Miko Fogarty captivated the world as a prodigious dancing ballerina, her talent and grace illuminated in the acclaimed documentary “First Position.” Just years ago, she was the epitome of ballet success, a teenage sensation gracing international stages and winning prestigious competitions from Moscow to Varna. Her performances were breathtaking, her dedication unwavering, and her future in ballet seemedLimitless. Fans and followers watched in awe as she ascended through the ranks, eventually joining the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2015. Then, seemingly as quickly as she rose, she vanished from the professional ballet radar in 2016, leaving many to wonder what became of the celebrated young dancer.
The truth is, Miko Fogarty, now a poised 21-year-old, embarked on a journey of self-discovery and re-evaluation. Far from abandoning her passions, she chose to redefine her path, carefully considering the role ballet would play in her life moving forward. Today, she thrives as a junior at the University of California—Berkeley, pursuing a biology major with aspirations of attending medical school. Alongside her rigorous academic pursuits, she nurtures her love for dance by teaching private ballet lessons, leading masterclasses, and serving as the part-time conservatory director at San Jose Dance International, a burgeoning school in the San Francisco Bay Area under the artistic direction of Yu Xin. In a recent conversation, Miko opened up about her transformative journey, offering insights into her decision to step away from full-time professional ballet and embrace a new chapter.
Re-evaluating a Life in Ballet: Finding New Passions
“For a while, I was quiet on social media about my life,” Miko explained, acknowledging the curiosity surrounding her departure from Birmingham Royal Ballet. “I am hoping to be more open with my followers going forward. I’m still in process of figuring things out, but right now, I’m a premed student at Cal, deeply involved in science research, which is a world away from my ballet days. Alongside my studies, teaching ballet has become a significant part of my life. It’s truly one of my greatest passions.”
This shift was not impulsive but a thoughtful evolution. “Even before joining Birmingham Royal Ballet, my passion for dancing ballerina roles began to wane,” Miko confessed. “I started feeling that a full-time ballet career wasn’t the long-term path I envisioned. Although I didn’t share these doubts publicly, wanting to remain encouraging, I felt I had already achieved so much in ballet and was ready to explore new experiences.” After a year of introspection and weighing her options, she made the definitive decision to apply to college. “Once I made the choice, I felt certain and have absolutely no regrets.”
From Spotlight to Studies: Embracing Academia
Miko’s academic journey began at Feather River College, a small institution nestled in the mountains of California. “It was a deliberate choice to attend a smaller school initially,” she shared. “It provided a welcome respite from the intense city life and constant social media presence I had become accustomed to.” Following her time at Feather River College, she continued her studies at Contra Costa College before transferring to UC Berkeley.
Reflecting on her early fame after “First Position,” Miko clarified that the pressures of the spotlight were not the catalyst for her career change. “I genuinely appreciate my followers and the opportunities that came with ‘First Position.’ It was an honor to be part of that film,” she stated. “My decision to change direction was rooted in my evolving feelings about ballet itself as a career. Going to class each day, I realized it wasn’t what I wanted to pursue long-term. Even performances, which should be the pinnacle for a dancing ballerina, brought mixed emotions. While I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment afterward, the anticipation and performance itself often felt nerve-wracking, especially in competitions.”
Beyond the Stage: Finding Joy in Teaching and New Ventures
Miko’s candidness reveals a vulnerability often hidden beneath the polished veneer of a successful dancing ballerina. “People might be surprised to hear I was nervous performing, especially given my competition record,” she admitted. “Interestingly, nerves sometimes helped me perform better, but I realized I didn’t want to constantly live with that anxiety. Another significant challenge was the intense pressure to maintain an extremely thin physique, which is often associated with the image of a dancing ballerina. It was mentally and physically draining to sustain healthfully and contributed to periods of depression. These factors also played a role in my decision to explore a different path.”
Despite these challenges, Miko emphasizes the profound positive impact ballet has had on her life. “Ballet has enriched my life immeasurably,” she affirmed. “It’s given me incredible travel experiences, instilled a strong work ethic and discipline applicable to any field. Ballet taught me to push beyond my comfort zone, kept me physically fit, and introduced me to lifelong friends. I am eternally grateful for ballet and know it will always be a part of my life.”
Her continued involvement with San Jose Dance International demonstrates this enduring connection. “SJDI is still very new and growing,” Miko explained. “We’re developing various initiatives, including ‘Dancing for a Cure,’ a performance to raise funds for cancer patients and their families. I recently led a variations workshop there, which was incredibly rewarding. Teaching technique and variations to aspiring dancers in the Bay Area is something I truly enjoy. It’s a fulfilling part-time pursuit, as my primary focus remains on my studies and research – currently, I’m involved in brain tumor research at UC—San Francisco.”
Advice for Aspiring Dancers: Embracing Authenticity
Miko offers valuable advice to dancers who might be grappling with similar crossroads in their careers. “Be true to yourself,” she advises, “and don’t be afraid to change paths, even after dedicating years to ballet and immense hard work. If you feel drawn to a different career that you believe will bring you greater fulfillment, pursue it. But ensure your decision is well-considered and one you won’t regret. You can always integrate ballet into your life to the extent that feels right for you – whether it’s a significant role or a smaller part, as I’m currently doing. And finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey.”
Miko Fogarty’s story is a testament to the evolving nature of passion and the courage to redefine success. From a celebrated dancing ballerina to a promising pre-med student, she exemplifies that dedication, discipline, and grace, honed through years of ballet, can pave the way for diverse and fulfilling paths.
