TEATROSKOP Dialogues with Tijana Dragović on ballet, contemporary dance and artistic growth

Tijana Dragović is a Montenegrin dance artist whose journey began in classical ballet and gradually expanded toward contemporary dance and choreography. A member of the Montenegrin Ballet Ensemble and a long-time ballet teacher, she moves between performance, pedagogy, and artistic research, bringing together technical precision and a curiosity for new forms of expression. In this interview, she reflects on the relationship between classical and contemporary dance, the influence of teaching on her artistic practice, and the lessons she has carried from years of collaboration and learning. 

You were trained in classical ballet and today perform both classical and contemporary repertoire. How has your relationship to movement changed as you moved between these two worlds? 

Classical ballet gave me a technical foundation, discipline, and an understanding of precision and form. Through it, I learned how to control and refine movement. As I became more involved in contemporary dance, my relationship to movement expanded. I started to explore movement not only as a technical skill but also as a way of expressing ideas, emotions, and personal experiences. What I appreciate most is that these two worlds complement each other. Classical ballet continues to support me with its structure and clarity, while contemporary dance gives me the freedom to question, experiment, and discover new possibilities. Today, I see movement as a language that can be both precise and deeply personal. 

Alongside performing, you have spent many years teaching young dancers. Has working with students influenced your own artistic practice or the way you approach the stage? 

Absolutely. Teaching has had a profound influence on me, both as an artist and as a performer. Working with young dancers constantly reminds me of the importance of curiosity, patience, and the joy of learning. Teaching also encourages me to reflect on my own practice. When explaining technique, musicality, or artistic expression to others, I often gain a deeper understanding of these elements myself. It has made me more aware, more present, and more appreciative of the process behind every performance. 

Having worked with many teachers and choreographers throughout your career, what is the most valuable lesson you have carried with you from these encounters? 

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that growth never really ends. Every teacher and choreographer I have worked with brought a different perspective, and each encounter taught me something new, not only about dance itself, but also about dedication, collaboration, and different ways of approaching artistic work. I have learned the importance of remaining open to new ideas and new ways of thinking. Every collaboration is an opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your perspective. I believe it is important to take the knowledge and experiences you gain from others, reflect on them, and incorporate them into your own artistic development. In that way, each new encounter becomes part of your journey and continues to shape you as both an artist and a person. 

Is there a piece of music, a film, or a performance you often return to and would recommend to our readers? What keeps bringing you back to it? 

I often return to the great classical ballets such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and many others that have left a lasting mark on the history of dance. These works continue to inspire me because they combine extraordinary music, storytelling, and choreography in a way that remains timeless. For me, these ballets will always have a special and irreplaceable place. They are the works that first made me fall in love with ballet, and even today they continue to inspire me and remind me of the beauty, discipline, and emotional depth of this art form. No matter how many times I revisit them, I always discover new details, emotions, and layers of interpretation. What keeps bringing me back is their ability to communicate universal emotions and stories through movement. They remind me of the power of dance to transcend time and connect people through a shared artistic experience. Their beauty and artistic value are enduring, which is why they continue to inspire dancers and audiences across generations.