I remember Miko taking class the adult ballet class I used to take at Berkeley Ballet Theater. This was years ago and it was so wonderful to see her move. Her training and technique was so beautiful. I’m glad she found a path that challenges her and makes her happy.

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

Wow that's amazing! I would have been so intimidated having her in my class, I would have been like "what is the plié?"

@livisome123

3 жыл бұрын

omfg i took a class there once and if i saw her i would've fainted lmao

I am a former dancer. I danced my whole life. But I've always had a love for school and science. I made the decision pretty early that I was a scientist and not a dancer. When I was in college, I continued to take dance and even got a dance minor. I was constantly asked as to why I did not go professional. And my story seems so similar to Miko. I am now a microbiologist in the food industry. My dance minor and my backyard in dance certainly turns some heads in interviews. But I am always quick to say how much dance has helped me. I grew up doing something that demanded hard work and dedication, which is exactly what my job asks of me every day. I am also able to pick up on tasks and recall how to do tasks a lot quicker, which comes from my experience of picking up choreography. So as a former dancer turned scientist, while it can seem like a huge jump, dance never leaves you.

@dance.amandabarros

3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing to read! I'm a professional dancer who has just decided to change paths and pursue a career in Biomedicine, so your comment helped me gain confidence in so many aspects! Lovely story

@katec3896

2 жыл бұрын

Same here, but I’m in medical school now

The ballet world can definitely be toxic and cruel. I think the only people who see it as a "dream career" are overly idealistic and frankly aren't seeing things as they are. Unfortunately, leaving the dance world can leave many with a loss of identity. I wish Miko the best in her future career and hope she is successful in rebuilding her identity in a way that works for her!

@takenoprisoners837

3 жыл бұрын

Well said!! Thank you for this comment!! You were able to explain it much better than I could!!

@smadm2437

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, I agree. Must have taken a lot of courage from her. For me, the ballet and dance world were very toxic too. Really glad top dancers are now talking about these things 👏

@silena197

3 жыл бұрын

@comentator comentates what is toxic and cruel is you thinking that a virus that has killed over a million people worldwide is “non-existent”. Honestly go educate yourself with rather than filling your mind with nonsensical conspiracies smh 🤦🏻‍♀️

@silena197

3 жыл бұрын

@comentator comentates luckily I don’t have the misfortune of knowing someone who died of the virus as I live in New Zealand where the death rate is much lower as the government actually took the virus seriously. Also, I watched the videos and that lady clearly has no idea how a vaccine actually works, I suggest you do yourself a favour and watch this video on how vaccines work kzread.info/dash/bejne/p4qJyMGppJq5mJM.html or read ANY biology textbook. Have a nice day!

@krasnodar94

2 жыл бұрын

@@silena197 you believe in santa as well do you

As a retired dancer who prioritized college over dance, I really appreciate this video. Please consider physical therapy, it's a great field to help dancers!

@jennym6204

3 жыл бұрын

That's what I want to do!

Very brave and mature. I'm so glad she made the right decision for herself. And, I'm glad that she is still involved in the ballet world!

This would have been so helpful for high school me to see, this is great ❤️

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

I love how she talked about finding Dr's with a dance background. I found it difficult to get understanding with my daughter when she had injuries. Some treated it as if it were nothing instead of taking into consideration of the 12 plus hours of class each week.

Reminds me of Maureen a bit from Center Stage. Maybe she just didn’t have the heart to dance anymore. Much respect to Miko! That couldn’t have been easy.

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

I love this comparison! Center Stage was my fight song back in the day.

@katiebwheeler

3 жыл бұрын

That’s the first thing my mind went to as well!!!! Love center stage!

@tigereyes5

3 жыл бұрын

I thought of Maureen too

A "next chapter" when you are a teenager! I am impressed that she did what was right for HER. Best of luck to her! Dance is with us always.

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

It takes so much courage :) I'm so happy for her too

A doctor for dancers sounds awesome! It's such a demanding sport, and the injuries seem so much more specific than just general aches and bumps Also, maybe this could be a fun IGTV thing, but I'd love to see a tutorial on your signature makeup look Josephine!

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

haha I'm so flattered that you're interested. Maybe I'll do it on my personal IG :)

I'm curious to know what her mom's reaction was when Miko told her she wasn't going to pursue dance professionally.

@Kailaa3

3 жыл бұрын

I am very curious too!

@lindaallen9721

3 жыл бұрын

I’m also curious, her Mom was so upset when Miko’s brother quit dancing. I was wondering if it affected her relationship with her Mom negatively.

@SaharaAcosta

3 жыл бұрын

As a Dance Mom Myself, I can only say that we will always support our daughters decisions, Satoko is a wonderful Mom, I meet her, and She made a wonderful Job as a Mom, she supported Miko to get all the way she did, so I believe she did support Miko's happiness even if it was not dancing Ballet in the Professional World.

@silena197

3 жыл бұрын

honestly... if she’s a typical asian mum she’s gonna be really happy to have a child who is going to be a doctor 🤣

@mathildewesendonck7225

3 жыл бұрын

Me too

i grew up competing with Miko at YAGP and your mom actually fit me for my first pointe shoes! glad to see she’s doing well. i actually had to make the tough decision to stop dancing and go to school. i was dancing professionally for many years but it wore me down and now i’m in school for nutrition because i also want to help dancers. tell your mom taylor bibee says hi!🥰❤️

I did the same with opera singing. After leaving, I had a full life and never looked back. At 68 years I still sing for friends now and then. I am too interested in many other things to dedicate my life to only one subject. Of course, my parents were very disappointed because they had put a lot of time and resources into me. I was not the only child. Have fun, enjoy life! You only live once.

@marctemura2017

3 жыл бұрын

Well Arauna, the thing with ballet you need to have the right body type. You see with others where they great ballet dancers but they body type is not great at producing the lines that you require to dance certain ballet.

It's so amazing to see how she went through all of this and now she is doing something she loves. It's also incredible to see how her ankles are strong after so long

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

I agree!

My physiatrist was a ballerina and her understanding of the human body and our movements due to being a dancer is so beautiful and so rare. Her understanding of joint injury and healing is unparalleled.

@katec3896

2 жыл бұрын

May I ask who it was? I’m in medical school and really interested in PM&R

Go Miko - life your best life. I left ballet after 17 years - went to uni had a career - now I'm back dancing on pointe in my 50's and loving it - and with no regrets.

I think this is one of the reasons I feel so strongly that adults should live their own dreams. Like I know nothing about her or her family, so this isn’t a personal commentary or slight, but I see so many people on social media and mom communities asking if they should make they’re children dance and it’s like hell no. How is this even a question? It’s such a huge commitment and can set your child on a path that they don’t think they can leave, especially if they have a natural talent for it and haven’t been exposed to other things. Being a professional dancer, artist, is a huge lifestyle commitment and is something that an individual should make for themselves. Just because there is a need to start working towards the goal early doesn’t mean parents should feel emboldened to take that decision away and make it on behalf of their children. Many people love to dance, but don’t enjoy the performative aspect or want to do it for a career. Ballet is so exclusive that I feel like the question is always if you can dance? Do you have what it takes to be a professional, not if someone actually wants to.

@JessieBanana

3 жыл бұрын

Kristen Hyde Yeah that’s why I said explicitly that I wasn’t referring to her. It sounds like you didn’t read my entire comment. In fact her ability to make such a decisive decision would lead me to believe she had parental support.

@kiraph

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. I'm a ballet teacher and it breaks my heart seeing young kids go into full time so early. Yes, take it seriously and encourage them to work hard and work their best, but let them be kids, go to school and have a normal life. Let them decide at the appropriate age if they want to put in the work to try and get into that career. In my experience the ones that are super talented and pushed too far too either burnt out, get injured from over training (um hello, growing bodies are not meant to dance the work load of an adult one), have their love of dance destroyed or just realise how much they have been missing out on. I am absolutely thrilled for Miko that she has found a new path and wish her all the best. :)

@takenoprisoners837

3 жыл бұрын

@@kiraph I absolutely agree with you 110%, you really got your message across perfectly. Being a dancer demands everything. You're either all in, or not, and that is totally ok!! It's a very difficult choice that everyone in the dance world understands more than anyone!!

You are absolutely correct that you can apply the dedication and ritual of ballet to any chosen profession and (speaking as a PhD chemistry professor and former dancer) I believe it translates well to the sciences and medicine. (These fields require dogged practice - repetition! - as well as creativity.) Best wishes to Miko!

I am a PhD Nurse Practitioner. My experiences as a dancer helps me to better understand injuries that a dancer might incur. I accurately diagnosed a lisfranc injury because of bruising on the bottom side of the foot at the arch. Another provider had thought it was just a sprain. Go medical dancers!! We're extra smart!!! 🥳

I quit ballet right before I turned 13 (I had been dancing since I was 3) so I could start singing. It was right before that critical point where I would’ve considered a career in ballet had I continued, but I hit a breaking point because my studio was incredibly abusive towards me. It was absolutely the right decision for me, I now have a degree in Vocal Music and found singing to be my true passion. But I always wonder what would’ve happened if I stayed. I don’t think I would’ve been very happy, it scares me to think about because of all the abuse. I have zero regrets.

She is so intelligent and mature! It takes so much courage to do what she did. It reminded me of Oksana Skorik, who was a Russian dancer in a documentary and you could really see how much she was suffering and how much she hated her school years. Well, now she is a principal dancer at the Mariinsky, and is an amazing ballerina don’t get me wrong. But she sounds soooo miserable in all her interviews. I can’t help but shake the feeling that if she did what Miko did and perused something different after finishing school, she would be a much happier person.

@mathildewesendonck7225

3 жыл бұрын

It definitely takes a lot of courage. But in Oksanas case, I‘m afraid that she wouldn’t have had any chance to pursue a different career. Financially and also regarding the school education she got at the ballet academy. I agree, Oksana Skorik still looks very unhappy 😞

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

@@mathildewesendonck7225 Why couldn't Oksana pursue a different career if she wanted to? Other girls - those who had injuries or those who didn't get a job - did. They have general subjects in the academies and have to pass state exams up to 9th year. Financially, if she was good enough, she could've gotten free college education. Polina Konogray had an injury at 15 so she couldn't pursue ballet. Not only that, she skipped the whole year of studying. She still managed to pass the 9th year general school exam so she could get her 9-year general school diploma, then studied by herself and passed the state exam for the 11th year of regular school (in Russia, those who go to universities complete 11 years of regular school, the rest stop after 9th year corresponding to the year 5/9 at ballet academies). She is now studying international business at a university. The difference of Russian ballet academy students and Miko is that in Miko's case her whole career was competitions. It's not clear how a year in corps felt after that. Russian academy students don't go to competitions, but they are being prepared for the work in theater from the start. For Miko, it was variations, dancing adult ballerina variations from early childhood. For professional academy students it's class work and some school performances, children roles or corps work until later years.

Ms. Fogarty gave me so much perspective as a parent. Thank you for allowing us into your decision process.

This is absolutely soul baring and inspirational for those Individuals who evaluate how they want to personally Be. Thank you for posting this very open and wonderful video that shows You Can Achieve Anything, Dr. Ballet!

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

I thought it was very bold and courageous for Miko to come forward and reveal that she was leaving ballet as a pro dancer and why. The fact that she doesn't regret her choice proves that she made the right one.

I just want to thank Josephine for asking all the questions I had when I knew the news.

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

You are such an inspiration, Miko. Thank you for being here and sharing your story.

I'm in tears, as many ladies would be. Ballet is a work of art, a true masterpiece, but it is impossibly cruel on the female body. I'm happy she announced her decision AND told us why she made it!

I love watching your videos Josephine, but I found that the recent videos have shifted from fitting different types of feet to sharing stories of different individuals you’ve fitted ☺️ still looking forward to your interviews with different dancers and their pointe shoes hacks, review of different models of pointe shoes and more pointe shoes fitting videos especially those who you fitted like months ago and see their transition and how you would fit them differently now 🤗

@annapettit8045

3 жыл бұрын

M Wai I feel like that shift has to do with less people being fitted in person, and not being able to have a person behind the camera getting close ups! Hopefully as more professional studios/shows reopen, the pro hacks and fitting videos will return!

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this comment! I'm so glad that some of you liked my old format as well. I use to just plop down a camera at a fitting if I saw anything interesting but it's a bit difficult shooting videos during the pandemic and I didn't want you to have to listen to me talk with a mask on. But I'll try to figure out how I can bring it back :)

Thank you for sharing. We usually only hear stories about the dancers who chose dance. I’m glad she feels good about her decision. 💕

thank you for sharing a bit of Miko's story. It's so beautiful to see her chose a path that is right for her and not continue where her heart didn't find joy. She will excel in anything she puts her mind too. Miko, if you read this, you were an absolutely beautiful dancer, and I can imagine the impact you are going to make from here on out. Go out there and get it girl!

So ironic they featured her teaching La Esmeralda as I have never enjoyed anybody dancing that variation as much as her. On SO many subtle levels. Good luck Miko x I quit dancing professionally in my thirties from injury and as you say, when I put that discipline into education, I felt I was crazily motivated compared to my classmates x dancers will always rock x

As a young woman, choosing not to do ballet after doing in recreationally since I was 13 (22 when I stopped), was difficult. I love dance and being able to express myself through movement. However, part of it was also beginning to hate my life as a dancer. I was put in pointe shoes too early, resulting in emotional breakdowns over not being able to simple roll-throughs when girls in my class were doing pirouettes and other stuff in the centre. I could not straighten my knees and be fully on my platform at the same time. I felt... angry. I'll go back to ballet one day, but that will not be anytime soon.

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

As someone who sees this problem all the time, I feel like we could have fixed this :( If/when you're ever ready to go back, I'd love to help you

@EnchantingWings1

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThePointeShop I am still connected to the art form, as I love watching videos on KZread of dancers performing. I would need to work on my strength and turnout. I would love to go back once we can go back to the studio. My home is mostly carpeted, so not entirely suitable for ballet (carpet is quite harsh, so I'd go through my ballet shoes quickly xD). I still plan, as I always have, to use my dance experience to help others. So, I plan to be an arts therapist in the future - art, music and dance :)

@EnchantingWings1

3 жыл бұрын

@@ThePointeShop Additionally, I was put on pointe at a time when I was having serious thyroid problems that have gone unmedicated as it was not bad enough (on the hormone side)to warrant medication. My muscles were unstable and sore (could barely stand at the traffic lights!). It was a bad time all around. Then, I was forced to do the dance we had for pointe at the show. My teacher would not let me not do it, I just... had to.

@Denner777

3 жыл бұрын

When you say roll-through does it mean to rise up all the way to your tiptoes? Was that a problem you had only at the center or at the barre too? Did you ever overcome it?

@EnchantingWings1

3 жыл бұрын

@@Denner777 I couldn't rise onto pointe at the barre or in the centre. Didn't have as many issues with echappes (though one foot echappes were an issue). I never overcame it, as I left for university after that show I think that it was, partly, because I was a little scared. I have issues with different anxiety disorders, so pointe was scary to me.

Congrats miko for being that courageous and self confident to u! Josephine can you tell us your story

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

I've watched the documentary several times, I felt that though very talented Miko was more pushed to succeed than motivated by her own desire to dance. Her younger brother actually rebelled early on. I wish her well.

Ms. Miko is my idol, and i really look up to her. Recently, she left for an internship, but before that, she used to teach me every weekend 😊 She is an amazing teacher and I really miss her ❤️

Leaving ballet at 18 was the best decision I ever made. I wasn’t loving it as much as everyone else. I took three years off and came back earlier this year. Those three years made me realise I needed to dance even though I will never be a professional ballet dancer, I left that stress behind and now I’m able to dance because I love to dance not because I have to have a career

I kind of feel exactly what Mike feels. I am a naturally curvy women, and I don’t really look like the average slim ballerina. I honestly feel like it’s a ticking time bomb until I get injured, or I don’t make it into company. My whole life has been just so surrounded by ballet, and if I quit I don’t know where to go. I hope she has an amazing school experience and goes well for her. Stay safe everyone! Miko* Sorry the autocorrect

@jessruhl24

3 жыл бұрын

Miko isn’t really curvy though. She had an ideal body for a professional ballet dancer. The body image trouble seems to be mostly in her head

It would be great if Miko became a doctor or physiotherapist for dancers! Her experience with ballet will be so helpful. Good luck!

I quit for three years. I grew up dancing. It difficult to choose to stop but it’s also difficult to go back. I went back in September this year. It’s difficult to know I’ll never dance professionally but more difficult to realise that I don’t have to be a good dancer. I can fall out of my pirouettes and I can not have my splits back and that’s ok. When you spend your entire life pushing for perfection in dance and then suddenly you don’t need to and that structure is gone, I struggled with that a lot. Now though, I get to dance because I love it

I retired from ballet due to injury and surgery after surgery to correct the damage ballet did to me. I still miss ballet everyday but I’m glad I was able to see another world after ballet.

Wow ... She will set a new bar for dancers who leave dancing career to pursue a different type of life! Brava!

Miko is so brave and courageous to pursue her dream as her authentic self. God bless and I hope you fulfill all your dreams.

She took the path that her body chose for her and which was right for her and as long as she is happy that the right way for her. Good on her I admire her for doing that and wish all the very best for her much love and Merry Chrismas🎄 ❤

good for her :) as a 22 yr old woman i still struggle with body image and so good for her to walk away and take care of herself. she looks so healthy and happy right now and she is absolutely beautiful. and no matter what, she will make the world a better place!

Oh she is so brave. I really admire her courage. Bless you, Miko. I commend you.

As someone who did ballet for four years before quitting to do figure skating (we could only afford one sport at a time) I owe it to ballet for my flexibility and how easy I am to work with when it comes to choreo. But side effects are I want pointe shoes but I definitely don’t have the ankle strength for that any more

I went the opposite way... Im a doctor and after I graduated I started ballet, and the first time with my point shoes I was crying... as a dream come true!! You can do whatever you want If you believe in yourself!! 🥰

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

You didn't start ballet as a profession. You can do anything you want as a hobby, not as a professional.

@grubbilove6338

3 жыл бұрын

@@jewelmarkess don't piss on her parade please.

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

@@grubbilove6338 I don't. I am pretty sure a doctor doesn't have professional ambitions of becoming a ballet dancer. I just really don't like the whole "you can do whatever you want" thing because it's wrong. Think all the talent shows rejects who think they can sing/dance/etc. Some professions require talent in addition to years of training starting from childhood. Anyone cannot become a professional ballet dancer, professional musician, elite level athlete, etc. But everyone can do these things as a hobby.

I stopped dancing after 15 years, when I started my gender transition. It felt hard to reconcile my dancer self and myself as a man. I hope I can return to it some day, though.

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

I hope you don't regret it when you are older. You are making irreversible changes to your body when you are still a teenager. What makes us happy at 15 is often not what makes us happy at 25. I hope you are not making a horrible mistake.

@imills954

3 жыл бұрын

@@jewelmarkess I'm literally 22 and I've known I was trans for almost a decade but thanks anyway

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

@@imills954 Oh, well if you are 22 you are an adult, so, of course. I thought you were 15.... Sorry.

@imills954

3 жыл бұрын

@@jewelmarkess I danced for 15 years! Stopped when I was 20 :) sorry for getting so defensive so quickly, I'm used to people telling me that even now it's a mistake/abomination/affront to god and nature etc

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

@@imills954 NP, I understand. I should've figured out that if you danced for 15 years, you'd not be 15. I am not religious at all, and I understand that it must feel awful to have dysphoria. I am a woman, and I had premature ovarian failure in my 30s, so I am acutely aware of the risks of not having our own hormones when our bodies expect them and am a bit sensitive to it, but as an adult I am sure you've evaluated all risks and for you it's worth it.

Wow! Such an empowering and inspirational video. Thank you for this!

So much respect for Miko! She is an inspiration...I am truly happy to see her follow her own path.

This was so wonderful! She will be a very special doctor! You are pretty amazing too! Thanks for sharing!💗

you guys are so pretty! Love your work sm, you have helped me pick out my pointe shoe, and know the different parts a pointe shoe! Have a great day!

@lanasso5502

3 жыл бұрын

Same

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

Aww.. thank you!

I have a somewhat similar experience but with arts such as drawing. I was considered somewhat of an art prodigy as a kid, and eventually got a job with an art company that I worked with since I was 16 for six years. I had respect and a cool sounding job, but last year I decided to search for a new job due to a toxic work environment. This past year has been a pretty emotional time, because my whole life was wrapped up in the art world, my job was my identity... I didn't know who I was anymore. I will always identify as an artist, drawing is my life, but I'm studying to become an ESL teacher one day, which surprises people sometimes. I'd like to become an art teacher as well, but art teaching is for a later chapter in the book :) I'm so happy that there are role models like Miko, who show that just because you excel at something, does not mean you are obligated to pursue it. Good luck to her and her new career path, I think she will make a positive impact on the medical field.

There was a former Olympic Gold Medalist Gymnast who went to Medical School at Stanford a few years ago. Perhaps Miko could speak with Amy Chow MD about Medical School and specialties that make the most of her background. I believe that she is still in the San Francisco Bay Area.

@birdybanks5819

Жыл бұрын

Debbie became and orthopedic surgeon. Although her life took a lot of strange turns, it's possible for athletes (and ballet dancers are definitely athletes) to take up other challenging careers.

I’m loving all the stories 😍😍

I’m struggling with this problem right now, I currently have been doing ballet for 7 years now and I’m thinking about whether to go to normal school or go to a professional ballet academy so I’m kind of stuck rn. I used to love being in my ballet classes but now I just feel like I’m doing ballet for someone else like my parents, my ballet teachers etc and not for myself.

I know how she feels. I left dance when I was ten. Three years later I started it again. Now I'm in my second year of training en pointe

Thank you so much for bringing us these videos! They're such a bright spot in these horrible times.

Grew up first part of life in music art dance family. Was in troupe for well known dance in nyc in 60s. Still played my instruments. Won scholarship into healthworld. Loved it as much dance. Retired from healthcare after 30 years. Started dancing again. Did 1 women shows. And group dances. Now retired at 70 and dance for fun. Still look Nd feel fabulous most days. Have awesome energy. Using my muscles for lap swimming. Which i did on and off thru life!!!!!!!

Proud of her for following her heart! That's all that matters.

One dislike, even your one hater has the notification bell on 😂🤩

@MxDandy

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂😂😂😂

@melissasmith6762

3 жыл бұрын

I always get notified of videos from people I haven't even subscribed to, including this one.

@ThePointeShop

3 жыл бұрын

bahahaha

I remember seeing footage of her in the Moscow Ballet Competition. She is/was an amazing dancer. I am glad that she has thought everything through and decided on a different path for herself. I wish her well. The Pointe Shop popped up on my You Tube by chance. I have never been a dancer but do admire the sheer hard work and determination of all dancers. You have given me an education because I never knew about all the things that go into fitting toe shoes on dancers. I find it fascinating. Thank you I wish you well.

This was a really great video, I'll never forget "decision time" it was so incredibly difficult. The company I danced for was very small so there was a lot of jealousy, sabotage, nastiness, catinence, whispers, people you knew since you were 2 wanted nothing to do with me anymore, carpooling stopped, Mother's got crazy, friends they considered family turned their backs on each other. Just so much negativity. I was thinking this hurts, why is this happening? We all have been there and it really hurts. It made me want to run for the door!! Then I started to think, if my mother and I were being treated like this, there has to be a reason and not everyone was pleased with my talent and bullied me pretty badly. There were a lot of tears, but I just concentrated on my craft and ignored everything else the best way I could. It's a huge sacrifice and such a difficult decision to continue on. One that you can only understand if you've been in that situation. I still question if I made the proper decision to this day and it's been a very long time. Nothing can prepare you for the sacrifice you must make to be a successfully employed dancer.

In a professional school you grow up working with your class group , with a professional company. You are performing from childhood onstsge with 20 shows to practice getting comfortable onstage.. you are part of a generation of friends. I think the competition regime is like points Karate compared to real Karate.

You can tell that woman is going to be amazing at whatever she decides to do. She would make an amazing doctor with her incredible mindset and emotional intelligence.

It takes such strength of character to stand tall and make your life choices that are solely for your own well being. Good for her, I applaud this

what a beautiful video. I always wondered what happened to Miko. she is one of the most musical dancers I'd ever seen. good point about how discipline and training transfers.

Great vid again Josephine - thank you! Greetings from Finland!

I danced growing up and am currently a Sports Medicine APRN. I'd absolutely love to find a way to work more with dancers. There's definitely a need for providers that understand dance, the rigors of training, and a dancers likely response to injury/recovery.

Ah! LOVED THIS episode SO MUCH. Miko is such an inspiration. You're also such an inspiration Josephine! Loved hosting you on my podcast... G x

I can relate. I'm majoring in exercise science so I can go into physical therapy for dancers.

Honestly, she made the best decision, career-wise. There's a lot of uncertainty with pursuing the arts as a career, and a lot more stability in medicine. I hope she's very successful as a doctor! People genuinely loving what they're doing as a doctor makes for the best outcomes for patients.

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

She had a job - she was in corps in Birmingham Royal Ballet. She didn't like it. I wonder if working in corps was a real let down after all of the success of winning competitions dancing ballerina variations she didn't get to dance on stage.

Best wishes for Miko in her future adventures. If you don't absolutely love, love, love to perform and dance, don't do it! Best to let someone else have the opportunity and do what makes you happy.

What a great interview! Very happy to know she’s doing great! It would be awesome if you can interview former Bejart Ballet soloist Marsha Rodriguez!

Best video I've seen so far. Non-dance here, and while pointe shoes are interesting, I like learning about the individual's story more. Good luck.

She reminds me when I decided to stop dancing and continued with ballet photography. Best decision of my life.

Very good point on discipline & patience learning, in ballet & in any job & in life!

Miko Fogarty I am a silent fan of yours. You are my inspiration

I needed this video so bad! Tomorrow is my last day of my professional career as a dancer (by the way I’m 15). I decide to leave ballet and I’m still afraid of leaving the ballet Akademie were I trained for 3years. But this video showed my that it’s fine to leave and that it’s brave to leave. Thank you so much for this video

Please ask her what her stretching and workout routine was, she was incredibly flexible and strong enough to have complete and total control over her body and she was such a dynamic, larger-than-life dancer. I hope she's doing & feeling better, it's understandable to develop an aversion to something you've loved doing your entire life more than full time, the same thing that happened to me as well 💖

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

I don't believe she has any stretching and workout routines, but you could check Maria Khoreva's videos who I believe has some stretching and workout videos. Given that she is a graduate of the Vaganova academy and is now a first soloist in Mariinsky (even if many feel that her promotion to that level at 18 was a bit premature, and I agree), I suspect she has complete and total control over her body and is incredibly flexible and strong.

I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for her. I need to step down from ballet due to an ongoing injury and I feel like I am ripping my left ear off... and I've only started dancing at 19, 5 years ago.

I can relate to her perfetly since i made a similar desition

Miko, it must have been so hard for you to make the decision to stop dancing. You are such a beautiful ballerina. While what you say about people expecting you to become a soloist and principal dancer is true, I also think that you shouldn't be too stressed about other people's expectations. I know that you are going to make a difference in your medical profession as much as you did in ballet, and even if you don't continue in the medical world, you will still be a lovely woman that people will aspire to. We respect you and we are here for you!

With the greatest respect! The hardest working child in our Ballet world. But.. It's when we need to realize: not the children's or their parent's attraction to a Classical dance form should be the start, but student's Natural/ Divine abilities must be the trigger point for start at such difficult road of endless sacrifices... Best wishes in future, sorry for all of the pain and disappointment.

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

"The hardest working child" - are you saying that Vaganova or Bolshoi or other top professional academy students are any less hard working because instead of spending their time learning adult variations and going to competitions, they spend all of their time in classes and only participating in school/affiliated theater performances often in groups? How is Miko more "hard working" than, for example, Maria Khoreva or Alexandra Khiteeva?

@nataliacharovamedmfa4679

3 жыл бұрын

@@jewelmarkess My Dear! You did not read my post carefully. It's not about who is working harder. I'm a graduate of Bolshoi Ballet academy my self and I know what it takes to get trough training of leading Russian Ballet schools. My comment is based on pedagogical experience of 30 years and moral responsibilities we should assume in USA when we push young souls to this path. As a teacher I appreciate every one of my hard working students, but for your information - in Russia students were very talented to start with (Governmental standards) and Choreographic education was free. Where in the USA students and their families have to sacrifice a lot to pursue their dreams. P.S. No reply needed...if you like debates go to political sides. Best regards Natalia

@jewelmarkess

3 жыл бұрын

@@nataliacharovamedmfa4679 Thanks, I see. No debates, just sorry I misunderstood your comment.

With Covid lockdown and doing class at home made me aware of how I actually had body dismorphia... And I stopped dancing in September 2020 I still dance occasionally but never in a leotard... BTW I weighed 36kgs and was 172cm tall while being told to loose weight...

@EmL-kg5gn

Ай бұрын

Omg I am so sorry!!!! I’m about the same height and 60kgs is underweight enough to be worried about my health 😢 I’m not a dancer but that reminds me of something I experienced, I won’t share in case it’s triggering but it made me believe people like that could push someone to into the grave so I’m thankful you got through it. I hope you’re not around that talk anymore and that you’re still making an effort to recover! Wishing you the best 💕

@tiffanyretallick2799

Ай бұрын

@@EmL-kg5gn Yep, I worked on it for a looonngg time and yes I have myself out of any situation which may trigger anything like that in my head...

@EmL-kg5gn

Ай бұрын

@@tiffanyretallick2799 That’s so good to hear!!! Congratulations on all the progress you’ve made in recovery

I was JUDT thinking about Miko and wondering where she had gone.

Thank you.

I like hearing La Esmeralda in the background.

As adult ballet student, I understand her struggle as young public figure. Gladly she doesn't leave formal education. I wish Miko could enjoy ballet for the rest of her life.

Well done. Proud of y

This video means so much to me you have no idea

love miko！

Has Josephine done a video about why she stopped dancing or about her story as a dancer? I can’t seem to find it, and I feel it could help a lot of people (me included) to hear this story.

Thank you for this video

God bless Miko in your medical career. I love you❤️❤️❤️

Love you Miko xxx

such a good video. The bottom line is to do what you are passionate about.

Doing solo variations, to great acclaim, in competitions does not prepare a dancer to be a member of a company. It could be that Miko just didn't like dancing in an ensemble, and having to fit in with other dancers. That said, while she is a very good dancer, her feet were bound to give her major problems sooner or later.

@elyseenger2646

3 жыл бұрын

That's one of the reasons why Miko was never good soloist material to begin with. Especially because to be a good one you have to know how to work with ensembles, and her inability to do so was further magnified by the ballet competitions she was entered in.

I would love to know how Natalie Osipova prepares her pointe shoes and what brand she wears. In photos her shoes look like they are almost dead and too narrow for her.

@vickhs

3 жыл бұрын

I think she wears Grishko or Gaynor Minden, but I'm not entirely sure. I don't really remember where I read that. Though I did watch an interview with her where she said that she absolutely hates preparing pointe shoes, so maybe she wears them for a longer period until they literally fall apart because she doesn't want to prepare new ones? Her feet are so strong I imagine at this point she's probably used to it.

As a Brummie I was really excited for her to join BRB. I hope that she was treated well there. I know that with her mindset she will be successful in her new field :-)