From YAGP Champion to Podiatrist | Miko Fogarty

Former ballet star Dr. Miko Fogarty shares her journey from elite performer (“First Position,” YAGP, Birmingham Royal Ballet) to a foot & ankle surgery resident specializing in podiatric medicine. We cover injury prevention, why dead pointe shoes raise risk, alignment tips that protect feet, knees, and hips, and how expert pointe-shoe fitting keeps dancers healthy. Plus: career transition advice, biomechanics insights, and clinician-teacher collaboration. Follow Ballet Science: Website: https://ballet.science Instagram:   / ballet.science   Facebook:   / ballet.science   X: https://x.com/ballet_science Timestamps: 0:00 🎧 Welcome to the Ballet Science Podcast 0:30 💫 Meet Dr. Miko Fogarty: From Ballerina to Podiatrist 2:00 🩰 Miko’s Ballet Journey & Career Highlights 7:30 ❤️ Transition from Dance to Medicine 13:00 👣 Foot Health & Common Dancer Injuries 17:30 🩰 Pointe Shoe Fit & Injury Prevention Tips 20:40 🧠 How Clinicians Can Better Support Dancers 29:30 💬 Advice for Dancers Transitioning Careers 36:30 🔬 Bridging Ballet & Medicine 45:45 💖 Closing Thoughts & Inspiration Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves. Each week, we will explore the intersection of science and ballet, from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information. Filming Equipment: Microphone: https://amzn.to/494YG94 Pop Filter: https://amzn.to/3J7LYMi Mic Stand: https://amzn.to/477wqAp Prompter: https://amzn.to/47qALyP Large Key Light: https://amzn.to/3KIEn7w Small Key Light: https://amzn.to/3IJbCHg Eve Flare Light: https://amzn.to/48ICDoT Logo Photo Credit: Richard Calmes Performance Photos Provided Courtesy of Miko Fogarty