By Mariam Karroum

Dancing is one of the most important traditions in Georgia. There are 16 types of dance and the most popular is Kartuli, used as the traditional ‘wedding dance’ in which the girl wears a white dress and her suitor a traditional Georgian costume- chokha.

Georgian dancing is usually performed softly, but there are dances that include very harsh moves- Khanjluri or Khevsuruli, for example, the latter representing the wild and powerful spirit of mountainous Georgia.

The dance Khorumi is based on war and originated in Adjara. Khorumi reminds us that “in order to have peace, we must have war” and sees a large group of men uniting to dance it.

Another Georgian dance is Davluri, which is a city dance just like Kintouri and Karachokheli, but, unlike these latter dances, is about the urban aristocracy. It resembles to the Kartuli dance but it is less complicated and the men and the woman are less formal. The dance is performed my many couples and includes colorful traditional clothing and joyful music.

The Mkhedruli dance begins in a raging tempo and becomes more and more violent. The word “mkhedari” means rider and the dance is based on this theme.

In Georgia, there are two main Georgian dance ensembles- Erisioni and Sukhishvili, whose dancers travel around the world to perform.

Erisioni was established in 1885 and has been performing dances and songs since. It is known as the “museum ensemble”. Erisioni’s contemporary production, ‘Georgian Treasure’ is performed all over the world and this year the ensemble is celebrating its 132nd anniversary.

Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili founded the Sukhishvili ensemble in 1945. Originally, it was named the ‘Georgian State Dance Company’. Now, Sukhishvili, like Erisioni, is world-renowned and do global tours annually. The ensemble is popular for its innovative choreography, such as in its ‘Ramishvilebi’ show, which blends jazz and traditional Georgian styles to create something totally unique.

Georgian dances consist of many wonderful elements and traditions- clothing, food, fighting and dance, and it is well worth trying to see a show while you’re here- especially if Erisioni or Sukhishvili are in town!