Viktorija Koceva was one of the finalists selected to participate in the Solway Music Scholarship Program in Salzburg, Austria. Thanks to her talent and dedication to music and dance, Viktorija had the opportunity to improve her artistic and musical skills during this special experience.
The young and ambitious girl from Radovish, who represented Macedonia at the international music camp for young creative talents in 2017, is now a participating member of Dance Fest Skopje, a unique festival for ballet and dance in Skopje, Macedonia.
As a former Solway fellow, a 2017 participant in the music camp, and a representative of Macedonia in Salzburg, Viktorija will share with us her fascinating journey and the experience she gained in the Solway Music Scholarship Program camp, and its influence on her own artistic growth. What does it feel like to represent your country and develop your talent? How did her love for the arts change her life’s path? And where is she now, two years after graduating from Solway’s summer music program? Finally, Viktorija shares what she learned from the experience from her own perspective.
What gives you inspiration to dance?
Dance is like a person who never gives up on me; it’s been here for me for as long as I can remember. Dance gives me strength and the power to go forward in my life no matter what is happening at that time.
As a previous Solway fellow, where are you know, two years after your trip In Salzburg?
Today, two years after my trip in Salzburg, I am in my freshman year in college studying Economics, actively taking modern ballet classes, and working as much as I can on my vocal and guitar skills.
Tell us more about your achievements in the field of dance after your experience in Salzburg.
After Salzburg, I had many performances, including dancing competitions, acting performances, and a lot of events which I was invited to host.
Tell us about your experience with your development in dance.
It all started from a really young age. As far back as I can remember, there was a performer inside of me. I’ve always liked to entertain people by dancing and singing my favorite songs. I started to dance in the studio in my hometown from the age of eight. That’s when my love for performing on stage began and I never lost it. As I grew up, I had many opportunities to perform in a variety of competitions in my country and abroad. Even though I didn’t have the chance to train to be a professional dancer, I am not giving up on my personal growth as a dancer, and hopefully one day I will have the chance to work as a professional dancer.
Which arts projects are you involved in now?
I am currently involved in project called “Incubator”, which is a program for integration of young artists. There we have a chance to work with professionals, in order to convert our ideas and visions into real pieces of art.
Dance Fest 2019 – What is your involvement in the festival?
Dance Fest is an international dancing festival in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia. It was established in 2005. The festival’s aim is to present contemporary productions of national ballets and other prestigious dance companies from the region, Europe and the world.
How did you become a part of Dance Fest’s program?
I become a part of it through an open call for auditions, and was given the chance to perform on the opening night of the festival.
Did the trip to Salzburg and the Solway music camp fellowship program change your way of your thinking, your view on how the world works? How did it influence in your own plans for the future?
Yes, the trip had was a big influence on my life and on my way of thinking after it, because I saw a lot of young artists and musician working really hard on what they really love. I saw the process of creating, the way of working and how it functions. It was a really interesting for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced it firsthand. After the camp, I was really motivated to work on myself and felt ready to take on new experiences. Also I would like to mention that thanks to Solway I made some really close friends, from all over the world, and two years later we are all still in touch.
What did lesson from the Solway Music camp stayed with you?
I remember working really hard on during the camp, trying to do my very best. But I also enjoyed every second of it, because it was at one of the most interesting times of my life.
What are your goals as a dancer?
For now, I want to focus on my body, to upgrade my abilities and work as hard as I can. Everything else leads to the future.
What is your vision for your own future?
I am not kind of a person who wants to make a lot of future plans, I really like being spontaneous, as long as it feels right, that’s perfect for me. I try not to take life too seriously. Every new thing is like a challenge to me, even though I know that my schedule is filled with activities. But that’s what keeps me moving through life, and I enjoy and love every single part of it. I believe that what you really love will somehow come to you, and everything will make sense one day. Great things take time.
What advice would you have for the next generations of Solway music camp fellowship applicants? Why do you think it is important for the young people to participate in programs like this?
It is definitely important, because programs like this are always a positive thing for growing as an artist, and also as a person. I would recommend that you should grab every opportunity like this, and work on it, even if it looks like a challenge, because if you don’t take the chance, later you might regret not having given it a try.
