The dark truth behind TikTok viral Ballerina Farm’s Hannah Neeleman’s idyllic life

Journalists from The Times recently published a feature exposing the concerning reality behind Hannah Neeleman.

Journalist Megan Agnew from The Times recently published a feature exposing the concerning reality behind Hannah Neeleman’s seemingly pristine and tranquil farm life. Known as @ballerinafarm on TikTok, Neeleman portrays a traditional domestic life. However, Agnew's profile reveals an overworked woman who has surrendered herself to her husband and family.

@ballerinafarm

Sourdough flatbread grilled cheese! The perfect summer meal 🌿🌞 (also! I wanted to add music but was having technical difficulties, so no music it is!)

♬ original sound - Ballerina Farm

Hannah Neeleman, a Juilliard-trained ballerina and mother of eight, lives on a 328-acre farm in Utah. Married to Daniel Neeleman, son of JetBlue founder David Neeleman, Hannah manages a social media empire with over 20 million followers across multiple platforms. Their farm business sells subscription boxes filled with meat, baked goods, honey, and Ballerina Farm merchandise.

Agnew's detailed profile paints a stark contrast between the idyllic life Neeleman portrays online and the reality she faces. From the moment Agnew steps onto the farm, it is nearly impossible to get Neeleman alone, with her husband or children often interrupting or answering for her. Agnew notes, “I can’t, it seems, get an answer out of Neeleman without her being corrected, interrupted or answered for by either her husband or a child.”

The profile reveals that Daniel demanded they marry and have children within three months of meeting in 2011, despite Hannah wanting to wait a year to finish school. Hannah admitted, “I gave up dance, which was hard. You give up a piece of yourself.” Despite Hannah's sacrifices, it seems Daniel did not have to give up much of what he wanted.

Hannah's portrayal as a tradwife has sparked controversy online, with many questioning the authenticity of the idyllic lifestyle she promotes. Comments on her social media express sympathy for Hannah, suggesting she is being forced to promote a traditional lifestyle that does not align with her personal desires.