Ballet: From Niche Hobby to Mainstream Pursuit in South Korea

Ballet, once perceived as an exclusive art form for the elite, is experiencing a renaissance in South Korea, transforming into a popular and accessible hobby for adults. This shift, dubbed 'Ballet 2.0,' reflects a broader cultural trend towards embracing diverse forms of physical and artistic expression.

“

Ballet is most special because it is a sport expressed through the body. It is the fundamental joy of dancing to beautiful piano melodies, expressing movements, and conveying emotions, a charm that only ballet can provide. Because it is a strength-focused exercise, your posture naturally improves and you can find balance as you do it.

The growing number of adult ballet enthusiasts, or 'chwiballer' (취발러), is evident in the surging membership of online communities like 'People Wearing Leotards,' which has more than doubled in three years. This surge is further supported by a significant increase in ticket sales for dance performances, indicating a heightened public interest in the art form.

Experts attribute this trend to ballet's unique blend of physical exercise and artistic expression. Unlike purely strength-focused workouts, ballet offers a holistic approach, improving posture and balance while allowing individuals to express emotions through movement to classical music. The aesthetic appeal of ballet attire and the intellectual pursuit of understanding ballet terminology and history also contribute to its growing popularity.

“

Ballet has a system of systematically repeating basic movements. The process of completing rich and complex movements with curves by repeating linear and simple basic movements is the charm of ballet.

Furthermore, the repetitive nature of ballet training, which refines basic movements into complex, graceful sequences, appeals to those who enjoy deep, focused engagement with a discipline. This meticulous process, transforming simple actions into elegant artistry, is a core attraction for many. The physical changes that ballet instills in the body, making it a dynamic practice of transformation, further sets it apart from activities like yoga or Pilates.

“

Ballet is closely connected to the shape and function of the body. In other words, as ballet skills improve, the shape of the body also changes. While Pilates or yoga allow you to experience good movement while maintaining the characteristics of your body, ballet is characterized by being able to quickly experience changes in the body.

The 'chwiballer' community is not just about personal fitness; it's also about performance and shared experience. The increasing number of amateur performance opportunities, such as the 'Balletmate Festival,' allows hobbyists to showcase their skills, overcome performance anxiety, and connect with like-minded individuals. This evolving landscape of amateur ballet underscores a cultural shift towards valuing participation and personal growth through artistic endeavors.

“

Ballet was considered to have a high barrier to entry, and only professionals did it. To break that stereotype, we thought it was important to create a space for amateur ballet dancers and attempt the practical popularization of ballet. As we hold the festival every year, we feel most directly that the number of amateur ballet dancers is increasing.