Georgian Dance gave the foundation to the national ballet performance.

Dance in brief:
Georgian folk choreography counts many centuries. As the Georgian historic sources give us
the notion, the Georgian folk dance dates 2nd millennium B.C., which is proved by the
archeological excavations of Trialeti; there, in Trialeti silver bowl was found on which hunters'
dance is inscribed. Together with mass folk dances (women and men), there also existed couple
dances related to the fertility rites. Synthetic theatrical performance "Sakhioba" served as
brilliant foundation for the development of couple dances, which was the supplementary detail
of the huge celebrations of pagan times.
As for the royal national performance of Georgia, it was created as soon as the Georgian
Kingdom appeared (III Century A.D.), when the religion of Georgia was still idol worshipping,
until the first King of Georgia, King Mirian and Queen Nana introduced the Christianity in the
Country (337 A.D). From this very period appears the royal national theatrical ensemble,
presenting synthetic theatrical performances at the court. It included the music, choreography,
theater, singing and circus elements. Performances were based on pure Georgian folklore. In
next centuries, it was more synthetic, suffered some kind of changes and was formed into
separate performance. There were as separate choreographic staging as well as Georgian music
and theatrical performances.
Today, after centurial pause, Georgia and the rest of the world have chance to see ancient
Royal National Ballet of Georgia, with its modern attitude towards the choreography, fusion
old and new elements, with professional dancers. According to the new concept of the Royal
National Ballet of Georgia, staging is divided into Georgian - classic, modern and world people
dances. Royal National Ballet of Georgia is in search of choreographic synthesis, thereby
keeping its traditional choreographic examples.

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Idea of foundation:
Idea to found the Royal National Ballet of Georgia belongs to Gela Potskhishvili, Knight of the
Georgian Order of Honor, the Best Dancer of 2000, Honorable academician of the „National
Sciences Academy of Georgia“, founder of the Dance Academy of Georgia and Maia Kiknadze,
dancer-choreographer and honorable member of the „National Sciences Academy of Georgia“.
They headed this enormous project and keep their endeavors to fulfill and flourish this
important idea as the major part of the nation history. In the beginning of 21st Century,
Georgia has opportunity to return its old image in the world. It is also notable that, it's been
long time that Georgia is an independent country on the world map; thus, it is unimaginable
not to have the royal national ballet, for such historical country.

Authors in brief:
As you may know, name “Potskhishvili” serves the development of the Georgian culture for
decades, namely, in the development of the Georgian choreography. Their close connection
with the art world dates from 1964, namely dancer and choreographer, Gelodi Potskhishvili,
great supporter of the Georgian art, academician of the National Academy of Georgia, laureate
of many international festivals, Knight of the Georgian Order of Honor and founder of Dance
Theater "Metekhi" in 1978. Which company was transformed into the Royal National Ballet
presently, his successors are his son Gela Potskhishvili and daughter-in-law Maia Kiknadze.
The couple founded Dance Academy as the first professional dance school, which is very
successful in Georgia, as well as abroad. Their modern directions and ideas help them to
develop traditional choreographic generation. Presently more than 500 students study in the
academy.

Gela Potskhishvili
Gela Potskhishvili, one of the best dancers of our time, was born in November 18, 1978.
In 1984 he began dancing at Youth Palace Dance Studio "Merani", headed by Lauz (Rezo)
Chanishvili, professor, Doctor of Arts; he graduated from the Dance Studio in 1989.
In 1989-1995 years he studied in Choreographic Studio of the Georgian National Ballet Theater
"Metekhi". Art Director of "Metekhi' was dancer and choreographer, Gelodi Potskhishvili,
great supporter of the Georgian art, academician of the National Academy of Georgia, laureate
of many international festivals, Knight of the Georgian Order of Honor and founder of Dance
Theater "Metekhi".
In 1995, he was enrolled in Dance Theater "Metekhi" as actor-dancer, of the "Philharmonics of
Georgia" (Presently Art Union of the Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia).
From 1996 to the present day, he is the solo dancer and art choreographer of this Theater.
In 1999 he successfully graduated from the Faculty of Choreography, Choreographic School of
the Georgian National Ballet Theater, majoring in staging choreographer. During his studies,
he was introduced with the Georgian folklore, staging art of the world people, including classic
and modern dances.
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Gela Potskhishvili appeared on many stages around the world as a dancer, as well as
choreographer and he acquired many prestigious dance awards, thereby having 20 years
dancing practice on professional stage and 18 years as a choreographer.

Performances of Gela Potskhishvili
1. Sweet, on Moonlight Sonata, Beethoven
2. Adam and Eve in brief, Music by David Evgenidze.
3. Variations from the life of Charlie Chaplin, Music from Charlie Chaplin films.
4. Georgian National Dances "Fire of Georgian ", Dance miniatures under the Georgian folk
music.
5. Program of the World Dances “Across the Universe” under folk music of world people.
Gela Potskhishvili is a well known dancer, being acknowledged as the dancer of the year by
many theaters and producers around the world.
In 2000 he was acknowledged as the best dancer of 2000 by the Art Council of the
Choreography of Georgia.
Under the decision of the President of Georgia, dated April 20, 2012, Gela Potskhishvili was
awarded with the Order of Honor for his contributions to the development of the Georgian
Choreography.
By the decision of the „National Sciences Academy of Georgia“, dated October 10, 2012, Gela
Potskhishvili was conferred the title of the honorable academician.
In 2006, Gela Potskhishvili founded Dance Academy as the professional dance school and he is
the director and art director of the Academy.
In 2008, Gela Potskhishvili founded "Royal National Ballet" of Georgia, where he is the art
director and leading ballet master as well.
Since 1984 he's being serving the Georgian culture with devotion.
Maia Kiknadze
Maia Kiknadze was born in December 12, 1979
In 1997, she successfully graduated from Vakhtang Chabukiani Choreographic Dance School,
majoring in ballet.
In 1997, she was enrolled in Zakaria Paliashvili Opera and Ballet Academic Theater of Georgia
as a ballet actress, under the supervision of the choreographer Gogi Aleksidze.
In 1998, she was enrolled in Dance Theater "Metekhi" as actor-dancer, of the "Philharmonics
of Georgia" (Presently Art Union of the Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia).
From 2000, she is the leading sole dancer of the Dance Theater "Metekhi" and a
choreographer.
Maia Kiknadze has 17 years experience of dancing on professional stage.
During this period, she danced all leading parts in every dance performance of the Dance
Theater "Metekhi", mini plays and choreographic miniatures.
In 2001, she graduated from State University of Culture of Tbilisi (presently Theater and Film
University), majoring in classic, world people, Georgian dance teacher - choreographer.
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Maia Kiknadze participated in every performance of Dance Theater "Metekhi" in Georgia, as
well as abroad.
She traveled around the world together with the whole ensemble and proved her great
professionalism and presented the image of Georgia as a real Georgian professional actress.
Presently, she keeps her active dancing carrier, in parallel with teaching activities at Dance
Academy, including classical and world people dance choreographer.
Maia Kiknadze is the founder of Dance Academy and as well as art director in the direction of
classic and feature dances.
From 2008, she is the founder and art director of "Royal National Ballet" of Georgia.
By the decision of the National Academy of Georgia, dated October 10, 2012, Maia Kiknadze
was conferred the title of the honorable academician.

Specifications:
"Royal National Ballet" as collective, esthetic phenomenon of people relates to the politically
and economically strong countries and cities, being completely new acknowledgement of
democratic system of the development of society.
Its foundation aims to interact elite and mass culture, fantasy and rationalism, traditional and
modern art, painting, music and classic choreography. It is distinguished with its innovative
approaches, scale and professional level. Thus, Royal National Ballet of Georgia is large scale
Dance Company, which involves hundreds of people in itself from many regions of Georgia.
The Ballet influences on development of modern art in Georgia and abroad.
World Press:
FIRE OF GEORGIAN DANCE - The fascination of the Caucasus a journey to Colchis, the
mythical
Land of the Golden Fleece The two-hour show has the hearts of all spectators higher. The firstclass performance by world-famous dagger and sword dance fascinates every viewer. Mystical
sounds and rhythms Georgian (Georgia is a region of Caucasia), modern dance and traditional
fiery Dance sensation- top performance of the dance precision. Imaginative decorations and
colorful costumes: "Fire of Georgia" is a memorable event that gets under your skin! With
breathtaking speed and masterful choreography take 35 of the best (and most beautiful)
dancers the audience on a historical journey to the origins of the Georgian people. The twohour program is an adventure story about the Georgian spirit and change. The steps, the
rhythm, the music and acrobatics come from the Georgian folklore, were further refined and
processed acting so great, interconnected artistic units emerged. Oriental and Western sounds
find harmony with each other. The result is a breathtaking innovative rhythm that the
audience in amazement and unbridled enthusiasm will raise. Tutu, Pointe shoes and classical
music were sought in vain here. But cross the wild dancer in "Fire of Georgia" to strange
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sounds from distant world’s razor-sharp daggers and swords - and enthusiastic audience even
more.
I should especially note one of the best Georgian choreographer Mr. Gela Potskhishvili who
created all this his thinking, his movement, is a different and much difficult, Mr. Gela
Potskhishvili never repeats the choreography of others, He has his special handwriting, His
choreography is really distinguished, He is to some extent based on folklore but if you look
good at his choreography It is not folklore it is much more then Folklore… This is a journey
through fantasy and his imagination is tremendously great. The question is, who is it? Is he a
person or a heavenly phenomenon? We think he is a heavenly phenomenon! Spontaneous
bravos from the audience - and at the end of a standing ovation that did not want to end: Fire
of Georgia conquered audiences by storm and finds many new fans - in Berlin and whole
Germany! “The Berlin Journal- Culture”
“La Figaro: - The unique Georgian music and Dance was by the UNICCO in list of world
heritage received - and like "Fire of Georgia" proves absolutely right! But not only the music
thrilled is the audience - and the dance itself so different, therefore: fast, dangerous and
entertaining. Mr. Gela Potskhishvili who created all this, his thinking, his movement, is a
different and much difficult… This is a journey through fantasy and his imagination is
tremendously great. This is not a Caucasian dancing this is the dances created by Gela
Potskhishvili. The whole Caucasus is like one another but The Royal National Ballet is
different company where Mr. Gela Potskhishvili is doing his own different choreography! It is
therefore not possible to compare the performances of Caucasian… This is more than just
Georgia, the Caucasus and the whole world… That's why his choreography cannot be
discussed in a narrow lens… The 35 dancers light the fire of Georgia in the hearts of the
audience: Rousing and breathtaking! Standing Ovations! A program of majestic rhythms and
200 rustling gorgeous costumes: The pompous costumes, inspired by traditional folk clothing
multiethnic 4,5Millionen inhabitants’ state in the Middle East, do this the rest. And it is the
intoxicating sounds: a real journey to Colchis, the mythical land of the Golden Fleece ... The
group's work is brilliant, the dancers are a breath, a heartbeat ... The fascination of the
Georgian! (Georgia is region of Caucasia) The Georgian Dance Sensation "Fire of Georgia" is a
unique show program for the whole family - thrilling, entertaining, overwhelming "" a unique
phenomenon that you should have seen in life at least once. “La Figaro” France
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New York Times: Seeing this company presents a rare theatrical experience – the dancers are
on fire as they perform dazzling, daring movements that defy limits, accompanied by spirited
musicians playing on traditional Georgian instruments.
“Royal National Ballet” the Georgian company is a first-rank professional folk troupe of ballettrained dancers. It is commonplace to say that no folk ever danced like this, but the Georgians
are a dancing people with male performers holding pride of place. When this company's men
erupt into the war dance ''Khorumi'' and drop, ear to the ground, to hear the enemy's
approach, it is clear that these are ritual dances with ancient communal roots.
The audience becomes delirious when the men dance on their toes in soft boots, gallantly
escorting a partner or exploding into double air-turns to land on toe, shins and knees. These
steps may be theatricalized, but they come out of a national heritage.
Now led by the second and third generations of the Potskhishvili dance dynasty, the company
has arrived refreshed with young dancers and an open outlook that breaks some traditional
rules. The defining images are there, especially in the man's gasma, or quick, brushing steps,
and the women's gliding steps under their long dresses. But not all the dresses are long now,
and more of the dances are coed, with the men and women touching as once they did not. Nor
does all the energy belong to the men, as seen in a dance that recalls that the amazons of
antiquity were said to live in Georgia. ''Imeretian Dance'' shows its contemporary amazons in
graceful dresses with breastplates, moving in brilliantly phrased small steps.
Together, they have done an outstanding job of getting at the essence of folk material while
using it with artistic purpose. The raw excitement of the choreographed battle scenes is
balanced with lyricism: a traditional wedding dance weaving its couples into a serpentine
pattern, or in a creative image, a fresco evoked by three queenly women revolving into
painterly poses. New York Post:
FIRE OF GEORGIAN DANCE “It is no metaphor to say that sparks flew during the
performance.” The Times:
“Shining stars from the East – Don’t miss them” The Mail on Sunday:
“The sparkling spectacular performance brought a capacity audience to their feet”
Bournemouth Evening Echo:
Royal national Ballet – “The dance Troup are almost unbelievable… an experience not to be
missed.” Brighton Evening Argus:

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Royal National Ballet of Georgia led by Potskhishvili Family was traveled around the world,
from 1978: Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, Japan, China, Russia, USA, Latin
America, Great Britain, Nederland, Dania, France, and etc:

The company with the Show < FIRE OF GEROGIAN DANCE> came out in all leading theaters
in the world: Berlin – “Admiralspalas”, < USA – “Kennedy Centre” >, < Great Britain - “Royal
Albert Hall” London, Liverpool – “Royal Concert Hall”> < France – “Congress Hall in Paris” >
Russia - “ Kremlin Palace Moscow” - “Big Concert Hall – Petersburg” Cairo Opera House”
“Amsterdam opera” and etc: