We believe that ballet is for everyone. Every age, body shape, nationality etc are welcome to join our school!
Our students range from 18 to 65+ years old, from all over the world, both absolute beginners and advanced.
Meet Some of Our Lovely Students:
Cristina 🇺🇸
G, as we like to call her, a political science masters student came to Ballet Gothenburg after an 11 year break from dancing…
Her dedication and determination have brought her back to pointe and performing. She is a joy to have in class and a joy to watch dance.
In her owns words, “Dancing for me is a form of freedom. When I enter the studio, no matter what’s going on in my life or what kind of day I’m having — it’s suddenly only me and the music, and that’s all that matters. Like so many young dancers, I loved dancing but disliked going to dance class to face the inevitable criticism about myself and my body, especially as a neurodivergent dancer in an environment that wasn’t designed to help me succeed. It’s been so powerful to return to ballet as an adult – to dance in a supportive community, to dance for my health, and to dance for my own self expression.”
Hyejin 🇰🇷
Hyejin Jeong is from South Korea. She moved to Sweden in 2019 with her husband and two cats….
In her own words, “I am currently studying for my master’s program in Quality and Operations Management at Chalmers University. I worked in South Korea for about 9 years in the ICT industry.
Before moving to Sweden, I dreamed of living outside of my country, and eventually, my dream came true. However, it turned out that living in Sweden as a foreigner is really difficult for me because I have to learn everything like a toddler due to language, culture, system and making friends. It was totally different traveling which is fun, happy moments, and adventure.
My turning point in Sweden began when I started ballet! Whenever going to ballet class, ballet makes me feel that I am alive and a member of society. Furthermore, it enhances not only my physical strength but also my spirit and soul. Now I am not afraid of living in Sweden anymore! Still, I am a toddler step from my class as well, but it couldn’t be better than this!
I really always thank you Lori who gives me inner peace and soft but strong energy every time.”
Hyejin brings focus and joy to every class. She’s already danced her first solo with our troupe as White Swan and makes this teacher so very proud. The unique thing about Ballet Gothenburg is we are a gang of expats navigating life away from country, culture, and family. We lift each other up, applaud each other’s break throughs, and walk together on this journey in a foreign country.
Madalina 🇵🇹
Biomedical PhD student & ballerina Madalina joined our tribe nearly a year ago though it feels like she’s been with us since day one…
In her own words, “I’m one of those people who live with expectations of the future. I kept telling myself things like “when I finish college I’ll travel the world” or “when I have my own house I’ll plant a garden” or “when I have more free time I’ll start dancing or painting.” Ballet was the first decision I made out of that mindset, because I just didn’t feel like waiting for the “right moment” for it anymore. It made me grow so much as a person and accept my inner flaws. The most important thing however, was learning to take the small accomplishments, like a wider turnout, a couple more seconds in a relevé, a sort of a pirouette, as absolute personal victories, and as the beauty of what living in the present can be like.”
Madalina is a joy to have in class – she brings humor and happiness to the group.
Michelle 🇺🇸
Get to know Michelle, a Systems Engineer by day, ballerina by night. You can find her mid relevé during work meetings…
She started ballet with Ballet Gothenburg five years ago right at the beginning of the pandemic having studied both ballet and Irish dance for just over a year before moving to Gothenburg. Her persistency and perseverance now see her legs flying high and jumps as well. Students like her keep teachers inspired and motivated.
Rachael 🇺🇸
Meet Rachael, a former archaeologist turned project manager; a former basketball player turned ballerina…
She started her dance journey with Lori as an absolute beginner when she first moved to Gothenburg in 2021. Her favorite role so far has been as the White Swan, but her dream role is Jemima Puddle-Duck in the Tales of Beatrix Potter Ballet. Rachael loves drawing out dance configurations on her whiteboard. She loves big jump sequences and hopes to get on pointe one day soon! She is a joy to have in class, keeps our rehearsals running smoothly, and is assisting in all angles of preparation for our August adult ballet retreat. We call her our project manager and without her quick thinking, our rehearsals and performances would not be the same. She embodies what it means to put in the work from absolute beginner to shining on the stage.
Sami 🇫🇮
Sami came to Ballet Gothenburg before we even had a name or an idea what this community would be…
In Sami’s own words, “The first time I came across ballet was after a yoga class with Lori where she mentioned she wanted to start ballet classes. I was at a stage in my life where I wanted to try everything, I was too scared to try before. Ballet was one, boys don’t do ballet was somewhere in the back of my head at the time but hey, why not. After that I was hooked and have now been doing ballet for a few years with long breaks due to injuries, not sustained in class though. Boys DO dance ballet as I found out.”
Student FAQs
Find even more answers on the FAQ page!
I am scared I am not going to fit in the class because of my age/shape, etc.
This is a safe space where we welcome ALL – all ages, sizes, shapes, all genders, all abilities.
I have never danced before but have always wanted to try ballet. Is it too late?
It is never too late to start. Our dancers range in age from their twenties to nearly seventy.
Do I have to be featured on this page if I join Ballet Gothenburg?
Not at all, only those wanting to participate are featured.
