If you're a millennial-aged dancer you've, without a doubt, heard of the Instagram account @worldwideballet. It's tagged in nearly every ballet photo you see on Instagram because dancers know it's the best way to see and be seen.
With over 700K followers and 200K #worldwideballet hashtags, you would think that the person behind this cult-like following might be of legal age, right? Think again.
Meet Neta Meir: the 17-year-old founder of WorldWide Ballet. Though she is 17 now, she actually created the account in 8th grade and has expanded the brand to include warm-up gear and accessories. I've been lucky to get to know Neta over the course of the past few years and she is a remarkable young woman with an immensely bright future. She exudes such a positive energy and always encourages those around her.
Get to know the person you tag ALL your best photos and videos in:
How old were you when you started dancing?
3
Why did you start WWB?
I was in the 8th grade when I started World Wide Ballet and loved Instagram and thought to myself, "Why don't I try to do something greater than just posting another pretty selfie of myself?" So one Friday evening, I decided to give it a try and opened a ballet account that would be an address for all dancers to share their talent with the world, and of course, make ballet accessible to everyone!
What does the the creator of WWB eat for breakfast in the morning?
It varies from day to day, but first things first - I ALWAYS drink a cup of cold water to get all of the systems awakened and going, and then I might have a cup of coffee with soy milk and an apple, or strawberries :)
Coffee or tea?
COFFEE!!!
How do you juggle high school, dance, a social life, and managing a business so well?
Anyone that is close to me knows this: for me running WWB has become second nature, and a part of my everyday routine and life so It doesn't seem like a lot of pressure, but I can tell you that reviewing the last month for example, it was crazy!! But this is how I do...I simply go on with whatever comes in the way!
What do you want to do after graduation?
Well, in Israel we are obligated to serve in the army so that's what's next for me! I'm very excited and proud to serve at the Israel Defense Forces :)
Top university choice?
Probably Harvard or Columbia, or really any Ivy League University.
What do you suggest to dancers wanting to be featured on WWB?
PATIENCE is the KEY word! I go through my hashtag many times a day as well as my direct message and email. I try to notice everyone who reaches out to me or simply tags #worldwideballet. My eyes are very picky and know what they're looking for and it changes from day to day so the only advice I can give is: stay patient!
How many DM's does WWB get per day?
I HAVE NO IDEA! There are too many so there's no count from me, but I should check it! The numbers would be interesting I'm sure.
What goals do you have for 2017?
My main goal for 2017 is to inspire people around me.
Who is your role model?
My mom no doubt! She inspires me and helps me to push myself every single day. She, alongside my father made my biggest dream come alive. Without her continued support I don't think I'd be where I am today. She's my partner for this crazy ride and I couldn't admire her more for her dedication and patience for me and my WWB journey.
What was the last thing you watched on TV?
Good Behavior is my personal favorite at the moment! I barely have time so you'd find me in between answering emails at 1am watching an episode on TV.
What is on your bucket list?
Going to Australia is the dream for me! The thing is that Australia is so far from Israel, there are no direct flights (you'd have to take a connecting flight from somewhere in the far east) but I'm sure that one day I'll visit there :) As well as my University education! I'd really like to study abroad at an Ivy League University and do an MBA in Business.
What is the best advice you've been given?
Thought creates reality. This is a deep belief I got from my mother. I believe that we have the power to shape our lives through actions we take and through things we imagine and invite into our lives. As long as we believe in our full hearts that that's what's going to happen, we can bring this thought to life, for good and bad. This belief goes with me every single day and so I design my reality each and every day.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I AM A MAKEUP JUNKIE. Not kidding, the last time I visited NYC I basically lived inside Sephora.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Chace Crawford! I loved him on Gossip Girl.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I love spending time with my friends, going out or sleeping!
What is your biggest/weirdest fear?
I have an insane fear of night butterflies! Ah! I remember once when I was in the 4th grade we had one in our house I was in my sister's room so I didn't come out until my parents caught him!
*night butterfly = moth
What would be a good theme song for your life?
I think it really varies from time to time but my current go-to would be "Days Gone By" by Bob Moses!
What brings you the greatest joy?
Making the people around me happy, as simple as it sounds it's the most incredible feeling in the world to look into an excited pair of eyes because of something you've said or done.
Dogs or cats?
DOGS!!
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