"Sukhishvili, for all its acrobatics and occasional swordfighting, possesses a refined esthetic, from the live musicians onstage with drums, flutes, guitar and accordion, to the poise of the dancers, with their lifted, dignified bearing." — The Washington Post
"Shows of strength, tornado-fast spins, jumps, swords, shields and daggers for male dancers, matched with the gliding and elegant movements of female performers in vibrantly coloured costumes make Georgian dance a dazzling spectacle for audiences." – Reuter
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After a nine-year hiatus, internationally acclaimed Georgian National Dance Company Sukhishvili is returning to Hong Kong, bringing with it another exciting, spectacular showcase of traditional Georgian folk dance woven with contemporary elements and delivering a unique charm. Dressed in dazzling traditional folk costumes, the dancers will showcase the customs and profound cultural heritage of Georgia through their extraordinary dancing techniques with a blend of classical and contemporary elements.
Georgian dance has distinctive characteristics. Male dancers will perform complicated movements such as point works, fast-paced spins, squat jumps, stomps and more with dexterity and fierce passions. They are in stark contrast to the soft and elegant dance of female dancers, featuring graceful glides and refined hand movements, which will make the whole performance a fine blending of strength and delicateness. The choreography of this performance also offers a superb combination of traditional Georgian dancing and modern dancing elements. There will be dancers competing against others and captivating choreographed formations, together with stage lighting effects, gorgeous costumes and exciting live folk music. Audiences will be able to feel the passion and charm, classic and innovation of the Georgian people.
The running time of each performance is approximately 2 hours including an intermission of 15 minutes.
Members of the audience are strongly advised to arrive punctually. Latecomers and those who leave their seats during the performance will only be admitted and allowed to return to their seats respectively during the intermission or at a suitable break. The presenter reserves the right to refuse admission of latecomers, or determine the time and manner of admission of latecomers.
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists.
The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
"An internationally renowned company performing on the world's best stages." – euronews
The Georgian National Dance Company Sukhishvili, internationally acclaimed and founded in 1945 by renowned dancers Iliko Sukhishvili and Nino Ramishvili, stands as the first professional state dance company in Georgia. This legendary ensemble has preserved the authentic traditions of Georgian dance for close to 79 years, captivating audiences worldwide. Distinguished by its impressive choreography, exquisite traditional costumes, intense passion, and an orchestra featuring unique instruments, the company brings to life the musical history of Georgia on stage. This distinctive blend of elements has set Sukhishvili apart, contributing to its unparalleled success and demand throughout its existence, setting it apart from all others in the field. It has performed in nearly 100 countries with over 10,000 performances.
General Director: Nino Sukhishvili
Chief Choreographer: Iliko Sukhishvili Jr.
** Tickets for Dance Workshop are sold out. Thank you for your support! **
Participants will learn the basic dance movements of Georgian folk dancing with the company's Chief Choreographer Iliko Sukhishvili Jr. and dancers. Musicians of the company will also perform during the workshop to allow the participants to experience the unique rhythms of Georgian music in the workshop.
Date: 1 June 2024 (Sat)
Time: 11am
Venue: Podium Workshop, Hong Kong Cultural Centre (Take the elevators at Administration Building to Podium)
Instructors: Iliko Sukhishvili Jr. (Chief choreographer) and dancers
Ticket Price: $200
In Russian with English interpretation
The workshop lasts for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Please dress casually and wear dancing shoes.
Tickets available at URBTIX from 11 April onwards
Tickets of performances and workshop available from 11 April at all URBTIX outlets, self-service ticketing kiosks, on internet, by mobile app and telephone.
Discount Schemes
Concessionary tickets
Half-price tickets available for senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and the minder, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. Limited tickets for CSSA recipients available on a first come, first served basis.
Group Booking Discount
10% off for each purchase of 4-9 standard tickets for performances; 15% off for 10-19 standard tickets for performances; 20% off for 20 or more standard tickets for performances.
Package discount for performance and workshop
20% off on standard ticket for each purchase of standard ticket of performance and Dance Workshop.
Patrons can enjoy only one of the above discount offers.
Programme Enquiries: 2268 7323
Ticketing Enquiries and Customer Service: 3166 1100
Telephone Booking: 3166 1288
Internet Booking: www.urbtix.hk
Mobile App: URBTIX
The presenter reserves the right to change the programme and substitute artists / instructors.
The programme does not represent the views of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
Georgian National Dance Company Sukhishvili - Costume Display
Date: 30.5 – 1.6.2024 (Thu – Sat)
Venue: Foyer, Sha Tin Town Hall
Free admission
(Left)
Acharuli - New Edition
This choreographic suite is based on an Adjarian traditional dance “Gandagana”. Unlike the Georgian dance, interaction of man and woman in Acharuli is much freer, almost frivolous.
Choreography (1945): Iliko Sukhishvili
New edition (1979): Nino Ramishvili
Costume by Soliko Virsaladze
(Middle)
Davluri
Dance of the Georgian noblemen which was primarily performed at aristocracy balls of the 17th and 18th century.
Choreography (1948): Iliko Sukhishvili
New edition (1980): Nino Ramishvili
(Right)
Jeirani
When talking about the free choreographic fantasies of Sukhishvili and Ramishvili, it is impossible to avoid mentioning Jeirani dance, staged by Nino Ramishvili. Whoever has seen this dance, performed by Nino Ramishvili herself, should remember the fascinating emotionality and expressiveness, which accompanied this choreographic fairy tale.
This dance tells exciting stories about hunting a magic gazelle. In this dance, the experience of Nino Ramishvili as a classic ballet dancer and her deep insight into the folk dance is most visible. The memory of the contemporaries suggests the view of a graciously bent body, impulsive, almost convulsive moves, strange dancing elements, unique line of hands and, most importantly, striking internal charge, released by the dancer during each performance.
Information provided by the arts group