie! Quick Question: I started ballet as a 15 year old (i am now 19) and it's going quite good! But my studio is more of a "dance because it's fun, not because we want to become professionals" type of place, and i would like to become sort of professional (i know it's near impossible to become a company member because of how late i started) but do you think it'd alright to ask my instructor to give me harder training so that i could potentially reach the point of professionalism, or should i change studios?
@20Rachel Tolmach thank you so much! It's just so frustrating to not get anything out of the classes, and there are no Pas De Deux classes either, so i'm realizing that a switch is definitely in order. Again, thank you so much!
I saw sleeping beauty at PA Ballet. The guy behind us (clearly dragged by his significant other) proclaimed “WOAH wait why is he cheating on the princess with this purple lady?!?”
You actually remind me, facially and the way you instruct/articulate yourself, of my ballet/jazz teacher at college, Louisa. She’s very realistic and has very similar morals to you, and I love her a lot. She’s the best dance teacher I’ve ever had. I train in musical theatre, and dance is my weakest discipline out of the ones studied in MT, but Louisa made me feel a lot more confident in my abilities to dance, even though I know I’ll never be a solid triple threat😂
Thanks for posting Katie!!!!! I love these types of videos. Also in the future, can you do a light injured barre? A really light and easy barre to help keep you moving if your injured? When you are getting back to ballet after an injury. Also, do you have a specific company you want to work with when you get hired again? I have a big belief that you will get hired again.
the person who I've seen be the most appreciative of ballet without knowing anything about it aside from some friends was my homeroom teacher during advisory today when I did some petit allegro and he said "I'm just impressed with how quietly and lightly you land"
Also I almost forgot: I have been going to ballet and 🎭 with my mom since I was 12 and yes there are cheap tickets usually in the mezzanine areas not always though. So true for me my parents were not stage parents Thank God. But I did have friends who had stage parents.
I can totally relate to the diva one: I'm currently a theater major, and I act in shows every semester. I guarantee you divas aren't the best actors. The ones who stick to their work, and take critique, and are team players typically do better. It just so happens that "divas" are the loudest, so that's what everyone sees.
I'm late to this party, haha. LOVE it. my best pirouette was in soaking wet hair after rehearsal/teaching/ a shower in PJ's, ran down the stairs in my townhouse into the living room where my roommate (also a dancer) jumped into second position and did a triple - suspended in that releve at the end and "decidedly" came down......was glad I had a witness.....
In my experience: When I see a ballet coming up that I want to see - I actually will approach the box office the week before tickets are available and inquire about specials. Usually, as long as you are just asking about discounts and specials - they will give you information flyers (if not already in the press releases in the newspaper.) Also, if you have a student or youth special - remember you may have to show school identification card to use the ticket.
Love all of your videos! I'd love to see one dealing with petit allegro? Like a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles we need for a clean, fast petit allegro... I'm sure I'm not the only dancer who struggles with being able to execute neat, fast movements!
Another tip for seeing ballet on a budget: work as a volunteer (unpaid) usher for either the venue where the ballet performs, or the ballet organization itself. Often those are two separately incorporated nonprofit entities but just called the ballet to see who provides the ushers for performances! I used to work as an usher at my university's performing arts center when I was in college and hence, gained free admission to see the traveling cultural troupes which came through town. By the way, you probably can also gain free admission to your local symphony orchestra, opera or theater as a volunteer usher if you're so inclined. 😊
Hi Katie, I would love to hear if you have any insight into what kinds of other dance related careers are out there, for someone who loves to dance/and or be in the dance world, but is not able to make a career out of actually being a dancer? Like choreographer, maybe? Or RUclips star (*wink wink*)? What other ones might there be? And if you have any tips on how to get into such careers, I would be very grateful! :)
So true about the "expensive ballet". I've received a schorlaship in my studio because as I adult ballerina I am a devoted learner. Im not the best, Im not the faster or the fitter, I just give the best of myself every class. This allow me to take ballet classes, and I help my teacher with the newies and kids instead. Greetings from Argentina.
I don't know if this is the same in the US, but whenever I go to a ballet there is always a free explanation of the story in the theater, usually in the lobby, for people that are new to the ballet. You can come see that if you like about half an hour before the performance starts.
Hi Katy! I was thinking about the pirrouette myth and I have a question. I have doubles on both sides but it always comes and goes. Do you know how to keep up your pirouettes consistently?
I love the ticket comment. I've never thought of seeing the NY ballet, because I never thought of discounted tickets! I have friends that live in NY, and they are taking me to the opera (which is more expensive)....but I'm going to say "Hey what about the ballet also?" (we're all old!)
You should also cover being an adult ballet dancer/student because I see a lot of us now. We may not ascend to being company dancers but it proves that ballet, as long as you’re able to, is for any age. 😊
I’m so completely thankful that the Milwaukee Ballet offers matinee performances for students. I was able to bring my daughter to Swan Lake and my 4 sons and daughter to The Nutcracker. (Someone in our home school group reserves a bunch of seats for us). All 5 of us went for less than the cost of 1 regular matinee performance. No joke. It’s a huge blessing and savings. And they do a wonderful job. Seeing Swan Lake over the summer has opened up this whole new ballet world for me. And, I’ve emailed one of the principals and she emailed me back. Very sweet and “non-diva” like!
A conductor of a big orchestra here in Brazil once told me he hent to a bank to open an account for himself, he was asked about his job, he said he was a musician, the person interviewing him then asked: Oh good, but what is your real job? ... This is a problem all over the arts. After that history I gave up people.
Can you please do a video on starting at a new dance studio?! I’m starting soon and want to know how to impress my new teacher and make friends! This would really help!!!
You're looking so great! You've always looked great, but now you're looking even thinner great (which is a requirement for the highest levels of professional ballet; not that you EVER looked UNprofessional, but I'm just saying😉) and you're looking the kind of great we all wish we looked! ❤️ You sound great, too. You're just getting better and better. I wish for you every good thing. You're a real inspiration. Have fun and take care.
I know this isn't the point of this video but I thought to tell you that you should definitely wear Purple more. You look divine. Found your channel recently and love it! Thanks for all you do for us x
“There ain’t nothing girly about 32 fouettés y’all!” Newest t-shirt quote?!
hahah YES
Amen
I understand the intention and meaning behind pushing back against the concept of "girly"-ness but I think a better way to frame it is to not equate being girly with being weak at all. So what if ballet is girly? Tons of girls dance and they're all really strong and incredible. Just like "throwing like a girl" shouldn't be an insult, dancing like a girl shouldn't be either.
Yeah! (I still want to see someone wearing a 'Where'd she go?' T-shirt on World Ballet Day, though.)
YAAAS
“I did 5 pirouettes only once and nobody saw it” . Just love this.
It's so true haha
@@kathryn_morgan But we believe you, lol
When you do your best pirouettes no one ever sees them
I did a triple the other day, I was so happy... Too bad it was in my grandparents kitchen and not at the studio in front of my teacher😂
Dance Girl that’s true!!!!
The wooden pointe shoe one kills me. No one believes me when I tell them all the structure comes from glue!
Right??
And then people asking you to go en pointe right in front of them without the shoes and then getting really judgey when you say that's not really how it works lol
No one believes me when I say that is my core that holds me up and not my feet.
Lol yeh, and then they curl their toes up and stand on the knuckles (?) of their foot and say 'look, even I can do it!' and then I reply with a simple 'No'
Hailey Bruce I have a friend who insists there made of steal !!!!! 🙄😤😬😵🤮
Most of these misconceptions about ballet are deeply rooted in sexism. Ballet is (considered) a very feminine dance, and society considers most feminine things to be lame...ergo ballet is lame. I have lost count of the number of sports movies I've seen where a character would refer to an athlete as a "ballerina" to undermine their abilities. This is very ironic since ballet requires optimal strength and flexibility. I've done different types of dance styles growing up and ballet is easily the hardest for me.
They in part have their selves to blame. Guys often have to wear the most unfortunate 'costumes'. It's no coincidence that it attracts a lot of gay males.
@@melissasmith6762 That...wasn't my point? Either way, ballet doesn't need to be discounted as a physical activity and form of art.
Preach!
Hey, there's this doctor mike on youtube who does commentary videos on medical soaps like grey's anatomy and scrubs, so I wondered if you could start a series where you comment on ballet movies or series. I'd love to see you reviewing dance academy. It was my favourite Show as a child !!!
YES
Yes please!
Pee woop!
My favorite ballet movies are "The Red Shoes" and "Black Tights". Love 'em!
"Oh, so what's your real job?" **dies inside**
Not a dancer, but I'm an actor and artist and yeah I get that a lot.
My daughter's ballet teacher preaches over and over "dancers must be strong and smart." She makes the girls repeat it!!
A tip that helped me when I was working in a dance theater with a strange amount of diva personalities: people who are performing at an extremely high level don’t have time for that. They are too busy and usually, they are incredibly kind. Kindness works. Sometimes self doubt creates “divas”-and for those on the receiving end of this bad behavior, very sorry. I’ve been there.
Yes exactly. I agree.
Ballet is also for everyone. Obviously being a professional isnt going to be possible for everyone. However, just to dance ballet is for anyone and everyone. I started at 26, others start at 60. Too many young dancers are criticising adult beginners on instagram because they think its only for certain people.
AriRHen so true 💗
Now I kind of want to use my Instagram account to parody this phenomenon. But seriously, I started last April when I was 33. I've had to take time off to address some plantar fasciitis issues, but I'm glad I started a bit later in life. That way I got to wear what I want right off the bat instead of putting on light pink tights that would look uber weird on me.
AriRHen no offence,you do not look 26 in your profile pic
"Too many young dancers are criticising adult beginners on instagram because they think its only for certain people. Wow really?? I'm not on instagram, so I never heard this. wow!
All my friends that do ballet aways get really good grades. I suppose it's because we're quite disciplined and work hard
YES! Exactly!
Dancers also tend to come from families with better social and financial support, so there is that, which I'm sure you failed to realize.
Melissa Smith You bring a good point, but good grades themselves don’t necessarily stem from having a stable background.
You have to be disciplined enough to get your school work done and take your classes and rehearsals.
Alison Pauline Moore my spelling grade: hAHa fUnNy sToRy (I do ballet ffyi)
My gym teacher literally once said when we were playing softball to not spin after hitting the ball and I quote "You aren't ballerinas your supposed to be athletes." I got so mad I yelled at him and got sent to the principals office but it was worth it. He also asked at the beginning of the year if we played any sports I said dance and he laughed and said dance wasn't a sport. I then said yeah it is and then he started started screaming at me. (Also know this "gym teacher" was the boys varsity basketball coach for our high school and definitely had toxic masculinity)
Fact: When I decided to switch careers to biotechnology my teacher told me I would be great at it since I was a dancer and had the discipline, determination, and creativity to work in a lab. I was one of the best in class, earned a scholarship, and got the coveted yearlong PAID internship at the state Institute of Technology. Besides getting a job right away afterwards, I joined the university ballet club and met so many talented and SMART ballet dancers who were pursuing PhDs in subjects from Chemical Engineering to Astrophysics. Some of them were even in the local company and did several full length ballets a year. BALLET DANCERS ARE NOT DUMB!
I wish people could realize that ballet IS a sport!! It is an art and takes so much athleticism. 🙌🏻❤️
Neither ballet or marching band are sports xD
@@halwaffles It's apparent to me that you think that just because something is athletic, it is a sport. Why?
@@halwaffles Dancing is definitely not a sport, don't know much about marching band. Is it mainly about competition? Sports have very little, if any, 'entertainment only' factors to them. Are there golf, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, or soccer 'shows'? By that I mean people pay just to watch those athletes show off skills and there is NO competition. I suppose figure skating bends this line, but perhaps there are two types. I don't think ice skating performers like at Disney are also training competitions. I don't think that Harlem Globtrotters are taking their work as a 'sport'. When you're training marching band, is it with the goal of your upcoming battle? Are there judges, awards and points given and is that the most important thing?
@@halwaffles I know that in Dance Moms, competitions are really done with the hopes of pursuing professional dance careers. Just as ballet has the Prix de Lausanne and YAGP, they aren't sports, but they need to compete to show their stuff and make it to a company. In sports, it's all about winning and that defines their careers. Winning the World Series and the Olympics. Then they retire. I'm sure that if dancers could skip those comps and go right to their company they would.
@@halwaffles Well I definitely agree it is athletic. Most sports don't even require starting as a young child. Maybe only rhythmic gymnastics.
Usually when I think ballet is expensive is when you have to pay for ballet classes, costumes, pointe shoes, and traveling.
My high school graduating class had 800 people in it. One dude got into Harvard and the whole town lost their minds about it for the rest of the year, and he got special recognition during graduation
1/800 compared to 3/20, I love that
Growing up in the competition dance circuit in the early 90s I saw quite a shift happen...all of a sudden it was less about good clean choreography and solid technique, and more about "tricks." The dreaded crotch shot tilt...one billion frantic turns...yikes. I think that fad has lessened a bit now thank goodness!!
Jessica Bush i am in the competitive dance world right now and some of the tricks and crotch shots have gone down, but there are definitely competitions out there were you win first just for twerking and doing flips across the stage. it really just depends on which competition you go to
Hate. _HATE_ . Tilts.
I used to do competitive dance and i hated it! Although i do respect those that can pull off all those stunts, but its just not for me. Ive switched to ballet and i really enjoy it now.
I’m 63 and appreciate your artistry and generosity so much. Back during the time when I was dancing,ballerinas were mysterious and unapproachable. The information and support you share with young dancers is invaluable. I wish you happiness in your return to performing and will continue to watch your videos with great interest!
You’re a treasure to anyone who loves dance😍
Thank you so much! I truly appreciate it!
The Paris Opera Ballet has youth premieres and even the good seats are for like 10? 15? euros. I had the night of my life :)
A very few ppl did think i was watching a "high class" thing, but it was actually cheaper than most forms of entertainment!
Yes exactly!
Exactly! In the UK it is cheaper to go to the ballet or opera than a football match yet ballet and opera are still seen as only for the “upper” class.
Totally unrelated to ballet myths, but daaaang Katie your makeup is on point!
Aww thank you!
For some reason point doesn't seem complete to me without the "e" lol
It’s not on point it’s on pointe
I think you mean, "en pointe" 😉
Honestly I can't for the life of me land triples and I'm also not the most flexible, but I've always had pretty clean technique. Lot of girls cheat with their hips etc and since I noticed that I've really been more confident. Flexibility isn't everything...
You are absolutely correct!
Tell 'em, girl! lol
Some people are so annoying when they ask you "Uuuh lemme see/ do a pirouette/pliè!" as soon as they know you are a dancer. Like, can you be more mainstream? I don't think you can hahaha
Stereotypes in general are sooooo reductive!
YES! Exactly
Myth that’s also annoying: All major ballet company artistic directors are male, and narcissistic creeps. That’s been a trope in almost every ballet-related film or television show....ever. 🙄
This is one of the reasons for why I thought that Black Swan was so exaggerated
Amyh Swan - The Pink Boudoir Black Swan was supposed to be exaggerated. It’s a psycho/horror movie. They’re almost all exaggerated and filled with stereotypes :)
The Royal Ballet does livestreams to cinemas - movie theatres - where you can go and see a ballet for the price of a movie ticket. I've been to the Royal Opera House for £15 for La Bayadere. OK, so it was way up in the gods, who cares! It was an amazing experience - theatre tickets really honestly aren't that much more expensive than going to the movies - if you go to the movies every week, or whatever, miss going once or twice, save that money and go to the ballet just once. It's a whole new world.
Yes, the livestreams are great! There are also tons of ballet recordings available here on RUclips. I watched a recording of Giselle the other day. Going to the theater is amazing of course but the recordings are also awesome because you can really see the dancers expressive faces.
Yes! The Bolshoi also does livestreams to movie theaters!
So true. I saw the Nutcracker live performed by The Royal Ballet in the cinema last Christmas. In some ways it was better because you could see up close in the stage
Teverell there is this thing called “fathom events” that goes to movie theaters. I’ve seen quite a few bolshoi ballets for 20$ each.
I keep on hearing "ballerinas are not smart". I agree with what kathy said bcz memorizing and moving all our muscles at the same time especially doing a master class where the teacher gives the exercise right away in a fast forward mode and of course picks up the choreography of a full length ballet right away makes ballerinas more attentive. Then when it comes to studies and life decision ballerinas are responsible, quick witted and does wise choices since we use our brain and muscle all time in ballet it applies in everythung we do. Because ballet is discipline
And of course the idea of "ballet is girly", was embedded because of the kids show like angelina ballerina, barbie etc. But i like how kathy explained how ballet is not girly.
Thank you so much kathy for spreading that ballet myths are wrong
I took my mom to see the Nutcracker before Christmas. It was performed by the Atlanta ballet (SO BEAUTIFUL), and they sent me a 50% off coupon for La Sylphide! It’s not the first time they’ve sent me a coupon, but it was by far the most off. So my mom and I are going again! I’ve been working out more to get in better shape for my classes. My goal as an adult learner is still pointe shoes 🤩
*_"There ain't nothing GIRLY about 36 fouettes on Pointe, Y'ALL"_* issa fat _mooood_
So many people throughout my whole life have questioned me saying I am a dancer and performer. I've been told many times, mainly by family, that it's not a "real" job. If you're making money it's a "real" job.
I heard "do pointe shoes have watermelon in them?" instead of "wood or metal" 😂😂😂😂
Haha, no one seems to believe there are actual jobs in the arts! So where d'you think movies and books and shows are coming from? 🤷🏻♀️
I've literally just started ballet at the age of 30 so thank you for your videos, they have helped me a lot xxxx
You’re so right! Ballet dancers are the one of the toughest people. My husband is 6’5” judo black belt and he is always so impressed with ballet dancers’ strength, grace and athleticism. And I often get £9 (standing) ballet tickets to Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, etc. with the Royal Ballet. Love your videos Kathryn!
I seem to have trouble convincing my mom that ballet is not all playing around and what makes it hard for me is that I have no studio and I struggle to make time for myself to practice ballet without being tangled up in other responsibilities I often times get upset when she says things like that and I don't want to tempt myself to backlash the real truth about ballet is there a debunk that I can say in a respectable way while defending myself as a dancer
I love these videos!!! Literally every time I tell people I dance they're like, "oh?? Can you do the splits? Can you do those spin things?" Gotta love the stereotypes :) You're amazing Katie! Love you!
YES! "Spin things". Totally
Am from India.. & I have seen people getting confused with Ballet with Belly dance.. How pathetic can it be? Nothing can beat it
I'm watching this in an ice bucket after class. And I can confirm that dancers are tough. At least the ones except me. I literally started crying when my tights ripped one day *for no reason* .
Hi katherine im 11 and i just got on pointe and your videos inspire and help me so much
Thank you so much i have never gotten so many likes😀😄
Aww thank you!
The pirouette one gave me a lot of hope haha. As a guy, seeing all the male principals and soloists that are all great turners, doing eight clean ones straight from fifth and having control out of this WORLD in their a la seconds sometimes make me feel bad. Mostly they inspire and motivate me, but on a bad day it can be a real wet towel on my dreams haha. Thank you for this video! Very relatable and eye-opening as a young dancer. I will continue working on my technique and strength. Can't wait for more videos!
I have no ballet experience but I absolutely LOVE watching performances. I live in a university city in The Netherlands and our local theatre often has specific performances of ballet, opera or classical music for young adults, so it's cheaper and features a free introduction to explain what's going on. It's great!
Oh my goodness! My friend thought I was dumb because i am a ballet dancer and I said to her "Oh yeah, learning avariation in one night and keeping my average up to a high B? Yep so dumb."
Tell em' Katie!! I love your videos so much! I need to show this to people when they are like, "Oh you don't do any sports, just ballet?"
The myth about pointe shoes that it's made from wood reached to ballet dancer! I saw ballerina on a video where she explains to kids what the pointe shoe is!
Every one should watch this video. Especially my doctor who thinks it is not necessary to have a full heart control when you are in ballet school.
"I've seen ugly pictures of injured feet of ballet dancers. Do yours look like those? Why do you do it to your body??"
Yes! I hear that all of the time too!
When people ask me about feet I use the example of people that work with their hands. You wouldn't ask a carpenter why he would allow his hands to get rough and large knuckled. You would appreciate the aging of his hands as a representation of his dedication and love to his craft.
This video is everything. I literally can't like it enough. I want to shout it from the rooftops. It's so applicable to other artists as well. I'm a musician and have said so many similar things to my own students. Well done, Katie! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Awww thank you so much!!
I am a ballerina and I got an award for being the 2nd smartest student in the school, but people still say I'm dumb. 🤷🤔
I went to see Swan Lake with my school when I was 11 ans I think the programme explained enough of which each act was depicting that it didn't take anything away from it.
It helps that I already knew some of the narrative, but so many ballets are from folk tales or have even inspired other interpretations themselves that you would see this quite often.
Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are ballets that the story and the music as well as the dance itself that I knew about from a young age.
"We are happy to do whatever it is and tell all the mistakes we made in that evening's show." lmao THATS ME. I get pretty uncomfortable with ppl complimenting me and usually start listing all the things I messed up during the show.
Ladies what you need to do is smile and say "thank you" when you get compliments. Lol. I've just discovered this channel. I'm so happy. Love you guys.
Could you do a video on outfits and character costumes? I can get a bit obsessed with portraits and symbols in them and totally obsessed with ballet anf opera after seeing a video from the Royal Opera House. Thanks :)
Whenever I go to watch a ballet, I read the story out of a book (of ballet stories), but it helps me explain the story to people I'm watching with when the story is included in the program
For no 7, I've also seen the stage mother accusation fly in areas other than ballet as well. Sadly, it looks like it's a universal thing. It's so goddamn annoying.
As a classical musician, I've seen and heard rumors/accusation of someone having a demanding parent(s) way too many times than I can remember. I had a dollar for every single time I heard an accusation, I would've probably been a millionaire by now.
Now are there kids who were pushed by there parents? Yes. But at the same time there are also many who weren't and were self-driven. At the end of the day, no amount of pushing and coercing from mommy and daddy dearest can turn someone into a virtuouso. It has to come from the musician within. It has to be something the musician is willing to achieve. Same thing within anything else, including ballet.
People can just go ahead and take their insecurities to another planet.
Hi Katie. I was wondering if you had any tips for a short achilles tendon. I struggle with my plies because of it.
Can you do a video on discipline, aka getting some, for dancers and non dancers alike. It is one of the skills that is most transferable from ballet to life.
Absolutely. I need to get discipline!
Hey Katie just wanted to complement you on your new style of editing! It made me laugh so much. Keep all the good things up!
Haha thank you! I just wanted to have some fun with it! xoxo
Pretty sure one girl (Lauren B) from your class went to Duke with me! :) I didn't even realize she went to the SAB until I saw one of your photo album videos (!!) Ballet dancers are almost always the smartest and sharpest people I know.
She has the most on fleek eyebrows I have ever seen😂😍
For the expensive part, the corner is always a lot cheaper, and it’s a fun new angle! I love fun angles.
My pointe shoes were fiberglass and that scared me as a child lol... I thought they meant actual glass 😊
Thanks, I love these Busted Myths-videos :D!
Thank you!
So glad you mentioned number 10!! I can't even tell you how many times I've been asked that one... Love this video!
I love the way you summarized The Sleeping Beauty:)
Can you do a series where you explain some of the more complicated ballets? Like Don Quixote or La Bayadere?
Could you do a video on partnering or a partnering class? I've been struggling with partnering this year and would love to see another video about it. Love you!
Your videos are always so informative and fun to watch! I was wondering if you have any videos of you performing soloist parts maybe you could do commentaries on them too? For me that would be just as interesting as the principal roles
Hello, thank you for your videos, always so great! I have a few video requests: I'd be interested to hear about costumes (dancing in costumes, fittings, maintenance...); what would be your opinion and recommendations about becoming a ballet teacher when having started too late to be a professional (at 21 years old) and the journey of point shoes right from the acquisition (because usually its hacks, how to improve, but not the first things to do, how to go about it from the very beginning) Thank you so much for sharing! Oh and you look beautiful!
I deeply appreciate your realness and drive to educate the world about this fickle art form-you have taught me loads and I love you to pieces! 💛
As a late starter I don't think you can be stupid and dance ballet. All the terms and memorizing and science that goes into ballet is complicated for my beginner brain.
At the dutch national ballet you can go to a performance for €17 (about $20) if you're a student, and a bit more if you're a young patron!
omg all of these are so trueeee - when i was in gym class one time i was bored so i was practicing pirouettes (pls dont judge) and then this boy in my class was like ooh a ballerina and he was spinning in circles and it was really annoying but tbh kinda funny
Even after quitting dance, I still am so passionate about it and try to do some exercises at home. And it is definitely a workout! My sister who is a gymnast, is also extremely passionate about ballet. I’m so glad i have someone so close in my life that appreciates ballet as much as I do.
I’m so glad you included Broadway dancers! I’m going into musical theatre as a dancer and I’m so excited!
Question, what do ballet dancers do when they cant dance anymore? Do a lot of them want to be coaches, or get a new job [like lets say a doctor, lawyer, a job with a desk.] I always wondered this, because its not like you can be 60 on pointe everyday for hours on end. Im assuming its like how Olympians and how they retire kind of thing?
Actually you CAN be on Pointe at...77 and counting! There is a teacher in England who is 77 and teaches Pointe and STILL dances on Pointe! In fact there was a prima ballerina who started at the ancient age of...55! NO...I am NOT kidding...AND she got into a MAJOR company.
Davida Williams who started at 55?
@@davidawilliams8603And what year was that? 1886?
Hey, Katie! Quick Question: I started ballet as a 15 year old (i am now 19) and it's going quite good! But my studio is more of a "dance because it's fun, not because we want to become professionals" type of place, and i would like to become sort of professional (i know it's near impossible to become a company member because of how late i started) but do you think it'd alright to ask my instructor to give me harder training so that i could potentially reach the point of professionalism, or should i change studios?
@20Rachel Tolmach thank you so much! It's just so frustrating to not get anything out of the classes, and there are no Pas De Deux classes either, so i'm realizing that a switch is definitely in order. Again, thank you so much!
I saw sleeping beauty at PA Ballet. The guy behind us (clearly dragged by his significant other) proclaimed “WOAH wait why is he cheating on the princess with this purple lady?!?”
You actually remind me, facially and the way you instruct/articulate yourself, of my ballet/jazz teacher at college, Louisa. She’s very realistic and has very similar morals to you, and I love her a lot. She’s the best dance teacher I’ve ever had. I train in musical theatre, and dance is my weakest discipline out of the ones studied in MT, but Louisa made me feel a lot more confident in my abilities to dance, even though I know I’ll never be a solid triple threat😂
Thanks for posting Katie!!!!! I love these types of videos. Also in the future, can you do a light injured barre? A really light and easy barre to help keep you moving if your injured? When you are getting back to ballet after an injury. Also, do you have a specific company you want to work with when you get hired again? I have a big belief that you will get hired again.
the person who I've seen be the most appreciative of ballet without knowing anything about it aside from some friends was my homeroom teacher during advisory today when I did some petit allegro and he said "I'm just impressed with how quietly and lightly you land"
I came as soon as I heard!! Hahaha, thanks for the videos Katie!
My pleasure!
Also I almost forgot: I have been going to ballet and 🎭 with my mom since I was 12 and yes there are cheap tickets usually in the mezzanine areas not always though. So true for me my parents were not stage parents Thank God. But I did have friends who had stage parents.
I can totally relate to the diva one: I'm currently a theater major, and I act in shows every semester. I guarantee you divas aren't the best actors. The ones who stick to their work, and take critique, and are team players typically do better.
It just so happens that "divas" are the loudest, so that's what everyone sees.
So much all of these! Thankyou! X
My pleasure!
Her attitude is the best
I'm late to this party, haha. LOVE it. my best pirouette was in soaking wet hair after rehearsal/teaching/ a shower in PJ's, ran down the stairs in my townhouse into the living room where my roommate (also a dancer) jumped into second position and did a triple - suspended in that releve at the end and "decidedly" came down......was glad I had a witness.....
Can you please make a video on memorizing choreography pleaseeee lol i can never remember the combo
In my experience: When I see a ballet coming up that I want to see - I actually will approach the box office the week before tickets are available and inquire about specials. Usually, as long as you are just asking about discounts and specials - they will give you information flyers (if not already in the press releases in the newspaper.)
Also, if you have a student or youth special - remember you may have to show school identification card to use the ticket.
Love all of your videos! I'd love to see one dealing with petit allegro? Like a set of exercises to strengthen the muscles we need for a clean, fast petit allegro... I'm sure I'm not the only dancer who struggles with being able to execute neat, fast movements!
Another tip for seeing ballet on a budget: work as a volunteer (unpaid) usher for either the venue where the ballet performs, or the ballet organization itself. Often those are two separately incorporated nonprofit entities but just called the ballet to see who provides the ushers for performances!
I used to work as an usher at my university's performing arts center when I was in college and hence, gained free admission to see the traveling cultural troupes which came through town. By the way, you probably can also gain free admission to your local symphony orchestra, opera or theater as a volunteer usher if you're so inclined. 😊
Hi Katie, I would love to hear if you have any insight into what kinds of other dance related careers are out there, for someone who loves to dance/and or be in the dance world, but is not able to make a career out of actually being a dancer? Like choreographer, maybe? Or RUclips star (*wink wink*)? What other ones might there be? And if you have any tips on how to get into such careers, I would be very grateful! :)
So true about the "expensive ballet". I've received a schorlaship in my studio because as I adult ballerina I am a devoted learner. Im not the best, Im not the faster or the fitter, I just give the best of myself every class. This allow me to take ballet classes, and I help my teacher with the newies and kids instead.
Greetings from Argentina.
oh!! a fellow Argentine!!!! Hola!!!!
please if you havent already make a video on tips how to memorize your combinations
I don't know if this is the same in the US, but whenever I go to a ballet there is always a free explanation of the story in the theater, usually in the lobby, for people that are new to the ballet. You can come see that if you like about half an hour before the performance starts.
Hi Katy! I was thinking about the pirrouette myth and I have a question. I have doubles on both sides but it always comes and goes. Do you know how to keep up your pirouettes consistently?
I love the ticket comment. I've never thought of seeing the NY ballet, because I never thought of discounted tickets! I have friends that live in NY, and they are taking me to the opera (which is more expensive)....but I'm going to say "Hey what about the ballet also?" (we're all old!)
You should also cover being an adult ballet dancer/student because I see a lot of us now. We may not ascend to being company dancers but it proves that ballet, as long as you’re able to, is for any age. 😊
I’m so completely thankful that the Milwaukee Ballet offers matinee performances for students. I was able to bring my daughter to Swan Lake and my 4 sons and daughter to The Nutcracker. (Someone in our home school group reserves a bunch of seats for us). All 5 of us went for less than the cost of 1 regular matinee performance. No joke. It’s a huge blessing and savings. And they do a wonderful job. Seeing Swan Lake over the summer has opened up this whole new ballet world for me. And, I’ve emailed one of the principals and she emailed me back. Very sweet and “non-diva” like!
Another myth is also that en pointe is never used for male ballet dancers. Of course it’s not as common but sometimes it happens.
A conductor of a big orchestra here in Brazil once told me he hent to a bank to open an account for himself, he was asked about his job, he said he was a musician, the person interviewing him then asked: Oh good, but what is your real job? ... This is a problem all over the arts. After that history I gave up people.
Can you please do a video on starting at a new dance studio?! I’m starting soon and want to know how to impress my new teacher and make friends! This would really help!!!
Pls do this 😅 it would help so much!
You're looking so great! You've always looked great, but now you're looking even thinner great (which is a requirement for the highest levels of professional ballet; not that you EVER looked UNprofessional, but I'm just saying😉) and you're looking the kind of great we all wish we looked! ❤️
You sound great, too. You're just getting better and better. I wish for you every good thing. You're a real inspiration. Have fun and take care.
I know this isn't the point of this video but I thought to tell you that you should definitely wear Purple more. You look divine. Found your channel recently and love it! Thanks for all you do for us x
7.00 Dunning Kruger Effect!!
Hi Kathryn can you please do more beginner point classes by bontle