Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet Does it Again

The audience at the 70th Anniversary charity performance, dedicated to the victims of the June 13 flood in Tbilisi, were left in awe　at the quality and energy of the Sukhishvili Georgian National Ballet last night, June 27.

The show took place in the Tbilisi Concert Hall with every seat taken as an eager crowd of every age and social status eagerly sat through nearly two hours of non-stop whirling, leaping, sword fights, achingly-beautiful dance-steps on tiptoe, and richly decorated costumes.

Present in the vast audience were Prime Minister Garibashvili, Tbilisi Mayor, Narmania, and the Minister of Culture and Monument Protection, Mikheil Giorgadze, who gave the introductory speech.

In honor of the special anniversary charity event, Sukhishvili had some very special guests dancing with them, including the Hett International Danstheater who have been collaborating with Sukhishvili since 1997, and　Ilia Kuznetsov, People’s Artist of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

People’s Artist of Russia and President of the charity foundation ‘Culture to Children,’ Ilze Liepa, danced the Jeirani as the solo female. Dressed in bright green and sparkling gold, Liepa wowed the audiences with her hand movements and brilliant smile.

“It’s great that the new generation of the Sukhishvili-Ramishvili family is true to the top quality standards set by their grandparents. Moreover, by modernizing it, they bring folklore close to the hearts of the young generation,” Liepa said.

Prima Ballerina Irma Nioradze also took to the stage, in a bright red twinkling dress, dancing the Kharachokheli.

“I started my work with Georgian dance,” Nioradze said. “And being here, part of this delightful celebration today, is a great honor for me.”　

The performance would not have been complete without the presence of Georgia’s favourite Prima Ballerina, Nina Ananiashvili, who did not fail to disappoint when she danced, whith grace and characteristic flare, the Ilouri, a white star against the black of the male dancers behind her.

Further respect and special mention should go to the brilliant orchestra of drummers, guitarists and accordion players, without whom the atmosphere could not have been as electric and emotional.

If you haven’t seen world-renowned Sukhishvili in action yet, make sure you’re first in line for tickets to the next show!

Katie Ruth Davies