Dancer and social media superstar Agnes Muljadi, driven by her love of dance and music, is best known to the world as @artsyagnes, with over half a million followers on Instagram alone. Her legions of fans refer to her as the ‘vegan ballerina’ and has made a name for herself through ethereal photos that capture her ballet skill combined with her health, wellness and vegan stance on life. (She has caught the attention of major brands too; in just the past few years Agnes has partnered with 100% Pure, Banana Republic, Amazon, the NFL, True Religion and Reebok).

Brienne Michelle Photography, Instagram: @briennemichelle

Agnes works hard to use her impact wisely, advocating for a vegan lifestyle in both food and products. She believes that daily choices and actions are crucial, and most especially, knowing that our lifestyle determines our outcome. She educates herself on topics such as factory farming so that she can make the best decision for herself and hopes to inspire others to do the same. Here is a little bit more about Agnes in an interview here featured in Jejune.

1. Why did you become vegan?
In the beginning, I became vegan primarily due to health reasons. I was trying to heal my breast fibroadenomas naturally and was recommended by a naturopath to adopt a plant based lifestyle. Soon after I became vegan though, I started meeting all these inspiring people in the vegan community and educated myself on veganism as a lifestyle vs. a diet.

2. Why it is important to you?
One of the biggest benefits I’ve seen is that I don’t ever get sick. I have so much more energy and endurance. I also feel more at peace with myself and it’s easier for me to stay focused.

Being able to realize the power that our daily choices and actions have is crucial. Knowing that our lifestyle determines our outcome. It is also important to do your research! Spend time educating yourself on topics like factory farming so that you’re making the best decision for you.

3. How long have you been dancing?
I grew up in a family of dancers and I saw a ballet performance when I was 7.
I completely fell in love with the art form and knew I had to be on stage.

4. Do you dance professionally? If so, with whom? If not, do you perform?
I get approached quite a bit for guest performances, or choreographers will reach out to me through Instagram because they want to develop a piece around me. I've even been approached about music video work! There is such a diverse world of dance opportunities that I would have never been exposed to had these people not found me via social media. I also get approached by a lot of brands for ballet themed ad work, which is great because I get to bring ballet out to the masses with these opportunities.

Read more about Agnes on artsyagnes.com, or find her on Instagram @artsyagnes.

*Interview by Alison Hernon, Fashion Director, Jejune Magazine.

Vegan Ballerina: Agnes Muljadi