Please introduce yourself and tell us about yourself, your work, and your relocation back to Budapest!

My name is Bettina Rose Jurák, a free soul. A few months ago, I brought my base back to Hungary after spending three years abroad for my passion and work. My experience of this new journey of spending time in Hungary is still fresh, but it’s exciting to be back home for these short moments after such a long time.

I’ve always been passionate about exploring opportunities beyond Hungary. Since childhood, I have dreamed of living and working abroad as a dancer. It's a common thought among Hungarians that working abroad means that the quality of your work is better outside the country than in it. Or that you are a better person or artist if you have a job outside Hungary — and well, I’ve changed my mind about this since, but this was my starting point: to reach a professional goal or a level that could stand its ground at home and abroad. 

I studied at the Art Secondary School of Pécs, graduated as a dancer and dance coach from the Hungarian Dance Academy, and worked with beautiful dance companies and choreographers in Hungary. After dancing for five seasons there, I felt the need to try myself out abroad, too. I danced for the Dutch Ivgi&Greben Company for a season, and in 2022, I joined the prestigious GöteborgsOperans Danskompani — the dance company of Gothenburg Opera House in Sweden. Since this summer, I've been freelancing in and outside of Europe. 

 

 

What was it like working at the Gothenburg Opera House?

It was a surreal experience, and being selected out of 1,200 dancers was a significant milestone in my career. However, as time passed, I began reflecting on my life. I’m 27, and I’ve been dancing since I was 2.5 years old. 25 years… Reaching this milestone made me wonder what comes next; it's like preparing for the Olympics for years and, once you win it, wondering what to do afterward. Despite working with incredible people I had looked up to for years and followed on social media and gaining the approval of many of my peers and professionals, I didn’t feel as fulfilled or happy as I had expected after achieving my goals. I started to think that even though I reached my childhood dream, something was still missing. I realized I missed my freedom, I wanted to do and try out different things simultaneously, and loved to experience and see life outside of my dancer bubble. 

 

 

Was it difficult to decide to leave the company?

It took me two years to admit that, although I proved to myself I could reach the goals I wanted to, and achieving my dream was amazing, I wasn’t truly happy. Deciding to leave ‘my dream company’ was tough, but I felt the decision was right for me.

 

What’s life like in Hungary now?

I came back mostly because I got an invitation to work on an American movie, and I also thought I would stay here and start a completely new career. Slowly, beautiful projects came through, and I realized that I love dancing, just not in the way I had been working with big institutions before.

It's very fascinating how life can guide you towards your authentic places. I thought I would stay here; instead, I only got projects and job offers abroad in the past few months for the future. 

After working on an American film as a dancer and the choreographer’s assistant in Hungary, I headed to Luxembourg to work on a new dance creation for 1.5 months, which will premiere in the middle of February. I had the chance to dance and share the stage with Ry X at his concert in Milan in November, and I’m on my way to India now to spend another 1.5 months there: to learn more about Kundalini Yoga and spirituality. In January, I’m flying back to Luxembourg to premiere our new dance piece, then a project in the USA…

I haven’t spent that much time in Hungary recently, but having an apartment here, which feels like home, is really special for me. I spend beautiful moments seeing my friends and family when I'm here, which warms my heart. This period feels like a significant personal development phase, where I’m learning more about self-awareness, life, and communication than ever before.

 

 

Do you have any other professional goals in mind? 

I have some ideas on continuing to show people how beautiful their bodies are and how they can connect with themselves on a deeper level. I started to teach ‘Soft Movement Classes' a few years ago and would love to continue it together with different tools I’ll learn in India soon. Many people, including myself, feel disconnected from their bodies. There's often a lack of harmony between mind, body, and spirit. I started teaching dancers and non-dancers, aiming for an intuitive and freeing movement that helps people observe themselves better. I used to have an eating disorder, and I think many dancers do. It took a lot of work to overcome, but because of this experience, I enjoy working with people with similar struggles, showing them how beautiful they are and helping them find their strength. It's challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s a great feeling, and I feel like I'm figuring out who I am beyond my professional identity. Even introducing myself for this interview was challenging because I realized how much we define ourselves by our work. I don’t want to be solely defined by my job — I’m so much more: I'm a free bird.

 

How would you define yourself?

I'm a woman, a lover, a forever mover, someone who loves laughing, spending quality time with friends, traveling, having good food and nice teas, and much more. I enjoy walking and exploring different cities and countries with my analog camera. I’m integrating all these aspects of myself and figuring out how to bring them together.

 

 

What does your daily routine look like? 

My routine is quite varied, and every period has its rhythm. During the summer, when I was shooting the movie, I woke up, headed to film shoots, and returned home in the late evenings, but every day at different times, and in total I worked 10-12 hours/day. It was a big change from my structured life in Gothenburg, where I had a 9-to-5 schedule with performances, and my weekends were mostly free. This structure was great for my nervous system to process years of hard work, making life healthier and more balanced. However, I realized I needed more variety in my life. I thrive on different systems and routines, which inspire and motivate me both as an artist and a person.

For example, this week, I was in Milan, Rome, Budapest and am now on my way to India. Every day has its own routine, but I have a flexible ritual that I am trying to keep in this chaos to ground myself every single day.

I start my day with a tea ritual, journaling, or meditating, and I try to walk a bit in the mornings to move my body. It's so important. I also try to eat healthy, well-balanced food throughout the day, even though I travel a lot, so my body stays well-hydrated and nourished every day. With these little practices, I can have a crazy long or chill day: I am balanced, nourished, and grounded.

 

It seems like you're enjoying this lifestyle.

Yes, I feel very empowered recently. I’m working a lot on myself with different therapists, doing EFT tapping and meditation daily, which really changed my perspective about myself. Even though I was successful at what I was doing before, somehow I didn't believe in myself… but recently, something shifted. I can finally see the qualities I have very healthily. I think it's a very important thing, and as human beings, we need to work towards that healthy self-image. It's a life changer.

 

Tell us about what you do when you're not working or dancing. Do you have any hobbies that people might not know about?

I've always loved spending time in nature as a kid, but when I started my professional dance life, I didn’t keep this deep connection with nature anymore. Recently, I began to reconnect with my old habits: going to nature, playing, and connecting. 

I also love biking — nothing serious, just leisurely rides around the city. The Netherlands is the best spot for cycling. Another hobby of mine is going to cafés (I love ‘Fekete’ in Budapest), reading, journaling, or just spending a little time alone to recharge — I can easily lose my balance if I don't prioritize some alone moments in my life. 

As human beings, we are so beautiful, and this whole journey is a learning process about our surroundings and ourselves. I enjoy every moment of it, deeply. 

 

 

Let’s take a peek inside Betti’s bag!

WHITE SAILOR PACK - This bag is the perfect size for my essentials. I carry a separate canvas bag for my dance stuff, but this sailor pack holds my most important items inside. It's both functional and stylish, making it an indispensable part of my daily gear.

Camera - I always carry a camera with me, either my little digital camera, which my dad gave me when I was 8 or sometimes my analog one. My rule? If I shoot it on film, no shots on my mobile are allowed. It keeps things separated and special.

Leather Diary - I've been journaling for a long time, and keeping a diary has played a big part in my self-development journey.

Mirror Notebook - I bought this mirrored notebook for the participants of a recent workshop of mine, to show them how beautiful they are. Now, I use it for my creative ideas, especially when writing down choreographies, so I don’t forget what I want to include.

Muji Pen - It’s one of my favorite pens. I bought it during a weekend getaway in Stockholm.

Hair Clip - I always have one on me.

Airpods - I never go anywhere without them. Music is essential when I’m on public transport, I need to stay in my bubble, and music helps me do that. Sometimes I don't even play anything, I just wear them to block out the noise.

Makeup - I keep it simple with just blush and lip liner. Sunscreen and my perfume are also a must, although both are too big for my bag, so I didn’t bring them to this shoot. 

Essential Oils - Scents play a significant role in my life. In Gothenburg, my colleagues would always find me by the trail of my favorite essence oils in the dressing room. Anyhow, I’ve been using oils on a daily basis for years; I always carry them in my bag. One oil in particular, called “Motivate,” has been my go-to for five years. I never step on stage without it; it’s become a superstition. 

Daige Shirt - This brand is special to me. My first modeling job was for Daige when I was 19, and I've been attached to the brand ever since. I'm currently wearing their shirt — I've been washing and wearing it for four days straight. It gives me a sense of security, support, and connection, especially as the designer, Melinda Tóth, is a close friend.

Gua Sha - I got this from a brand called Madre back in 2021. Though the brand has closed down, this tool has been my trusty companion ever since. It’s been a consistent part of my self-care routine, standing the test of time.

Quartz - A very dear friend gifted me this beautiful mountain crystal. We often had deep conversations about self-care and self-love, and this crystal symbolizes those discussions. It's like carrying a little piece of tranquility with me each day.

Sunglasses - My sunglasses are part of my essential gear. I always have them on hand, along with a hat. Together, they create my personal shield against the world.

Water Bottle - I bought this bottle for a film shoot to keep my matcha fresh on those early mornings when I work. Otherwise, it’s for cold water, keeping me hydrated throughout my hectic days.

Coral Necklace - This striking red coral necklace was a gift from my grandmother and held a special place in my heart. Most of my jewelry comes from her, and while I'm not usually attached to objects, these pieces from my grandmother and other kind friends are exceptions. 

 photos by Botond Wertán