At a Glance
- Kendra Bates leaves a nine-year dance career to join an Amish community.
- The reality series Suddenly Amish premiered on Jan. 13 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC.
- Six cast members trade modern life for traditional living in the show.
Kendra Bates, a professional dancer, decided to leave her career in Los Angeles for a new reality series that follows six people who abandon modern life to live with an Amish community. The show, Suddenly Amish, debuted on Jan. 13 at 10 p.m. ET on TLC, offering viewers an inside look at the cultural clash. Bates’s journey from dance studios to farm fields has sparked interest in the challenges of such a drastic lifestyle change.
The Reality of Suddenly Amish
The series showcases six individuals who have given up technology, modern clothing, and city life to immerse themselves in Amish traditions. Viewers witness the initial shock as the cast confronts the community’s strict rules about dress, communication, and daily routines. The show’s format includes interviews, community interactions, and personal reflections from each participant.
Kendra Bates: From Dance Floor to Amish Fields
Bates was born in 1990 and has spent nine years performing as a professional dancer in Los Angeles. She credits her Christian faith for prompting her to reconsider her path, leading her to seek a more spiritually grounded life. When she discovered the casting call for Suddenly Amish, she felt an immediate connection to her family’s Mennonite roots.
During the premiere, Bishop Vernon questioned Bates about her short skirt and plunging neckline, a typical concern for someone with a dance background. Bates explained that she was accustomed to revealing clothing, and the Bishop’s admonishment caused her to break down in tears. She later said she “wasn’t expecting it to be that hard.”
A Clash of Cultures
The Bishop’s critique highlighted the stark contrast between contemporary fashion and Amish modesty standards. Bates admitted she had been “used to being put into tiny outfits, not even in a sexual way,” a norm from childhood. She noted that even in Los Angeles, people often dress in similar revealing styles.
Bates also described the disorientation of living without a cell phone, a device she relied on daily. She found the unplugged experience initially unsettling, as it removed a constant source of connection. Over time, she began to recognize the benefits of a simpler, more present lifestyle.
Unplugging and Mindfulness
Without a cell phone, Bates had to adjust to a slower pace of communication and a reliance on face-to-face interactions. She remarked that the Amish community helped her feel “so much more present in the moment.” The absence of digital distractions allowed her to focus on daily tasks and community life.
The experience also led Bates to notice a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. She shared that these feelings were “gone” after embracing the Amish way of living. The change in perspective helped her appreciate the value of simplicity and shared labor.
Family Roots and Mennonite Heritage
Bates’s family history includes Mennonite ties, a community that shares many beliefs with the Amish but is generally more open to modern conveniences. She saw the casting opportunity as a chance to reconnect with her ancestral traditions. The show’s premise aligns with her desire to explore the overlap between Mennonite and Amish practices.
Her excitement about revisiting family roots was tempered by the realization that leaving modern technology behind would be more challenging than expected. Bates described the culture shock as “even more of a shock than she could have imagined.”
Reflections and Takeaways
After her first week in the community, Bates reflected on the transformation she experienced. She praised the Amish lifestyle for its ability to reduce stress and foster a sense of belonging. She emphasized that “what’s normal to me might not be normal to everybody else,” underscoring the lesson of cultural humility.
The show’s premiere has sparked conversations about the feasibility of such radical lifestyle changes. Viewers are encouraged to consider how modern habits shape their daily lives. Bates’s story serves as a personal case study of adaptation, faith, and community.
Key Takeaways
- Kendra Bates’s transition from dance to Amish life demonstrates the profound impact of cultural immersion.
- The series offers insight into the Amish community’s expectations regarding modesty, technology, and daily routine.
- Participants report decreased stress and increased mindfulness when disconnected from modern conveniences.
Final Thoughts
The Suddenly Amish series invites audiences to witness the real challenges of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Kendra Bates’s experience highlights both the emotional and practical adjustments required. The show’s narrative encourages reflection on personal values and the influence of modern society.
Closing
As the series continues, viewers will follow the six cast members’ journeys through adaptation, learning, and personal growth. The story of Kendra Bates remains a compelling example of faith, tradition, and the search for meaning beyond the spotlight.
