Spotlight on Ballerina Farm's 'trad wife' content and the man behind it

Hannah Neeleman, known for her TikTok account Ballerina Farm, has gained popularity for her videos idealizing the "trad wife" lifestyle. The former ballerina turned farm influencer showcases her life raising eight children on a picturesque farm, making everything from scratch. However, recent attention has shifted to her husband, Daniel Neeleman, following an interview with The Times.

Daniel Neeleman, son of JetBlue CEO David Neeleman, has a background far from humble farming. Despite the idyllic farm life portrayed in Hannah’s videos, Daniel’s family wealth allows them to maintain this lifestyle. The Times interview revealed that Daniel’s influence extends beyond farm chores, suggesting he orchestrates the couple's social media strategy and farm management. Reporter Megan Agnew noted, “Daniel had always imagined this enormous, daring life for himself, despite growing up in the Connecticut suburbs without a single animal, the son of an airline founder.” His traditional views include the belief that men "make stuff work" while women "beautify."

The couple faced criticism after the interview, particularly regarding the idealization of the trad wife lifestyle, which some argue can negatively impact women’s aspirations and mental health. A notable incident highlighting their dynamic was Hannah’s 34th birthday. Despite repeatedly expressing her desire for tickets to Greece, she received an egg apron instead. Fans were quick to point out the disparity, given Daniel's affluent background.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Hannah @Ballerina Farm (@ballerinafarm)

In response to the backlash, Hannah and Daniel posted a reel on Instagram showing them walking through their dairy farm with their baby, kissing and holding hands. Hannah’s voiceover explained her passion for making food from scratch and hinted at a new brand launch. The video appeared to address the criticism subtly, emphasizing their commitment to their lifestyle.

The Ballerina Farm account continues to generate discussions about traditional gender roles and the realities behind seemingly perfect social media portrayals.