Ada Petrovic: How a dancer and DJ found her place in phygital sports

Ada has danced her whole life. She also DJs, studies fashion and costume design, and is now going to compete on a whole new kind of stage – thanks to spotting an advert about phygital dancing. She took a chance. Not because someone invited her. Because she saw the format and knew: "I need to be a part of it."

Her first ever phygital experience may only have happened less than a year ago at an event in Belgrade organized by the Serbian Phygital Federation – but now she's heading to Kazakhstan’s capital for Phygital Contenders Astana 2026, where’s she'll compete for a place at this summer’s Games of the Future.

This is her story, in her own words.

"I reached out – and here we are"

What made you say "I need to be a part of it"?

I’ve been dancing my whole life and I love anything that involves it. When I saw the ad, it sparked something in me. It felt like a chance to check out that side of dancing. I reached out – and here we are.

The first step into the arena

Your first phygital experience was Phygital Rivals: Belgrade - Dancing in Serbia. What did that feel like, and what did you learn from it?

Whenever I try something new, I stay positive. I trust myself. I remind myself to enjoy it and stay present. The rest will fall into place.

These events teach me a lot - respect for everyone around me, and the pure joy in dancing. The biggest reward is always the connections you make with people – and the fun while competing.

Astana: no expectations, only surprises

Now you're going to be at Phygital Contenders Astana 2026. Have you ever been before? What do you expect?

I've never been to Astana or that part of the world in general. I'm really excited to explore such a beautiful city. I try not to have too many expectations. I want to take it all in and let it surprise me. Both the experience and the city.

Dancing as relaxation, not work

Phygital Contenders Astana 2026 is in less than a week. You said you're taking it seriously. What does that mean day to day?

I have a busy life as a fashion student but, dancing relaxes me. It never makes me tired. It does the opposite, haha!

I practice whenever I can – it’s fun for me. The music helps a lot – it's catchy and recognizable, so it’s easy for me to move and follow the rhythm.

You know your opponents that you’ll face in Astana. Who pushes you the most?

I love all of them. It’s amazing that something like this brings people together from around the world.

I can’t pick just one. Everyone is unique and has their own style. You can see who they are through their movements. I'm excited to see them all. Even though we are opponents, I’m sure we’ll support each other.

The DJ advantage

You're also a DJ. How does that make you a better Phygital Dancing athlete?

Music is everything: the melody, beats, the flow, the story it has to tell. I love that there are no borders to how you can interpret it.

DJ-ing helps me in Phygital Dancing by letting me embrace the characters of the music I'm performing. I don’t just dance to it – I feel it. I become part of it.

Do you ever train to your own mixes?

Yes! For me, everything connects. I love being creative with mixes, BPMs and genres. So it is natural to me to blend DJ-ing and dancing.

If you had to pick one track that best represents your style as a dancer, what would it be and why?

Ohhh, that’s tough! But I would definitely mention Lisa's 'Rockstar' and 'Dracula' by Tame Impala & Jennie. They mix sharp and precise moves but are also fierce and flowy.
I like hip-hop, urban, k-pop, contemporary. A little bit of everything.

"The game just started"

You said that you feel like a "real phygital athlete" for the first time. When did it happen?

When I realized I could go to the Games of the Future. A big opportunity like that changes how you think. It made me so proud - and made me believe in myself even more.
That's why I got so far in this – and I'm not stopping now. The game just started.

What would it mean to you to reach The Games of the Future?

It would be an honor. My generation is so creative and this event shows our potential. Phygital Dancing brings tons of amazing performances that prove this category deserves its place in competitions like the Games of the Future.

It's something everyone can do. It brings that joyful energy – and we all need that.

What do people misunderstand Phygital Dancing?

People think the technology is doing all the work. It doesn’t - the dancer is still at the core of it.

Also, it is a sport, just in a modern way that reflects how connected our generation is to both the physical and digital world.

Family first

Who's the first person you would call if you get to GOTF 2026?

My family. Always. My mom, my brother, and my dad. They've been supportive of everything I’ve done. So they will always be the first ones to hear the news – no matter what.