Georgian National Ballet ends “unforgettable” Ukraine tour

The Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvilebi successfully ended their lengthy tour in Ukraine with an emotional performance in support of Ukraine.

Sukhishvilebi was on the road for more than a month and performed in more than 30 cities of Ukraine.

This was one of the few performances that were not cancelled because of the ongoing political unrest in the country. Instead the Ballet company tailored their program to show support to Ukraine and Ukrainians.

On their final performance on March 8, the Georgian National Ballet presented a special and unforgettable gift to Ukrainians.

Their 35th performance in Kiev was themed to show support to Ukraine. In the opening minutes of the ballet, a Georgian dancer marched to the centre of the stage carrying a huge flag of Ukraine and danced the Khorumi – a traditional Georgian battle dance.

In response, the audience jumped to their feet and exploded with applause.

Later in the show, the Georgian dancers performed a typical Ukrainian dance named "Gapak”, which saw them receive another standing ovation from the appreciative spectators.

"This way we showed our support to Ukrainians. I think this is a historical tour for us, the Ballet’s art director Iliko Sukhishvili said.

"Georgian people always are together with Ukraine people,” he said.

At the end of the performance, Sukhishvili and his sister Nino Sukhishvili entered the stage and spoke to the audience, saying they supported Ukraine’s stand for freedom and they hoped for a free and undivided Ukraine. They ended by saying "Glory to Ukraine.”

In respect of those who were killed on the street of Kiev, heads of the ensemble with producers of the tour in Ukraine cancelled two performances in the Ukrainian cities Rovnosa and Ternopol.

Georgian National Ballet finished its tour in Ukraine on March 8 before it continued its overseas tour in Belarus.

The Georgian National Ballet will hold concerts in three cities on March 10, 11 and 12.

See the last program "Ramishvilebi" and find out more interesting details about Georgian National Ballet "In pictures."

Watch the video below: Sukhishvilebi dancing Ukrainian Gapak in Kiev, on March 8.