Georgian State Dance COmpany Leaps into Paramount

Media Contact:

Kristen Gleason
Director of Marketing
The Paramount Theater
215 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.979.1922 ext. 103
kristen@theparamount.net

For Immediate Release

October 31, 2007

With swords, dancing, and full-body flips, The Georgian State Dance Company puts on a show for all ages that is “like the perfect movie: a swashbuckling adventure for men and romance for the women” (The Indianapolis Star). Combining world-class dancers and authentic music from the former Soviet Union, this professional folk troupe’s whirlwind performance is steeped in athleticism and tradition, complete with airborne kicks, fast spins, and kaleidoscopic geometry.

The Georgian State Dance Company brings their thrilling performance to The Paramount Theater on Thursday, November 15 at 7 pm. Youth/Child price tickets are available for this event.

Founded in 1945 when the Georgian Republic was still part of the former USSR, the troupe provides a unique glimpse into Georgian history and culture through dances that represent rituals and ceremonies, work, and play. Along with complex group dances, the company performs solo numbers, elegant dances for couples, and even a thrilling fight with real swords.

In this traditional dance form, there are striking contrasts between the movements performed by men and women. Many dances express feudal chivalry as the men honor the women, attempting to impress them through displays of skill.

Performing acrobatic leaps, spinning in the air, and landing on their knees, the male dancers also boast a highly original dance technique -- unlike any other dancers in the world, they dance on their toes without the reinforcement of block or pointe shoes, as are used in ballet. The female dancers’ movements are less explosive, but equally as impressive. Dressed in long white gowns with elaborate headdresses, they move gracefully on the balls of their feet, appearing to float across the stage.

The 50-plus dancer troupe is accompanied by musicians on accordion and percussion playing traditional Georgian folk music. Authentic costumes numbering in the hundreds round out the spectacle of the performance. Handmade using all-natural fibers including silk and wool, the costumes are accessorized with Georgian jewelry and handmade arms and shields used for the competitive dance scenes.

Over the last six decades, The Georgian State Dance Company has performed for over fifty million people in 87 countries including Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, France, Romania, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, England, and Italy; appearing at such venues as Royal Albert Hall, The Coliseum, The Metropolitan Opera, and Madison Square Garden.

As said by The New York Times, “this admirable company emphasizes elegance, and its dancers and musicians never fail to communicate a love of their homeland.”

Tickets for The Georgian State Dance Company on Thursday, November 15 are $47.50, $50.50, $53.50, and $56.50. A $30.50 Youth/Child ticket is available for those aged 12 and under. Half-price student rush seats and group discounts are also available.

Tickets are currently on sale online and through The Paramount's Box Office at 434.979.1933.