Big one today! This week we discuss Hannah Neeleman, the first generation farmer and marketing genius behind Ballerina Farm. We discuss the many Dreams/Threats evoked by her particular brand of Harmony: effortless health, graceful motherhood, the family as a social unit, etc. I push back on the angry fixations on her stove, her husband’s family money, and her “lack of agency,” and salute her reverence for performance as a craft in itself. Buckle up!

Discussed: 

@BallerinaFarm on Instagram

We Took The Train, Hannah’s old blog from the Brazil days

“Performing the American Pastoral,” Binchtopia podcast on Ballerina Farm

“Motherhood, Pig Farming, and Homeschooling with Hannah of Ballerina Farm” The Momforce Podcast

“Pursuing Your Dreams- From Julliard-Trained Ballerina to Small-Town Farmer with Hannah Neeleman” Just Ingredients podcast

“Ballerina & Business Guy Go Full Hog” Couple Co. podcast

“The Edenic Allure of Ballerina Farm” Culture Study, Anne Helen Peterson’s Substack

“Is Tradwife content dangerous, or just stupid?” Kathryn Jezer-Morton in the Cut

“The Crunch-to-Alt-Right Pipeline” Kathleen Belew in the Atlantic