Interview with Olja Aleksić: Art Connects People in the Most Beautiful Way

Olja Aleksić is an exceptionally talented ballerina and a proud Click for Serbia ambassador, recognized for her outstanding achievements in the world of dance. Her dedication and passion for ballet have earned her numerous awards and accolades, making her journey an inspiration to many.

She received her ballet education at the Lujo Davičo Primary and Secondary Ballet School, where she graduated as the top student of her generation. Her exceptional skills and commitment to the art of ballet have brought her recognition at various international ballet competitions. She has won awards at the International Dance Competition Hellas in Athens, the Kostadinka Dina Nikolić International Competition, the International Ballet Competition Grand Prix Kyiv, as well as at the Republic Competition of Ballet Schools in Serbia, where she earned the prestigious Laureate title.

Olja has had the opportunity to perform in productions at the National Theatre in Belgrade and the Opera & Theatre Madlenianum, where she further developed her stage experience and artistic expression. As a Click for Serbia scholarship recipient, she has been training for two academic years at the prestigious Heinz-Bosl-Stiftung Ballet Academy in Munich, which has enabled her to grow professionally on the international stage.

Besides ballet, Olja also has a great love for languages. In addition to her native Serbian, she is fluent in English and German.

In the following conversation, we talk about her artistic journey, the challenges of a ballet career, and her future aspirations.

How did your love for ballet begin?

My passion for ballet originated from my years of dancing in folklore ensembles. One day, at a practice session, the deputy director of the Lujo Davičo Ballet School happened to be present and suggested to my parents that I take the entrance exam for the first grade of the ballet school. He had already noticed my grace and fluidity of movement.

When did you decide that you wanted to pursue ballet professionally?

My first ballet teacher saw in me a soldier-like discipline, full engagement, and an immense effort I put into every movement. She constantly reminded us that talent makes up only 10%, while the rest is purely hard work and dedication.

What were the biggest challenges you faced along the way?

The biggest challenge was actually impatience—it’s the hidden enemy of ballet. Synchronizing the mind with movement is difficult. It’s natural to want everything to look perfect right away, but in ballet, that’s impossible without countless repetitions. Ballet is about striving for perfection, even though true perfection doesn’t exist in art. However, those small imperfections make us unique in the eyes of others.

Is there a performance or role that is particularly meaningful to you?

At the beginning of my ballet journey, I didn’t win any major awards or first place, but that never discouraged me. I was still shaping myself as a ballerina. At the age of 13, I participated in my first international competition in Athens, where I won third place. This was a huge success for me, as the competition featured top-tier dancers from all over the world. Another milestone in my career was the National Ballet Competition in Madlenianum, where I won my first Laureate title with a perfect score of 100 points.

Is there a moment in your career that you are especially proud of?

During my third year at the Munich Ballet Academy (Hochschule für Musik und Theater Ballett-Akademie), I was selected by professors and the director for one of the most demanding soloist roles. It was the ballet Raymonda, which was performed on the main stage of the Bavarian State Opera (Bayerisches Staatsoper). This was an incredible honor for me and a recognition of everything I had learned over the years.

Standing alone on that massive stage, accompanied by a live piano performance, with my family in the audience and a packed theater, under the glow of the stage lights—that moment will stay with me forever.

How did you become a Click for Serbia ambassador, and what does that role entail?

After a year of collaboration, the Click for Serbia team recognized my skills in video editing and content creation on social media. They saw that I was skilled in crafting engaging and educational short-form videos (Reels), and I officially became an ambassador. My role involves creating behind-the-scenes content, such as a day in the ballet studio, warm-up exercises, stretching, and variations.

What motivated you to support this organization?

Click for Serbia has provided me with incredible support on my professional ballet journey, and this is my way of giving back. I am grateful that they recognized my potential and chose to support me.

Who inspires you in the ballet world and why?

I love watching old ballet recordings and analyzing how this art has evolved over time. I never really had idols—I admired the famous dancers, but my inspiration always came from my teachers, parents, friends, music, films, and everyday life.

How do you see the future of ballet in Serbia?

At the moment, Serbia does not have a state ballet academy, which would allow high school graduates to further specialize in this field. I would love to see this change in the future so that young talents don’t have to leave the country to continue their education. There are so many gifted children in Serbia who simply lack the resources to pursue ballet at a higher level, and I hope that changes in the coming years.

In Munich, where I study, ballet and the arts are deeply respected. Tickets for our performances sell out far in advance, and attending ballet is considered a cultural tradition. Germans hold ballet dancers in high regard, and entire families attend performances together.

People from Serbia are recognized for their strong character, integrity, and pride, and we are welcomed with great respect. I do my best to represent my country in the best possible way wherever I go, and I firmly believe that art is one of the most beautiful ways to connect people across cultures.