Today we’d like to introduce you to Satu Ketellapper.
Hi Satu, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Satu Ketellapper born and raised in a small countryside town in the North of the Netherlands, Wolvega. I’m 29 years old and started line dancing when I was seven. My mother had put me in a line dance kids group after seeing some kids dancing line dance on a fair market. After four weeks of lessons, the teacher approached my mom and told her I had talent and should dance in a line dance competition once. Four months later, I was dancing in my first competition, which was the beginning of my dance career.
From a very young age, I realized that dancing was not just a hobby for me but a passion, and with the possibility that I could make it my job if I worked hard for it. I started studying different genres of dance, and besides my competitive dance career, I also followed a special dance program for teenagers.
At sixteen, I received my first two-word titles in Linedance Jr. Teen Female Advanced and Jr. Teen Female Showcase, bringing me into the Rising star division. After only one year of dancing in the Junior Professional division, I had to the Adult Professional division named Superstars.
When I turned eight teens, I realized that if I wanted to make dancing my job, I had to start teaching. I started teaching local kids groups a line dance and Hip Hop, and I had so much to watch all the kids grow their talents during the lessons.
Besides teaching locally, I also started getting invitations from Event directors from all over the world. I was not dancing and teaching locally anymore, but I began traveling the world, spreading my knowledge, and helping other dancers to achieve their goals in their dance careers.
In 2016 I received my first World Title in Female Superstars, which made me realize there was more than only dancing solo, and I found my first dance partner.
Mike and I started working together at the beginning of 2017 after my second World Title in Superstars. We got the same goals and want to work hard for it to achieve those. This made me travel to the United States more often.
In 2019 we won the World title in the professional division for country couples ‘’Masters,’’ and in 2020, we won for the second time the World title again.
In March 2022, I officially moved across the pond to the United States to work as an Artistic Educator for Dynamic Ballroom & Performing Art Studio. Working with many young talent dancers worldwide, it is my goal to build up a new community with new undiscovered talent in the Nashville area.
My dance partner and I do won the world title 3 times in Masters, we won, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
Besides teaching practicing, I also graduated in 2014 as a fashion designer, so I started Satu Designs in 2016. Satu Designs designs and makes female dance gowns. Which are handmade, custom made, and travel all over the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing in life always goes on a smooth road. Because I started dancing so young, I had many obstacles in my dance career. As in not being the best one, jealousy, injuries, skipping Prom & Graduation parties because I had to practice for a competition. Etc. However, If I had never dealt with these obstacles, I probably would not be where I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a professional dancer who is known for hard work & dedication. In my dance career, I always push myself to the fullest. In my career as a dance coach/instructor, I always work hard with my students to ensure they can achieve their goals. It makes me proud to see my students see me as their mentor instead of a “regular” teacher.
What sets me apart from others?
I work differently with every student. Nobody is the same, and every student needs guidelines to follow.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Never give up and always keep making new goals.
Enjoy the ride! Sometimes it is not always about achieving your goals, but what do you learn on your way to achieving these goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dynamicballroomandperformingarts.com/
- Instagram: satuketellapper
- Facebook: satuketellapper
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNyurUnwVopJcCHdPZXS11w
- Other: facebook: SatuDesigns
Image Credits
Bradford Whelan Photography Nicole Wardell Photography
