Georgian dance is a set of Georgian folk dances, which laid the foundation for Georgian national ballet art. It has centuries-old history and traditions.
Georgian folk dances are now regarded as a world treasure due to their synchronicity, sophistication, and timely energy. It should also be noted that the traditional costumes of Georgian folk dances are very unique and visually appealing. Georgians used to dress like this every day centuries ago. It is impossible not to mention the music, which was specially composed for the aforementioned dances; you will not find any unique melodies anywhere else in the world; they are only heard in Georgia. After watching and listening to Georgian folk dances, you will realize how unique and traditional the Georgians are, and you will become more acquainted with their diverse culture.
The archaeological and ancient literary monuments that have reached us attest to the long history of Georgian folk choreography. The hunting dance was the historical forerunner of Georgian folk choreography, a ritual ferkhuli performed in honor of the fertility god, the moon (“Shuspa”).
Georgian National Dances
The fact that Georgian folk dances are ancient is proven by the fact that the figure of a dancing woman depicted on a bone plate found during the excavations of “Bagineti” and dating back to the 6th century BC indicates that women’s ritual dances were also held near the temple of the god of fertility. The development was followed by the formation of new customs, which were reflected in magical ritual dances.
Along with mass dances, couple dances associated with the fertility cult have existed since ancient times. A fertile ground for the development of the couples’ dance form was created by the synthetic theatrical spectacle “Sakhyoba”, which was an accompanying element of the great celebrations of the pagan times. In the process of the artistic development of Sakhiobi, a special dialogic form of romantic content was formed, which was completed by lyric improvisation, the so-called with a man and a woman.
Georgian Dance Kartuli
The Georgian dance kartuli is one of the most well-known in the country. This gentle romantic graceful dance is performed by two partners, one male and one female. Kartuli is a wedding dance that was never intended for the stage. Despite this, it is performed in the following order: a man invites a woman, a dance together, solo male dance, solo woman dance, dance together. Throughout the dance, the partners demonstrate the incredibly beautiful relationship between a man and a woman. Throughout the dance, the man maintains a certain distance from his partner to show her respect and recognition. And, while he only looks at his partner, implying that she is the only woman in the world, the girl only looks down. Kartuli may appear to be simple to implement at first glance, but this is not the case in practice. Kartuli is considered one of the most difficult due to the amount of effort and skill required.
Georgian Dance Khevsuruli
Born in the mountains, this dance combines the elements of bravery, courage and respect for women. The dance begins with a flirtation between the couple, which is suddenly interrupted by a third man, presumably another admirer of the woman. As fast as lightning, flirting between a boy and a woman on stage is replaced by a hand-to-hand fight between rivals. They can be reconciled only by the woman who is the object of the dispute, throwing a handkerchief between the parties. As soon as the woman leaves the battlefield, the duel between the men continues at a more vigorous pace, finally ending the duel again and again with the intervention of the Mandilosani, this time finally and peacefully. The most difficult movements, which simulate combat actions during the dance, are performed with amazing skill and precision. Performing these movements requires great technique and intensive practice from the dancer.
Georgian Dance Samaia
Samaia is a dance for three women and is characterized by graciousness, kindness, and feminine beauty. The dance is accompanied by a song. Traditionally, the dance was performed by men and women, but over time it changed, and what you see today’s ensembles performing features only three women. The dancers move harmoniously – their movements are well synchronized as if only one person is dancing.
Georgian Dance Khorumi
Khorumi is a well-known Adjara dance. This war dance is infused with the bravery and courage of Georgian soldiers. Originally performed by a small group of men, the modern interpretation typically includes 30-40 or more dancers. The dance begins with a prelude in which several men take the stage and search for a location to break up a military camp, after which they summon their other “colleagues” on stage. The “warriors” celebrate their victory after tracking down the enemy and engaging in some military action. Khorumi is a dance that symbolizes bravery, courage, and love for the motherland. Some dance movements have been handed down from father to son and date back to ancient times.
We tried to briefly introduce you to Georgian folk dances, but there is much more to see. Come to this amazing country and enjoy this spectacle for yourself.