Jean-Baptiste Baele is a Belgian dancer, choreographer, and teacher based in Kristiansand. With an international career in contemporary dance, hip-hop, and interdisciplinary performances, his work is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a passion for bringing people together through movement. 

His journey into dance began when he was 19, which shows that there is no single path to becoming a professional dancer. He later graduated from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London and has since worked internationally as a performer, choreographer, and teacher, collaborating with artists and organizations throughout Europe. 

As the founder and artistic director of the Nabinam Dance Company, Jean-Baptiste creates performances that explore identity, belonging, and human connection. His artistic approach draws inspiration from various movement languages and encourages individuality, experimentation, and the discovery of new possibilities through dance. 

Since moving to Kristiansand in 2019, he has also been actively involved in developing the local dance community. He founded Step Forward Crew and the Step Forward Training Program, and is a co-founder of Step Forward Studio, where he regularly teaches and mentors young dancers. Through these initiatives, he aims to create opportunities for young people to grow, challenge themselves, and experience dance outside the studio. 

Whether he’s working with professional performers or the next generation of dancers, Jean-Baptiste believes in creating spaces where individuality is valued and where dancers are encouraged to find their own voice. He hopes to inspire young people to dream big, explore their potential, and see that an international artistic career can also begin right here in Kristiansand.