On August 28, the State Ballet of Georgia will open the first of 15 performances of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum, marking the company’s debut in London. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Nina Ananiashvili, the performance will feature Nino Samadashvili in the demanding dual role of Odette/Odile.
In an exclusive interview with Dance Informa, Samadashvili discussed her development as a dancer, her experiences working with renowned prima ballerina Ananiashvili, and her excitement about the State Ballet of Georgia’s first performance in London.
“Samadashvili joined the ballet company of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theater as a Ballet Artist in 2011, was promoted to Soloist in 2014, and then to Leading Soloist in 2016,” writes Melody McTier Thomason. “But her journey to State Ballet of Georgia began at age 12.”
McTier Thomason quotes the Tbilisi soloist as she details her amazing journey into the theater.
“My family heard that Nina was coming back to Georgia and was going to be the new director of State Ballet of Georgia and the school,” says Samadashvili. “Originally, my family had thought about taking me out of Georgia to train, but when they heard Nina was coming back, they decided I should stay. At 17 years old, I was not yet in the company, but Nina wanted to take me with the company on a tour in Italy. They were doing Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering, and Nina chose me to do one of the variations. Once I finished training at the school, I joined the company.”
Swan Lake was Samadashvili’s first big role.
“I was about 20 or 21 when I first danced Odette/Odile, and even then, I wasn’t sure if I was quite ready,” she tells Dance Informa. “Swan Lake is more than technical skill; you need to be emotionally ready for the role. They’re two very different characters with contrasting styles and emotions.”
Of London, she says, “I feel a big responsibility for my country, because we’re showing our face to the cultural center of ballet. For me, it’s a dream to perform there.”
Read the full interview here.
By Team GT
