Ballerina Farm Sends The Internet Into A Frenzy Citing ‘Trad Wife’ Lifestyle And Misogyny
A viral story of the family known as 'Ballerina Farm' ignited online debates surrounding a "Trad wife" lifestyle.
The 34-year-old currently lives in Utah, and has gained over 17 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. The mother of eight posts content featuring her home life, her husband Daniel Neeleman, their children, and their animals on a 328-acre farm.
Hannah Neeleman, the influencer behind the viral 'Ballerina Farm' account, sparked viral discourse about "trad wives" — women who believe and practice traditional gender roles and marriages. Neeleman became a sensation after giving fans a glimpse into her not-so-glamorous lifestyle, and revealing the sacrifices she's made to fit her seemingly exhausting lifestyle.
Eight children, one husband, hundreds of acres beneath the enormous skies of the American west – and millions of social media followers. I spent the day with "trad wife" Hannah Neeleman, or Ballerina Farm, to figure out what all the fuss was about https://t.co/FapSYfq8id
— Megan Agnew (@MeganAgnew) July 21, 2024
Megan Agnew of 'The Times' broke the story that would shake the internet, as Hannah "milks cows, gives birth without pain relief, and breastfeeds at beauty pageants." The story begs the question: "Is this an empowering new model of womanhood — or a hammer blow for feminism?"
Known for her deep love of ballet, fans became seemingly enraged after learning that Hannah had lifelong dreams of excelling in New York City as a ballerina following her graduation from the prestigious Juilliard performing arts school.
"Our first few years of marriage were really hard, we sacrificed a lot. But we did have this vision, this dream — I gave up dance, which was hard. You give up a piece of yourself. And Daniel gave up his career ambitions," Hannah stated per 'The Times,' as the author noted that she was often interrupted by a child or her husband who "thinks he knows better."
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Hannah received more pity online after she went viral opening a birthday present from Daniel, which she had hoped were "tickets to Greece" — yet turned out to be "an egg apron!" With a smile on her face, she wrapped the gift around her waist, but fans didn't buy the enthusiasm.
Omg he gave her an egg apron when all she wanted was to go to Greece .....her husband's dad owns an entire airline .....wow !!! #BallerinaFarm, HUUUUUYEEEE !! pic.twitter.com/dilugy8hE4
— 𓃠ֆʏʀǟӼ𓆃𓆙👑🩰❤🧜♀️ (@SyraxSunfyre) July 26, 2024
Daniel Neeleman, 35, is heir to a JetBlue fortune worth over $400 million in the United States. His father, David Neeleman, is a Brazilian American businessman who reportedly founded five airlines through his career, per 'Distractify.'
"You're telling me the Ballerina Farm's girl is married to a man whose family owns an airline and she wanted to go to Greece...and instead he bought her an apron and basically told her to get back in the kitchen???" one person responded per the media outlet.
As fans continue to show sympathy for Hannah, she doesn't quite identify with a feminist lifestyle. "There's so many different ways you could take that word. I don't even know what feminism means any more," she said. "We try so hard to be neutral and be ourselves and people will put a label on everything."
The farmer's wife concluded: "This is just our normal life."
