Georgian dances are deservedly included in the list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible cultural heritage of mankind. The stunning rhythm, excellent technique and inimitable energy of Georgian dance are known all over the world. This treasure of Georgian folklore is so elegant and attractive that they are often included in the repertoire of many folklore groups from different countries. On the part of the plagiarized foreigners, there were even attempts to appropriate the national property of Georgia.
1.National Dance – Davluri
Davluri (დავლური) is similar to Kartuli and is one of the most popular Georgian pair dances. In the solo part of Davluri there are usually two guys and a girl; between the guys – a competition; their relationship with the girl does not go beyond flirting. The movements in Davluri are less complex and the relationship between men and women is less formal. It is a common misconception that Daishi is the second name for the Davluri dance. Daisi is not a dance, but the name of an opera by composer Zakaria Paliashvili. The melody “Daisi” is quite popular in Georgia, and until now many ensembles perform Davluri with this symphonic music. Davluri requires great skill and expressiveness, there is an element of competition in it. The guys start the dance, who then invite the girl. They often dance during weddings. With the help of music and colorful costumes, Davluri paints a picture of an aristocratic feast on the stage «Davluri» performed by the Georgian National Dance Ensemble – «Sukhishvili».
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2. National Dance – Kartuli
The dance Kartuli (ქართული) is a truly romantic dance. The dance expresses the chivalrous attitude of a Georgian man to a woman, who shows the highest degree of respect for her. He shows that even being in love, a man maintains respect and good manners, not touching the woman and keeping a certain distance from her. A man’s gaze is always directed at his partner, as if she is the only one in the whole world. On the other hand, the woman’s gaze is lowered all the time and she slides across the floor like a swan on the smooth surface of a lake. The greatest art has made this dance a reputation for being one of the most difficult. This is one of those dances that were not created for the stage, but are danced according to very clear rules of sequence and relationship between a man and a woman. «Kartuli» performed by the State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance – «Rustavi».
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3.National dance – Khevsuruli
Khevsuruli (ხევსურული) This energetic dance is characterized by a fast pace, a festive spirit and colorfulness. For Khevsuruli, as well as for other Georgian dances, technicality is characteristic, which is achieved through numerous exercises and allows you to perform the dance masterfully without injuring anyone. The dance begins with the couple flirting. Suddenly another young man appears, also looking for the woman’s hand. A fierce struggle ensues between the two men and their supporters. The quarrel is temporarily stopped by a woman’s veil. Traditionally, when a woman throws a veil over her head between two men, all disagreements and fights stop. However, as soon as the woman leaves the scene, the fight continues. Young men from both sides attack each other with swords and shield. At the end a woman (or women) enters and again ends the fight with her veil. The dance, during which imitation of hostilities takes place, requires special accuracy of movements and carefully worked out technique. «Khevsuruli» performed by the State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance – «Erisioni».
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4.National dance – Mtiuluri
Mtiuluri (მთიულური) is a very beautiful dance, it expresses the soul of a temperamental and courageous people. The dance melody is dynamic with a clear rhythm. The dance combines graceful movements with sophisticated technical tricks. The name refers to the Mtiuls, a special ethnographic group of Georgians. Mtiuly – the indigenous population of the mountainous region – Mtiuleti. The Mtiuls have historically been a militarized tribe, which is reflected in the character of the dance, of which competition is an integral part. The competition is held between two groups of young people and is a celebration of skill and art. First, the groups compete in the performance of complex movements. This is followed by the girls’ dance, followed by solo performances of amazing knee and toe tricks. At the end, everyone performs a beautiful ending. The movements of men are sharp and impetuous, women are energetic and agile. The dance resembles a holiday in the mountains. «Mtiuruli» performed by the State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance – «Erisioni».
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5.Folk dance – Osuri
“Osuri” (ოსური) is a dance from the North Caucasus, a region distinguished by a variety of cultures and traditions. The relatively harsh mountain climate is reflected in the energetic and stern movements of the Osuri. The dance demonstrates the endurance and unbending character of the highlanders. This is a bright and full of energy dance, where each participant seeks to show their best side. The costumes for this dance are distinguished by long sleeves and high headdresses for both women and men. Men dance on their toes, which is extremely difficult, but is a stunning sight. “Osuri” is performed by a large number of couples in the first half and a solo couple in the second. The strict graphic construction of the line of the dance, the contrast of the white and black dresses of the dancers. The dance consists of two dances borrowed from the Ossetians – Simd and Honga. «Osuri» performed by the State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance – «Erisioni».
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