Alexandra Gleisner, model based in Stockholm, Sweden; DJ who trained and competed in dance for nearly a decade.

GN: With a foundation in competitive dance, how has your understanding of the body as a disciplined instrument shaped the way you construct rhythm, tension, and release within your DJ sets?

AG: My background in dance is deeply connected to my work as a DJ. I actually started with dance competitions when I was younger and still continue today, which has given me a strong understanding of how music needs to feel in the body to truly move people. I instinctively look for rhythm, tension, and release in a way that creates a physical response. When I play, I can’t help but move along to the music myself and that’s exactly the feeling I aim for. 

GN: To what extent do you view a DJ set as a form of authorship? Are you composing a deliberate narrative, or creating space for a collective, unpredictable experience to emerge? 

AG: I see a DJ set as a personal creation shaped by the person behind it. Every transition, every drop, and every track selection plays a role in defining the overall atmosphere. At the same time, I always leave room for improvisation, which I think is essential. Each crowd is different, and being able to read the room and adapt in real time is what makes a set come alive.

GN: How has Stockholm’s cultural landscape with its balance of minimalism, innovation, and design consciousness, influenced both your sonic identity and your broader artistic philosophy?

AG: I’ve always felt deeply inspired by Stockholm, it’s where I was born and raised, and it has shaped both my aesthetic and my artistic identity. The city’s sense of minimalism and attention to detail is reflected in both my fashion choices and the way I approach music. At the same time, I’m very open to influences from other cultures around the world. I take pride in where I come from, and I like to incorporate elements of my background into what I do while still evolving through global inspiration.

GN: In transitioning from the structured world of dance competition to the more fluid realm of DJing, how has your relationship to discipline, improvisation, and creative risk evolved?

AG: The transition from dance to DJing felt very natural to me. When you think about it, both disciplines share many similarities. I’ve always enjoyed improvising within my dance practice, and that mindset has carried over into my DJing. At the same time, dance has given me a strong sense of discipline and structure, which I rely on behind the decks as well. I believe that without a solid foundation, creative risks don’t fully succeed. For me, structure and spontaneity complement each other and create balance in my work.

GN: When you reflect on your journey, how have your dreams and ambitions transformed from what you imagined as a child to what you pursue now as an artist and individual?

AG: I’ve always been someone who clearly feels when I’m passionate about something, and when I’m not. The one dream that has stayed with me throughout my life is the desire to do something I truly love. Today, I feel like I’m on the right path toward that, pursuing work that genuinely excites and motivates me

GN: Artists often exist between aspiration and anxiety, how do your fears, or even your “nightmares,” shape your creative process or inform the emotional depth of your work?

AG: My creative process is very connected to my emotional state in the moment. I think that’s what makes what I do feel personal and authentic. Different experiences and situations in my life naturally shape my work, and I allow those emotions, both positive and challenging to influence the energy I bring into my sets.

GN: In a profession defined by late nights and heightened energy, what does your evening routine look like, and how do you intentionally move from performance into rest and reflection?

AG: My evenings are a time for reflection and self-care. I usually write down five things I’m proud of from the day or from a performance, along with one thing I can improve. This practice helps me stay grounded while continuously growing, not only in my music, but also in dance and modeling.

GN: How do you approach your mornings and what rituals or practices ground you and how do they prepare you mentally, physically, and creatively for the day ahead?

AG: My mornings usually include yoga or pilates, depending on how much time I have and whether I’m at home or in a studio. Moving my body early in the day helps me wake up and prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead. Skincare and matcha are also essential parts of my routine. I always make sure to give myself enough time for these rituals, they help me feel structured, focused and ready for the day.

Images courtesy of photographer Albin Rydholm / RVDHOLM