Akreoma means the goddess of the Sun, which make you think that her radiance is “sealed” from birth. Albanian ballerina Akreoma Saliu is already shining on the world stage as she has been based in New York of the United States of America for a few years.
She studied classical ballet in Albania, but found herself in contemporary dance. And following the passion for she decided to move to the city of great opportunities.
In this interview for “Albanian Diaspora”, Akreoma tells the next project which is a film, as she confesses that her passion for art includes photo modeling.
Leaving your hometown, the scene and your hometown audience is a difficult decision. Albania is the place where you were formed and grew artistically. The first scene you climbed, the first show you on a real stage. Why did you decide to start over in America?
I decided to restart in America for better opportunities. I saw that this country could give me more than my country. And I’m already very happy that I made that decision.
The difficulty of starting is in any profession. What has been the biggest challenge (so far) for you in the US?
The biggest difficulty has been the pandemic, the closure of schools and theatres here.
There, where other people may have difficulties when they leave their country, so in communication, for you I believe it would have been easier. Since communication with body language is universal?
I do not just communicate with body language here. I am also a ballet teacher, which means that everything I communicate with my body, I explain in words to the students. Being a ballerina for me does not only communicate with body language. You are called an artist, you educate an entire audience that comes and supports you, you must be complete.
The art world is in a tough and constant competition with very high demands. How did a girl from Albania (with the basics of an eastern school, since ballet in Albania belongs to the eastern school) manage to adapt and shine in the western world of art. Was the eastern school a help or an obstacle?
Definitely the bases I got in Albania have been a very strong help for me, because we get strong classical bases from the Russian school, and I notice that here I have distinguished myself from others thankfully.
You have been moving to the US for several years now. Does this choice have to do with your profession, since contemporary ballet does not offer you many opportunities in Albania?
Yes, this choice is about the profession. In New York I was offered more opportunities.
In addition to ballet, we have seen many of your photos that leave us speechless, where you collaborated with the great Fadil Berisha and the well-known photographer Ilir Rizaj. How much space does the world of photography and modeling occupy in your passions?
I’m trying to do parallelly ballet and modeling. I approach everything related to art.
What is the next project of Akreoma and is Albania included?
Next project: I will be taking part in a movie here in New York soon. In fact, I always keep in touch with Albania because it is my country and I always say it with pride. 2 months ago, we organized a concert for the independence of Kosovo, and although it was a time of global pandemic we gathered and served a concert of value for our country.
Let’s talk a little about your life. We are impressed by the special name, Akreoma. What does it mean and who gave it this name?
Akreoma comes from the ancient Greek and means sun goddess. The most important person in my life, BABI, (dad) has thought of giving me such a special name.
What is your daily routine in a big, noisy place like New York?
I love New York very much. I am already accustomed here, I am accustomed to the noise, the hardships, the chaos, the beauty and the sacrifices that New York offers me. I try hard to do physical activity outside the house in the fresh air, I work on my future plans as well. The days of the week are too busy in New York, sometimes I say 24 hours is not enough for me.
Have you established contacts with other Albanians and how long do you maintain ties with Albania?
I have definitely made contacts with other Albanians, including Albanian artists.
What is your message to the Albanian youth?
The message for the Albanian youth: It is very important to follow our passion, our dreams, and to work hard for them! Work is always rewarding. In fact, Albanians always make a difference in every country of the world, because they are very hardworking. / Albanian Diaspora
