Georgian dancers, New York, USA

Georgian dancers, New York, USA presents an unforgettable evening of one of the most fascinating musical and dance traditions of the world. The company specializes in Georgian dance and music. It is committed to studying and accurately representing the folk traditions and their evolution into contemporary forms. This ensemble of traditional music and dance emphasizes elegance, its dancers and musicians bring to the audience a love of their homeland, the Republic of Georgia on the Black Sea. Work of the ensemble is devoted to practicing, presenting and transmitting to others the living cultural legacy of the folk Georgian arts. All dances and music are performed with strict adherence to the traditions, evolved over centuries. At the same time performance of the Georgian dancers, New York, USA is part of the living tradition and includes contemporary interpretations by traditional artists.

The program divided by origin and content into ritual and ceremonial, work, game and comic dances as well as solo, pair and group dances. The women in the company have perfected an effortless gliding motion that makes it seem as if they are levitating, while the men rise up on the toes of their soft leather boots, stately and totally balanced, sometimes undertaking leaps and midair turns that land them full force on bent knees.

Georgian traditional dances have their roots in the distant past. They are very varied in origin, style, and function. Traces of pre-Christian ceremonies, public spectacles, gymnastics, all social sports and games can be found in the dances still practiced.

Georgian songs are very distinctive and unusual with complex harmonies and moving lines producing music of a rare beauty. The modal structure is quite distinct from European music. Songs are typically sung in three parts. A complex polyphony evolved at least as far back as the Tenth Century in Georgia at a time wilen single part chants such as Gregorian chant were the style in Europe. The folk songs or "khalkhuri" are quite varied, including work songs, heroic war songs, wedding songs, drinking songs, patriotic song, lullabies and laments as well as religious songs with traces of both the Christian Orthodox as well as pre-Christian influences. There is also a rich tradition of city songs, which are based on the old harmonies.

Like many cultures, the Georgian men and women have very different dance styles. However it is characteristic of Georgian dances that the role of the woman is not subordinate to that of the man. Respect for women is deeply rooted in the Georgian tradition. Women's dances are characterized by the graceful ease of the movements. The inner temperament is concealed by an external reserve, while her features maintain an expression of containment and self respect. The woman does not openly try to attract her partner's notice, but there is a subtle acknowledgment of his iattentions. Special attention is paid to the circular rotation or "khelsartavi" of the hands.

Many of the men's dances are marked by the strength and agility of the movements. Solo and group dances may alternate as the dancers'alone or in pairs or groups execute the complex steps and arm movements. Very characteristic of many dances for both men and women is the immobility of the upper body during the movement, fast or slow, of the arms and legs. For the women this gives the impression of an effortless gliding across the floor.

Georgian dancers, New York, USA is a result of building a bridge between old Georgian culture and modern American society. With this aim in view, the ensemble has been formed as a unique mix of local talent and professional performers from the Republic of Georgia, rehearsing and performing together with its base in Warwick, New York.

Vladimer "Dato" Goderidze, choreographer

Like many of Georgia's best dancers Dato began dancing at a very early age, joining Tbilisi's professional childrens ensemble at the age of 7. He has soloed with Georgia's top ensembles as well as doing choereography for Tbilisi's Metekhi Ensemble. He is a very versatile dancer and has toured in many countries.

Vano Goderdzishvili, musical director is highly respected throughout Georgia for his mastery of the traditional instruments. Vano is a member of the Kolkheti Ensemble which is considered one of the best in all of Georgia.

Tamila Zatikashvili - musical director, is trained in the best Georgian Conservatories as a singer and choral director. She is particularly well-versed in the folklore and liturgical music.