The history of the Vivi Molle Ballet School
Everything began in 2013, when I was still working part-time as an office employee. On the side, I occasionally provided cover for a rhythmic gymnastics school in Basel. One day, after a class, a mother asked me if I had my own ballet school. At that time, the idea seemed absurd to me – I still felt like a child myself and saw teaching more as occasional support within my circle of friends. However, the idea stayed with me, and I decided to take the bold step. Without telling anyone, I started teaching regularly at the Formbar studio at Dreispitz.
I didn’t even tell my father about my plans at first. But when I registered as a self-employed person and was asked to come up with a company name, the Vivi Molle Ballet School was officially born – named after the name by which everyone knows me. The first few weeks were filled with great uncertainty. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to pay the rent, as I had no financial reserves. The first trial class was coming up, and I sincerely hoped that at least a few students would sign up. And indeed: almost all the girls decided to take lessons with me. The first hurdle was overcome. When I finally told my father, he thought I was crazy and was sure I would end up in debt. But I stuck to my vision.
Over time, the number of students grew steadily. More and more children and even an adult group joined. Soon, the space at Dreispitz became too small. So, I decided to move to a new location and found a new home for my school at Heuwaage in the heart of Basel. Today, after all these years, the Vivi Molle Ballettschule proudly counts 100 students. In 2017, our first major performance took place at the Offene Elisabethenkirche in Basel.
A special part of this performance was Peter Zundel as the storyteller and ballet grandpa. We’ve known each other since my time in the education department of BS. Since then, “BOpa” has almost become inseparable from our school.
A very special person for our school is Lesya Sutter. She was my character dance teacher and has since become one of the most important teachers at Vivi Molle Ballet School. For many years, she has taught with great passion and has played a key role in the success of the school. We are not only colleagues – we have shared a deep friendship for over ten years. Since 2023, Elayne Schöni has also enriched our team as a teacher. She quickly became a valuable pillar in our ballet school. Together with Lesya, Elayne, and other teachers, I am supported by a wonderful team in developing my school with heart and commitment.
Every year, just before the summer holidays, we hold our big summer performance. In addition, we organize a ballet summer camp in the Berner Oberland during the first week of summer holidays, which is now also conducted together with lecturers and guest teachers from Switzerland and abroad.
Since 2022, we have been performing our “Piccolo Nutcracker” at the Scala Theater in Basel during the pre-Christmas period. A version of the classic ballet specially tailored for our younger students. The name “Piccolo” was partly inspired by the thought of Basel’s Fasnacht, where the Piccolo plays a central role – a beautiful connection to Basel, the home of our school.
A special highlight of this performance is that the roles of the Sugar Fairy and the Cavalier are danced by students from the Tanz Akademie Zürich. The idea for this came together with Ivan Dinev, a teacher at the Tanz Akademie Zürich, who I met at a summer ballet intensive course in Italy.
Looking back on my journey, I often feel as if an invisible force has guided me, showing me which path to take.
“Chi va piano, va sano e lontano”
Those who walk slowly walk healthily and far.
Today, the Vivi Molle Ballettschule is not only an institution for professional ballet education but also a place full of passion, dedication, and community.
And our journey continues…
Viviana Molle
