About
I’m SODA. I write about adult ballet from Seoul.
When I was nine, I told my mother I wanted to learn ballet. She called every studio and culture centre in our neighbourhood. They all said the same thing: recreational classes stopped at pre-school age, and from primary school they only took students training professionally.
She apologised to me. For having to say no to the first thing I’d ever asked for.
It wasn’t that I couldn’t learn.
There was simply nowhere that would take me.
It took me a long time to understand that. Adult ballet studios exist on nearly every block in Seoul now. I’m not a professional, but I’ve worn a tutu, learned a variation in repertoire class, and stood on a stage.
What you’ll find here
- Gear that’s actually been worn. Shoes, leotards, skirts — sizing, wear, and what I’d buy again. I pay for everything myself unless a post says otherwise.
- Korean ballet brands. Labels like JENNY BALLET, YURA BALLET and ODD ON TUTU are barely written about in English. That seems like a gap worth filling.
- Repertoire notes. Working through variations as an adult beginner, corrections and all.
- Performances. What I saw, and where to sit so you can see the feet.
Say hello
Questions about sizing, brands, or starting late are always welcome — leave a comment on any post.