Bettina Rose Jurák is a dancer, performer, and movement director. She graduated from the Hungarian Dance Academy and Art Secondary School of Pécs and trained at several intensives, including Springboard Dance Montréal, Nederland Dans Theater, and Gaga Intensives in Israel. After dancing for five seasons in Hungary, Bettina decided to start her international career: She moved to the Netherlands and danced for the Dutch Ivgi&Greben Company. In 2022, she joined the prestigious GöteborgsOperans Danskompani in Sweden. Currently, Bettina works as an international freelance artist, collaborating with different creators and fashion brands. She also works as a movement coach with singers, actors, and performers and choreographing & assisting for films.

Bettina has been awarded the “Best Graduated Dancer,” the “Best Career Entrant Dancer” by the Hungarian Dance Association, and the “Best Female Dancer of the Season” in 2019.

For the occasion of our collaboration for the short film, titled Inhale Calm, Exhale Chaos, launched on NOWNESS, we asked Bettina how breathwork became significant in her work, and how it has facilitated personal healing and emotional growth.


How did breathwork inspire you, and how does it convert to movement and choreography?

Breathing has become a significant subject for me in recent years, inspiring my work. The act of breathing offers potential breakthroughs in understanding and emotional healing. We can release past burdens and embrace the present moment through mindful breathing.

One of the most beautiful aspects of breathing is its universality—every single person breathes, yet many do so without awareness. Imagine the impact of collectively trying to be more mindful and present with our breath. What if we focused on our inhalations and exhalations, observing the sensations they bring? Our lives could become more serene, filled with moments of clarity and peace. Perhaps we would find ourselves able to linger in the present for a few extra minutes each day, savoring the richness of life as it unfolds.

That is why we believed that making a dance film with some form of breathing would be so powerful and beautiful, perhaps even healing for our souls.



How is it connected to your personal life?

I discovered breathwork a few years ago during a difficult time in my life. I was constantly trying to heal from past traumas and searching for my authentic self, the part of me that isn’t trying to be perfect for others.

Working with breathwork has changed so many things in my life in a short period of time: I have learned to let go of limiting beliefs, focus more on self-care, say no more often, and establish boundaries. Staying in the present, embracing the love more deeply, and connecting differently to my loved ones.



Is there any woman who makes you feel empowered and inspires you to push through daily?

I have an immense admiration for all my girlfriends; they inspire me in countless ways every single day. They are strong, powerful, intelligent, independent, beautiful, sensitive, funny and feminine—everything I aspire to be. I see them as true superheroes in my life, tackling their own battles and encouraging me to overcome mine. I am deeply grateful for their presence, unwavering support, and the love we share.