Dances from the city

City traditions are expressed by the dance Kintouri, portraying the city life of old Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The dance takes its name from the “kintos”, who were small merchants in Tbilisi. They wore black outfits with baggy pants and usually carried their goods (mostly food) on their heads around the city. When a customer chose their goods the kinto would take the silk shawl hanging from his silver belt and wrap the fruit and vegetables in it to weigh them (according to the Georgian National Ballet). Kintos were known to be cunning, swift, and informal. Such characteristics of the kinto are well shown in Kintouri. The dance is good natured and fun to watch. The beauty of Georgian folk dances cannot be forgotten by anyone who sees them.

The karachokheli was a city craftsman and generally wore a black chokha (traditional men’s wear). They were known for working hard but at the same time having a carefree life. Their love of life, wine (which Georgia is famous for) and beautiful women is well represented in the dance Karachokheli.

Davluri is also a city dance but unlike Kintouri and Karachokheli it portrays the aristocracy. The dance reminds us of Kartuli, but the movements in Davluri are less complicated and the male/female relationship is less formal. The dance is performed by many couples and with its music and colourful costumes paints a picture of an aristocratic feast on stage.

Jeirani is a dance built around the hunting of a doe and is beautifully choreographed by Nino Ramishvili. The dance not only incorporates classical ballet movements but paints a breathtaking picture of a hunting scene. Everyone who has seen Jeirani performed by Nino Ramishvili cannot forget the beautiful body movements, the unique dance steps and the spirit the audience becomes charged with.