Montsame had a brief conversation with Mongolian ballerina Aandaa Erdenebileg during her visit to Mongolia in the summer of 2025. Born and raised in Colorado, United States, Anda began studying ballet at the age of five and has pursued it with dedication ever since.

She is among the few Mongolian ballet dancers to have successfully competed in major international competitions and been accepted into a foreign ballet company. Currently, Aandaa works as a professional ballet dancer at the Saarland State Theater, Saarbrücken, Germany, where she continues to introduce Mongolian talent to the global stage.

How did you initially get into classical ballet? Did your family’s support and involvement play a role in your success?

I started ballet when I was five years old. Before discovering ballet, I was interested in singing, painting, golf, and swimming, but I was especially drawn to ballet, an art form that allows you to express emotion through physical movement. I began my ballet training under a Russian instructor. I later trained at the World Dance School, Colorado Classical Ballet, and the Denver School of the Arts. Eventually, I joined the San Francisco Ballet School and graduated in 2021. After graduation, I interned at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago for two years, and now work as a professional ballet dancer. When I first began studying ballet, I had no idea how challenging and expensive it would be. Pointe shoes, for example, can wear out in just 24 hours, and a single pair typically costs around USD 100. Seeing my parents work harder to support me and strive for high-paying jobs inspired me to persevere and never give up. Behind every success I have had stands my loving family. My parents immigrated to the United States in 1998, and they have always been incredibly hardworking. From a young age, they nurtured me with love through their tireless dedication. Their unwavering support has played a huge role in my achievements. Our family has always been socially active and engaged in cultural life, and we continue to be today.

A ballet dancer brings the greatest pleasure to the audience by harmonizing beauty, talent, and physical expression. What makes your chosen ballet profession unique?

Ballet is a silent drama. Every emotion is conveyed through body language, facial expressions, and movements. However, contemporary dance gives me a greater sense of freedom. In ballet, a dancer performs at their absolute best the very moment they step onto the stage; there is no room for error, as it cannot be undone. That intensity is part of what makes ballet so powerful. The passion and determination to push yourself beyond your limits are truly beautiful. There is no peak in ballet. It is a lifelong journey of learning and growth. This constant challenge creates a powerful sense of purpose. I chose classical ballet because there are no limits; there is never a moment when you can say, “I am perfect now”. Even the most accomplished soloist continues to evolve throughout their life. That is why ballet, to me, is an art form that beautifully embodies the spirit of continuous learning. I also want to share what I have learned with others and inspire young people who share the love of art. In the future, I hope to contribute to the development of ballet in Mongolia in my own way. Although I was born and raised abroad, I have always carried a deep pride as a Mongolian. When I performed my first Mongolian dance, the foreign audience was visibly moved because I incorporated elements of my national culture into the performance. Experiences like that continue to shape me as an artist.  Before returning to Mongolia, I choreographed a Mongolian dance set to the music by the band “The HU”, blending traditional and contemporary elements. The performance was set against a backdrop of Mongolia’s vast and serene wilderness landscapes, which captivated the foreign audience. Many responded with genuine enthusiasm, saying, “I want to go to Mongolia”.

Ballet dancers spend most of their lives on stage. What hobbies do you enjoy in your free time aside from training?

Most of my time is devoted to ballet, but I also love photography, traveling, hiking, and yoga. Ballet, for me, is more than movement; it is 60 percent mental and spiritual, and 40 percent physical. That is why I love spending time in nature; gazing at the mountains helps me relax and clear my mind. In Colorado, 58 mountain peaks rise above 4,200 meters, while there are fewer than 70 such peaks across the entire United States. Many people enjoy climbing these mountains, and I am proud to have climbed 12 of the 58. When I came to Mongolia, I was equally inspired by its breathtaking natural beauty.

As a young ballet dancer who is bringing international recognition to Mongolia, what are your goals and plans for the future?

As a dancer, I have dreamed of performing for many years, even though I cannot say exactly where the path will lead. I have always been passionate about pursuing a career in ballet. One of my visions is to stage a gala performance in my homeland called “Anda and Friends”, featuring talented international artists I have known since childhood. It would be a chance to present my work as a solo dancer on the Mongolian stage. I also hope to choreograph and contribute to the development of ballet in Mongolia. Classical art is highly respected in European countries, and the high regard for ballet dancers there motivates me to keep improving.

Ballet requires immense patience. Spending hours dancing on pointe is incredibly demanding, but what would you say to young people who are interested in ballet and dream of becoming ballet dancers?

I am proud to be the first Mongolian to graduate from the San Francisco Ballet School, a milestone that proves all doors are open to those who truly persevere. One of my dreams is to dance with the Netherlands Dance Theatre (NDT), one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies. Each year, more than 1,000 dancers apply to their training program, and only 60 are selected for a special summer intensive. After five years of consistent effort and determination, I got accepted and learned a great deal from the experience. Ballet is a demanding art form, both physically and emotionally. But I want to encourage others to never give up. I currently work as a ballet dancer at the Classical Theater of Saarland in Germany, and every day I dedicate myself to fulfilling my dream.

Notable Achievements of Ballet Dancer Aandaa Erdenebileg:

2018 – Top 10 dancer at the Kiev Grand Prix International Ballet Festival, Kiev, Ukraine

2016 – Fourth place out of 10 dancers at the Denver Ballet Guild, Young Dancers Competition, USA

2016 – Top 10 Dancer at the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), USA

2015 – Fifth place out of 10 dancers at the Denver Ballet Guild Young Dancers Competition; recipient of the David Parvin Award for Outstanding Artist, USA

2015 – Top 10 dancer at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), USA

2015 – Bronze medalist at the Mongolian Children’s Organization “Talent” competition, Mongolia

2012 – Gold medal at the “Russian Culture Days” Festival, Denver, USA

2010 – First Prize, “Talent” Trophy and gold medal, Mongolian Children’s “Golden Autumn” Art Festival, Colorado, USA