Melita Lomadze
Melita started figure skating at the age of 4 and continued until the age of 11. At 12, she transitioned from figure skating to Georgian dance and entered the Sukhishvili studio. She completed the 5-year program at the Sukhishvili studio with honors and joined the Sukhishvili ensemble as an intern until 2007. From 2007 to 2009, she performed as a member of the ensemble.
At the age of 17, Melita opened her own school, Melita Dance Studio, where she teaches Georgian dance to both professionals and amateurs, offers classes for tourists and corporate events, and conducts Georgian dance workshops both in Georgia and abroad. During the pandemic, she created online classes that became highly sought after in many countries. In 2021, she founded the Georgian dance ensemble MELITASSY, which performs regularly in Georgia and internationally.
In January 2017, Melita returned to Sukhishvili as a teacher, a position she continues to hold today. With 21 years of teaching experience, she has led Georgian dance masterclasses in countries including Japan, Austria, Denmark, Iceland, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Azerbaijan, France, and Germany.
Performance, presentation and workshop
Georgian dances
Georgian folk choreography has a history of many centuries. Georgian dance is an essential part of the Georgian nation’s identity and national pride. Georgia is divided into regions, and each region has its own songs, dances, cuisine, and character. In this program, we will study some of the most famous dances, including Adjaruli and Rachuli.
Georgia is a small but ancient country with about 3 million inhabitants. We have our own unique alphabet, religion, and culture, and we are an independent nation.
Georgia is located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, in the Caucasus region. It is bordered by the Black Sea, Russia, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Today, Georgia is generally regarded as part of Europe. Georgia has a unique and ancient cultural heritage and is renowned for its traditions and cuisine.
The territory of Georgia has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is home to some of the world’s earliest known sites of winemaking, gold mining, and textile production. During the classical era, several kingdoms emerged, such as Colchis and Iberia. In the early 4th century, Georgia officially adopted Christianity, which united the Kingdom of Georgia.
The Georgian language has its own alphabet, believed to have developed around the 5th century, and has numerous dialects. Several other Caucasian languages are spoken by minority groups, many of which are unwritten.
We are a proud people with an ancient culture. Through the centuries, Georgians have been known as warriors as well as for their hospitality, love of life, lively intelligence, sense of humor, and remarkable longevity. Despite constant battles with surrounding enemies, we preserved our religion, alphabet, and culture.
English writer and translator David Lang once said about Georgia: “When you look at the history of Georgia, you will definitely believe in God, because there is no objective reason to bring this nation so far.”
Georgian Folk Dances
Svanuri – Svaneti
Svaneti is the highest mountainous region of Georgia, distinguished by its individualism, snow-capped peaks, and medieval towers. With its ancient culture, Svaneti is rich in cultural monuments, frescoes, and traditions. The Svanuri dance reflects the strength, courage, and uniqueness of this mountain people.
Khorumi – Adjara
Khorumi originates from Adjara, a region near the Black Sea. This ancient warrior dance, also known as Khorono, depicts defensive battles with enemies. Originally performed by just a few men, the dance eventually grew to include 30–40 performers. Today, it is sometimes performed by up to 50 dancers, igniting the stage with the spirit of battle.
Khorumi consists of four parts:
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Encampment of warriors
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Enemy reconnaissance
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Attack
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Victory and celebration
The dance embodies bravery, unity, and the triumph of Georgian fighters.
Parikaoba – Khevsureti
Parikaoba is an ancient fighting dance from the Khevsureti region. It involves duels with daggers, demanding acrobatic precision and intensity. Accompanied by shouts and fierce energy, it leaves audiences with an unforgettable impression.
Kartuli
Kartuli is the oldest surviving romantic couple’s dance and is considered the pinnacle of Georgian folk choreography. Traditionally performed at weddings, this dance represents respect and modesty: the man demonstrates restraint and should not even touch the woman’s clothing. It is regarded as the crown jewel of Georgian dance culture.
Samaia
Samaia is one of the brightest pearls of Georgian choreographic art. In modern times, it has become a symbol of feminine beauty. The dance is associated with Queen Tamar, Georgia’s first female monarch in the 13th century, often referred to as “King Tamar.” Revived murals of Tamar are reflected in the imagery of Samaia.
Adjaruli – Adjara
Adjaruli, also called Gandagana, is a joyful dance from Adjara. It reflects everyday life in the region, beginning with a woman dancing playfully. A young man notices her, joins, and they dance together. Gradually, more couples appear, creating a festive atmosphere. The men perform energetic and competitive movements to impress the women, while the women dance gracefully and lightly. The dance conveys happiness, flirtation, and the vibrant spirit of the people of Adjara.
