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Balanchine's Homecoming to Tbilisi: Shedding Light and Shadows

In this performance, George Balanchine's choreography was celebrated, displaying his unique ability to create ballet pieces akin to architectural designs that subtly pulsate with life. The occasion was hosted by the State.

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Balanchine's Homecoming to Tbilisi: Shedding Light and Shadows

Gear up for an unforgettable evening, straight from the heart of Georgia! Witnessing the State Ballet of Georgia's astounding performance of George Balanchine's 'Architecture That Breathes' is akin to stepping into a dynamic dance labyrinth. Four masterpieces, carefully curated by the esteemed Balanchine Trust, were brought to life at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater, each delivering a powerful punch to ballet's modern trajectory.

Get ready to be stunned from the get-go as the ballet opens with Balanchine's very first American creation - Serenade, surrounded by the soothing melodies of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C Major. The piece unfolds as a mystical invocation, with ballerinas clad in blue forming striking tableaus, their palms reaching towards some unseen force. The blend of serenity with unexpected twists, fluidity with form, was brought alive by Nino Samadashvili, Mariam Lomjaria, Elene Gaganidze, Filippo Montanari, and David Ananeli, capturing the essence of Balanchine's choreographic genius.

The tone shifted dramatically post-intermission with Mozartiana. A darker odyssey channeling Tchaikovsky's Suite No. 4, the ballet was all about the eerie dialogue between the composer and Mozart - a refracted, modern interpretation of two musical giants. Nino Khakhutashvili, Joshua Ninamaker, and Demian Reshetniak brought the haunting choreography to life, showcasing the perfect blend of classical ballet and modernism.

Next on the agenda was Concerto Barocco, a showcase of ballet as visual counterpoint. With Johann Sebastian Bach's erudite score accompanying the performance, the dancers stripped classical dance down to its essential grammar, revealing the complex interplay between lines, counterlines, breath, and silence. Anchored by Sopho Tsintsadze, Salome Iarajuli, and David Ananeli, this piece was a masterclass in syncopation and control.

The climax of the night reserved a special treat - Apollo, Balanchine's collaborative effort with Stravinsky, first created for Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. Efe Burak danced the role with unparalleled grace, gradually transforming from electrifying energy into delicately nuanced artistry. There was an ethereal quality to the performance, with Laura Fernandez, Mari Elo, and Valerie Lin portraying the muses with poise and sophistication. The final tableau, an upward ascent symbolizing art's transcendental power, was nothing short of profound.

The evening embodied more than just a tribute; it was an intelligent conversation between the State Ballet of Georgia and George Balanchine's choreographic heritage. The company has made a significant stride in its 2021 documentary, 'In the Homeland of Balanchine,' providing an intriguing look into the journey of adapting and performing these ballets during the COVID-19 pandemic. By incorporating online rehearsals and cultural translation, the State Ballet of Georgia proved its dedication to embracing innovation while upholding the utmost quality.

In a world saturated with spectacle and superficiality, Balanchine's ballets remind us of the emotional core hidden within abstraction, encapsulating the essence of modernity without sacrificing elegance. So, grab your seats, folks - the State Ballet of Georgia is here to remind us that ballet, when rooted in intelligence and heart, truly transcends time and space.

  1. Nino Khakhutashvili, Joshua Ninamaker, and Demian Reshetniak, during their performance in 'Mozartiana', seamlessly blend classical ballet with modernism, keeping alive George Balanchine's choreographic genius.
  2. Sopho Tsintsadze, Salome Iarajuli, and David Ananeli demonstrate an exceptional mastery of synchronization and control in Concerto Barocco, meticulously following the intricate patterns and modulations in Johann Sebastian Bach's music.
  3. Efe Burak's portrayal of Apollo in Balanchine's 'Apollo' is a testament to maintaining the elegance and artistry of ballet while also infusing it with captivating energy, deepening our appreciation for the transcendent power of ballet as a medium of entertainment.
Balanchine's choreography is akin to architectural structures that pulsate with life. The Event of George Balanchine's Choreography, organized by the State, showcases his unique and dynamic work.
Balanchine's Choreography Stood as Living Architecture at the State Event: This highlights that just as some artists create monuments, George Balanchine's choreography was like breathing, dynamic architecture, which was showcased at an event dedicated to his work by the State.

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