Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili in Euronews Spotlight

Popular news agency Euronews dedicated an article to Georgia’s National Ballet Sukhishvili, saying that in parallel with Georgia’s natural beauty and fine cuisine, the National ballet is one of the nation's cultural “crown jewels.”

Wolfgang Spindler, Art Editor of Euronews visited Tbilisi to meet the Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili, the national folk ensemble, which brings together traditional Georgian Folk dance, classical ballet and modern dance elements.

The authors of the article explain that Sukhishvili started out over 70 years ago as a family enterprise, when the husband and wife team of Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili founded the Company.

“The Ballet has since survived the red terror of Stalin’s Soviet Union, the Cold War and the break-up of the Soviet Union, growing into an internationally renowned company,” the article reads, adding now the grandchildren - Iliko Sukhishvili, the Artistic Director and Choreographer-in-Chief and his sister Nino, Director General and Costume designer, run the ensemble and continue the traditions of their grandparents.

The ballet integrates traditional dances and costumes from different social backgrounds, and from various regions of the country.

Some dances from the mountain regions look like real battles or competitions of bravery and courage.

"Isn’t it amazing? You can see the fascinating show of the Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili at the Rike Park every Saturday until August the 25th," reports Wolfgang Spindler for Euronews.

The Georgian National Ballet was founded by Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili in 1945 and was initially named The Georgian State Dance Company. It was the first professional state dance company in Georgia. After them, many other companies were founded on their example.

Nino Ramishvili and Iliko Sukhishvili became inseparable partners both on stage and in life. Filled with determination, they made their dream a reality. Their life together was an adventure of creativity, which was fully realized through new generations of dancers.

The Georgian National Ballet has been hosted by many world renowned impresarios and companies. The Georgian National Ballet has appeared at the Albert Hall, The Coliseum, The Metropolitan Opera, Madison Square, and dozens of famous venues. In 1967, La Scala welcomed them - it is the first and only time a folklore group was given a chance to perform there. The curtain was lifted 14 times, a record. 

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Sukhishvili National Ballet