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.
Georgia can be considered as a country with a unique diversity in dance, where each Georgian dance represents a story and ancient culture of Georgia.
- Georgian Dance Kartuli
- Georgian Dance Khevsuruli
- Georgian Dance Samaia
- Georgian Jeirani Dance
- Adjaruli dance of Georgia
- Georgian Khanjluri dance
- Georgia’s Kazbeguri dance
- Khorumi dance Georgia
- Georgian partsa dance
- Georgian Dance Khorumi
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 history of Georgia 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 Jeirani Dance
The term “jeirani” refers to the antelope. This performance recounts the tale of a hunt. Nino Ramishvili choreographed it for the Georgian National Ballet. The dance combines classical ballet movements with a scene of hunting. The Jeirani dance is one of the most famous local dances in Georgia. This dance is performed with powerful, precise, and energetic movements that delight every viewer. The main features of Jeirani dance are:
1. Individual settings: In this dance, each dancer tries to display a different performance by stepping on the stage.
2. Powerful movements: In Jeirani dance, movements such as jumping and arm swinging are performed. In addition, twisting and turning movements are also very useful in performing this dance.
3. Group coordination: A group of dancers performs the Georgian Jeirani dance. Dancers dance with each other harmoniously and with motivation and show harmonious and energetic movements.
4. National style: Jeirani dance is performed with traditional Georgian clothes. These clothes include chokha, pleated shirts, trousers, and stockings.
Georgian Jeirani dance is a part of Georgian culture and art and is performed with local music and musical instruments. This dance is also an energetic and exciting part of various ceremonies and events in Georgia.
Adjaruli dance of Georgia
Adjaruli dance is one of the traditional dances in Georgia that is performed in male groups and is known as one of the important elements of cultural and social interaction in Georgia. This dance is performed with traditional and historical songs of Georgia, and its performance time is longer than other similar dances such as “Kartuli”.
Adjaruli dance is performed in harmony with the music, with a group of men participating in the dance line-up. This queue moves forward in a wide space using specific movements. In each movement, the people in the queue move in harmony and perform the dance with specific and technical steps.
The spirit of Georgian Adjaruli dance is generally lovely, masculine, and passionate. Friendly men dance with each other like members of a family and show their joy. This dance can also have slight differences based on age, geographical region, and local cultures. Each dance group can have its own instructions for performing the Acharoli dance.
In short, in addition to the visual and artistic aspects, this dance displays the most important Georgian culture that relies on the strengthening and development of social solidarity and harmony and strengthens the spirit of cooperation and cohesion among the participants.
Georgian Khanjluri dance
Khanjluri dance is one of the traditional and popular dances of Georgia and is performed during special events such as weddings and celebrations. This dance is one of the oldest and is performed using daggers. Khanjluri revolves around the concept of competition. One of these performances is Khanjluri.
In this dance, herdsmen clad in red chokhas (traditional men’s clothing) compete with one another in the use of daggers and the performance of complex movements. One performer is substituted for another, and the stage overflows with bravery and skill. Due to the use of daggers and knives in Khanjluri, the performers must possess a great deal of expertise and practice. Participants in the Georgian dagger dance hold daggers and dance with all their energy and passion to local poetry and music in their own style.
The movements in this dance include jumps, beading, and quick turns. Usually, the performance of Georgian khanjlouri dance is done in a group with professional dancers.
In addition to having fun for the participants, this dance is also performed with the aim of showing martial techniques and physical abilities. As a men’s dance, mostly men participate in this dance, which is a flourishing part of Georgian culture and customs.
Georgia’s Kazbeguri dance
Kazbeguri dance is one of the traditional dances of Georgia, in which the dancers perform original and dynamic movements to local music. Kazbeguri originated in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia’s Kazbegi Municipality. The vigor and rigidity of the movements and foot pounding in the dance were designed to represent the relatively chilly and harsh atmosphere of the mountains. Men predominately perform this dance. The costumes consist of a long black blouse, black pants, black boots, and black headgear. There are drums, bagpipes, a panduri, and a changi among the musical instruments.
This dance is performed throughout Georgia and is a symbol of the culture and art of this country. To perform the Kazbeguri dance, several dancers are placed in groups. Each group is formed by a leader who directs the movements of the dancers. During the dance, the dancers make short contact with each other with crossed legs and move in groups.
Qazbguri dance movements include jumps, turns, flexibility, and the timing of each movement with music. Each dancer performs energetic and precise movements with all of his strength. This dance requires physical endurance, balance, and coordination between the dancers. The Georgian Kazbeguri dance is known as one of the oldest and most popular dances in Georgia and is considered one of the most important elements of Georgian culture and art. Ghazbguri dance is performed in local music and various ceremonies, including Eid ceremonies and weddings.
Khorumi dance Georgia
The Khorumi dance is one of the most popular and traditional dances in Georgia. This martial art, Khorumi, originated in the Guria region. In the modern version of Khorumi, thirty to forty dancers can participate. Originally, only a handful of individuals performed the dance, but this number has increased over time. While the composition of the dancers has changed, the original style of the dance has remained identical. Several dancers enter the stage to begin the dance, representing warriors who meticulously scout the battlefield prior to battle. The remaining members of the army are then summoned to the stage. This dance simultaneously conveys to the audience the emotion caused by the search, the struggle, and the elation of victory over the adversary. Khorumi is a dance that symbolizes the valor and grandeur of Georgian warriors.
Georgian partsa dance
Partsa dancing is another traditional and popular dance in this country. Partsa is unique for its quick tempo, cadence, and festive spirit. Not only does Partsa mesmerize the audience with speed and grace, but also with “live towers.”
This dance is mostly performed among couples and collectively. In this dance, parts of the body such as the waist, shoulders, and legs are involved. The performance of Partsa dance begins with the start of live music and a continuous tempo. This dance is performed in two parts: the first part is known as the “tree dance” and the second part is known as the “lion dance”.
In the first part, or “tree dance”, couples line up facing each other. They move to the right and left with similar movements and then spin together in a rope.
These movements are led by a leader (usually a man). In the second part, or “Lion Dance”, the couples still follow the same pattern, with the difference that this time they turn into lions and their dance ends with strong movements, open arms, and fast walking. Georgian partsa dance is known for its dynamic and beautiful movements and is considered one of the national ideals of Georgia. This dance is performed at special events such as festivals, weddings, and religious ceremonies.
The Khorumi dance
At first, Khorumi dance begins with a preview of a person who slowly enters the stage, and each member of the group comes to the stage during the performance. Then, men and women start dancing simultaneously, with rhythmic and powerful movements. Khorumi dance movements include twists, jumps, bends, shirt twirls, etc.
Also, during the performance, some members of the group take a step forward and show their strength and ability in dance by moving and clapping in front of other members of the group. In fact, these people represent the group in Khorumi dance. These special effects challenge the performance of this dance and make it more attractive for the audience.
In the end, the group ends their performance in unison with a movement that is evident everywhere. Georgian Khorumi dance is mostly performed in audiences, parties, or any other special celebration or ceremony that is current in the history of Georgia. The people of Georgia still enjoy this dance, which has been a part of the country’s culture and traditions since ancient times.
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.
Finally, Georgian dance
Georgian dance represents an ancient culture with many years of history. which lies in the life and culture of Georgian people. In every Georgian dance there is a story and a narrative that originates from the history of this country. Of course, it should be noted that in addition to the fact that Georgian dance is one of the main pillars of a marriage in Georgia, it is very attractive and enjoyable for foreign tourists and people who decide to get married in Georgia.