Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili” stages a successful Doha debut at Katara Opera House on Thursday. Pics: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
Doha: Performing virtually impossible dance moves executed with extraordinary precision and great daring, the Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili” blew away a capacity crowd who erupted in numerous ovations during the troupe’s Doha debut on Thursday.
Hundreds who filled the orchestra and balcony of the opulent Katara Opera House were spellbound by the show-stopping solid dance routines by around 40 dancers comprising an eclectic medley of traditional Georgian folk dances, classical ballet and modern dance.
Garbed in stunning and elaborate costumes, the members of the 74-year-old dance company performed over a dozen dance items in a 90-minute electrifying show presented by the Georgian Embassy and the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara. They danced to live music provided by a seven-man ensemble playing guitar, flute, drums, and accordion.
While the female dancers exuded elegance and grace performing small steps as if they were gliding, male members of the troupe executed complex quick turns and high leaps defying gravity. One of the more impressive dance numbers resembled war among soldiers in which dancers fought with swords and daggers which produced sparks stunning to watch. The stage was brimming with energy and dynamism with the dancers’ fiery passion and unbelievable speed and synchronization.
“I’ve seen many dance shows before but this was definitely one of the most unique since it was quite a departure from the usual ballet that we watch onstage, with a mixture of many beautiful elements which make the group really remarkable,” said Mark, a dance enthusiast in the audience. “It surely requires lots of training and dedication among the dancers and to present the show. What an impressive spectacle, a joy to watch! Truly world class,” said Anthony, one of the spectators.
For many years, the Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili” has been fascinating audiences around the world by their beauty, elegant athleticism, energy, skills and originality. Since its founding in 1945, the company has travelled to more than 90 countries in five continents in more than 300 tours entertaining over 50 million people.
The company has graced some of the most well-known venues such as the Madison Square Garden in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the La Scala in Milan and the Colosseum in Rome.
The standing ovation lasting for several minutes at the curtain call prompted the group to do an encore of their final dance that will surely be remembered for a long time.
