The stories behind the legendary ballerina statue in Budva

In Montenegro‘s coastal cities, there are several stories and legends about women waiting for sailors who never returned, for reasons unknown. We have already written about the story of three sisters in Kotor, and now we will tell you about the tale of a ballerina dancer in Budva.

The Ballerina statue, also known as the Budva dancer and Gymnast, is a major tourist attraction, but many are unaware of the captivating stories behind it.

Budva Ballerina, Photo: Comrade Petruha, Pixabay

In Budva, there is a bronze statue of a woman caught in a move, standing on a rock along the promenade from Ričardova Glava beach towards the famous Mogren Beach. The statue gazes out towards the endless horizontal sea line and the island of Saint Nicholas.

The sculptor of the Ballerina, Gradimir Aleksić created this beautiful bronze statue in 1965, and it has stood there since then. Believed to be fashioned after athlete Olga Kalivoda from Novi Sad, the sculptor drew inspiration from a legend and a sad love story. Or maybe not?

Budva’s ballerina, Photo: Avishai Teicher, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ballerina 

The legend recounts the tale of a beautiful girl and a sailor who fell deeply in love. However, lacking the funds to begin their life together, he set sail to find a means to earn more money. Patiently, she awaited his return, frequently visiting the same spot where the statue now stands, watching the waves crash against the shore and the sunset on the horizon.

As time passed without the sailor’s return, she succumbed to a broken heart and, tragically, passed away.

A touching legend is immortalized through this statue of a Budva dancer, representing the spirit of love and longing.

Budva Gymnast

The tale of the Gymnast, on the other hand, narrates that the statue was created in memory of a renowned Montenegrin gymnast who tragically lost her life in a boating accident. Curiously, the identity of this accomplished gymnast remains unknown, shrouded in mystery even as her memory is honored through the statue.

Budva’s ballerina Photo: Hugo Ideler, CC BY-SA 4.0

Approximately four years ago, the most significant symbol of Budva vanished from her renowned spot for several days due to powerful waves and a storm. The entire city of Budva and its coastline were meticulously searched until she was eventually located after several days.

It was happily returned to its usual place, causing happiness and excitement among both locals and tourists that it could be visited again.