Georgian national dances are deservedly included in the list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The stunning rhythm, splendid technique and inimitable energy of Georgian dance are known all over the world.
This treasure of Georgian folklore is so graceful and attractive that they are often included in the repertoire of many folklore groups of different countries.
Below is a description of some folk dances that are particularly popular among the many Georgian dances.
National Dance – “Ajaruli”
Ajaruli (Gandagana) (Georgian. აჭარული (განდაგანა)) – The origin of dance was related to the traditional way of life when women and men were going to work, women could not in a sitting and in a relaxed way work for a long time, they had to stand up and stretch their knee. The dance begins with the women performing. A guy standing a little farther away, watching this, comes out and does an invidious dance with a girl, trying to get her to like him. Then other guys come in and start having fun. During this dance, another couple comes in and they dance with each other. There is a kind of competitive moment in Gandhagan. The soloists compete with each other. Then the woman comes on stage again lightly, as a sign that the guy has earned her attention and respect.
Khorumi dance performed by the State Academic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Georgia – “Erisioni”
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National Dance – “Samaia”.
Samaia (Samaya) (Georgian: სამაია) -Georgian dance performed by 3 girls representing Queen Tamara. The dance is like a revived fresco from the wall of the temple depicting the ruler of Georgia. Only four frescoes with a more or less authentic depiction of the queen have survived. She harmoniously combined three images: a beautiful woman, a wise mother and a strong ruler. All these images merge into one harmonious picture. In addition, the simple but soft and graceful movements create an atmosphere of beauty, glory and power, which surrounded the reign of Queen Tamar like a halo.
Samaia dance is performed by the State Academic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Georgia – “Erisioni”
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National Dance – “Davluri”
Davluri (Georgian დავლური) – Similar to the Kartuli Dance and is one of the most popular Georgian couple dances. In the solo part of Davluri there are usually two guys and a girl. There is a competition between the guys, but their relationship with the girl does not go beyond flirting. It is a common misconception that Daisi is the second name of the dance Davluri. Daisi is not a dance, but the name of an opera by composer Zakharia Paliashvili. The tune “Daisi” is quite popular in Georgia, and still many ensembles perform Davluri to this symphonic music. Davluri requires great skill and expressiveness, and there is an element of competition in it. The dance is started by the guys, who then invite the girl. With the help of music and colorful costumes, Davluri paints a picture of an aristocratic feast on stage.
Davluri dance performed by the Georgian Folk Dance Ensemble – “Sukhishvili”
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National Dance – “Kartuli”
Kartuli (Georgian ქართული) is a truly romantic dance and expresses the chivalrous attitude of a Georgian man to a woman, who shows her the highest degree of respect. The dance shows how a man maintains respect and good manners by not touching a woman and keeping a certain distance from her. The man’s gaze is always on the female partner as if she is the only one in the whole world. On the other hand, the woman’s gaze is always downcast and she glides across the floor like a swan on the smooth surface of a lake. The great art, has given this dance the reputation of being one of the most difficult dances. It is one of those dances that was not created for the stage, but is danced according to very clear rules of sequence and relationship between man and woman.
The dance Kartuli is performed by the State Academic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Georgia – “Rustavi”
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National Dance – “Mtiuluri”
Mtiuluri (Georgian მთიულური) – A very beautiful dance expresses the soul of a temperamental and courageous people. The melody of the dance is dynamic with a clear rhythm. The dance combines graceful movements moving to complex technical tricks. The name refers to the Mtiuls – a special ethnographic group of Georgians. The Mtiuli are the indigenous population of the mountainous region of Mtiuleti. They have historically always been a paramilitary tribe, which is reflected in the nature of the dance, an integral part of which is a competition. The competition is held between two groups of young people and is a celebration of skill and art. First, the groups compete in the execution of complex movements. Then comes the girls’ dance, followed by solo performances of marvelous tricks on their knees and toes. The dance is reminiscent of a feast in the mountains.
Mtiuluri dance is performed by the State Academic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Georgia – “Erisioni”
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Folk dance – “Osuri”.
Osuri (Georgian: ოსური) – A dance from the northern Caucasus, a region characterized by a variety of cultures and traditions. The relatively harsh climate of the mountains is reflected in the vigorous and rigorous movements of the Osuri. The dance demonstrates the endurance and indomitable character of the mountain people. It is a bright and full of energy dance, where each participant strives to show his best side. Costumes for this dance are characterized 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 half. The dance consists of two dances borrowed from the Ossetians – Simd and Khonga.
The dance Osuri is performed by the State Academic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Georgia – “Erisioni”
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National Dance “Khevsuruli”
Khevsuruli (Georgian ხევსურული) – This energetic dance is characterized by fast pace, festive mood and colorfulness. The dance begins with a couple flirting. Suddenly another young man appears, also looking for a woman’s hand. A fierce fight ensues between the two men and their supporters. The quarrel is temporarily stopped by the 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 on both sides attack each other with swords and shields. At the end, the woman (or women) enters and again stops the fighting with her veil. The dance, during which the fighting is simulated, requires special precision of movement and carefully practiced technique.
Dance Khevsuruli performed by the State Academic Ensemble of Folk Song and Dance of Georgia – “Erisioni”
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Khorumi National Dance
Khorumi (Georgian: ხორუმი ) – Quite a difficult dance to perform. Every movement has a meaning and every detail is pre-calculated. Khorumi dance consists of five parts. The dance has many elements related to combat. The first part is the entrance and positioning. Reconnaissance is the second part of Khorumi. The third part of the dance is the unfolding of the dancers to the front. The dancers at this time disperse around the stage and perform various tricks. The fourth part is a straight fight and the fifth part ends with a victory dance. The dancers grab one of the dancers by the arm and thus remove him from the stage, which means that the fighter is wounded and his comrades escape from danger.
Dance Khorumi performed by the State Academic Ensemble of Folk Song and Dance of Georgia – “Erisioni”
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