By Milica Vukovic (young mentor from Buena Vista Dance School Podgorica)

My dance journey began with salsa, back when I was studying in Herceg Novi. I danced for several years, more as someone who enjoys movement than as someone who wants to stand in front of others. For me, dance was a space of freedom, but also of safe distance. I was present, but I didn’t seek the spotlight.

After returning to Podgorica, I spontaneously enrolled in tango classes at Buena Vista school. I had no plan – just curiosity and a need to move, to explore something new. Tango immediately attracted me. Its silence, depth, and the focus it requires – all of that felt close to me. It wasn’t just a dance, but a dialogue. A connection.

For years, I attended classes without any ambitions. I enjoyed the learning process, the music, and the moments when everything slowed down and became real. Then came 2020. The pandemic. Everything stopped. But tango didn’t. Occasionally, following all recommendations and responsibilities, we continued practicing in the studio. During those quiet days, my instructor Milovan Medojević asked me a question that caught me off guard:

“Would you ever try leading a class?”

Honestly, at that time, it sounded like complete absurdity. I couldn’t imagine myself speaking in front of people, explaining, leading. I immediately said “no” 😄

When I finally decided to try, I had no idea how difficult the beginning would be. The first classes were a big challenge. Although I had the full support of Ivan, Milovan, and the entire Buena Vista team, every class felt like a test before myself. It took me time to free myself from the idea that everything had to be perfect.

Then slowly, things started to change. From class to class, month to month, it all became more natural. I began to enjoy it. To truly feel how much I love being there – not just as a dancer, but as someone who shares knowledge, space, and music. Tango wasn’t just a tool to overcome stage fright – it became my path.

A few months ago, I had my first performance with Marko Popović, known as Crni. We are known in our school as the “Crni” team – two different people, but connected in movement. I still felt strong stage fright then, but it was followed by a performance with Milovan in Skopje – a completely different experience, with more stability and presence, and a deeper awareness of what tango really means to me.

In Skopje, I was also a tango DJ for the first time, which was a huge step for me. Technology has never been close to me, and everything new brings additional stress. But it happened – it went better than I could have imagined, leaving me with a feeling of pride that doesn’t fade easily.

Today, it feels natural for me to be both an instructor and a DJ. Not because the stage fright disappeared, but because I no longer see it as an enemy.

Skopje is one of my favorite cities, with the warmest people I have ever met. Wandering its streets, I discover something new every time. And I always like to return to Central Park, which is the most beautiful park I have ever seen. Everything is there in one place – forest, birds, open spaces, playgrounds for children, ducks, butterflies, flowers, bridges… Everything anyone needs to feel like they truly belong.

This project has taught me a lot, but learning never stops. I’m very happy that we (hopefully) managed to share our experience with young people, even though it’s never easy for us to stand in front of so many. I didn’t shy away from the spotlight, and with pleasure, I helped Crni lay out the linoleum while we prepared for the final performance. Maybe I’ve never seen such genuine joy and enthusiasm among young people because we ourselves aren’t always that energetic 😅

I can’t wait to come back to Skopje again! 🎶