Aleksandra Nikolajev Jones

Choreographer, Producer & Fundraiser

Aleksandra Nikolajev-Jones began her career as a classically trained ballet dancer in Belgrade during the 1980s, when the city was a vibrant hub of culture and arts. Her early career began with Radio Television Serbia (RTS) the National Broadcaster, working on educational programmes for and made by children. With her strong passion for performance, she thrived on the stage until her first pregnancy—a pivotal moment that reshaped her creative journey.

At a time when pregnant professionals were rarely engaged in the arts, Aleksandra began to explore the profound connection between creativity, pregnancy, and motherhood. This spark eventually evolved into the Gravida Collective, an initiative that reimagines the role of creativity during significant life transitions. Her journey through motherhood fuelled her determination to expand her impact globally, bringing the Gravida Collective to international communities, while advocating for creativity as a tool for empowerment and connection.

As the Ambassador for Serbia and Partner for the Wise Women Network, a platform promoting global gender equality, Shout Celebration, opening the conversation between mental health & the arts and her work with the Irish Film & TV UK, whose subscribers are in excess of 2,000 individuals, she focuses on building networks that amplify voices, foster collaboration, and drive innovation in the arts and media.

Her early career included collaborations with TED - Theatre for Dialogue, CARE International, CEDEUM, and UNICEF’s School Without Violence initiative, which reached over 200 schools under the leadership of her mentor, Ljubica Beljanski Ristić. These experiences, combined with her own resilience as a single mother raising three children, shaped her vision to use creativity as a transformative force in the lives of individuals and communities.

Aleksandra’s global impact with all of her collaborations and partnerships (including Wise Women, Shout Celebration & Irish Film & TV UK), is defined by her dedication to expanding the reach of the Gravida Collective reflecting a commitment to fostering inclusivity, connection and well-being while championing the transformative power of the arts across cultures, sectors, and communities worldwide.