The State Ballet of Georgia arrives in London next month to perform Swan Lake at the London Coliseum. This marks the first time the company, led by Artistic Director Nina Ananiashvili, will perform in London. Nino Samadashvili will grace the stage in the technically and emotionally grueling role of Odette/Odile.
Dance Informa had a chat with Samadashvili to learn more about her growth as a dancer, her experiences with Ananiashvili – a former prima ballerina whose concerts always sold out – and what she’s most excited about with State Ballet of Georgia’s London debut.
Samadashvili fell in love with ballet at a young age. She shares, “I was six years old when my mom first took me to the ballet, and after that, I began taking classes. My family is musical, so they always wanted me to do something artistic. My mom originally took me to ballet to learn good technique and posture, but I felt right at home with ballet – like a fish in water! I loved the tutus, and beautiful dresses, and ballet soon became an addiction for me. After four years in the first school, I took exams to get into professional ballet school.”
Samadashvili joined the ballet company of the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre as a Ballet Artist in 2011, was promoted to Soloist in 2014, and then to Leading Soloist in 2016. But her journey to State Ballet of Georgia began at age 12. “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. 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,” says Samadashvili.
When Samadashvili first met Ananiashvili, she was in awe of the ballet superstar who stood in front of her, but over time, Samadashvili began to know Ananiashvili more personally, and it’s clear the two have a special relationship. “Nina was a prima ballerina whose performances always sold out in one day, but as a person she doesn’t have any attitude. She is very easygoing and humble. I remember when I was in school how she gradually became more of a “normal” person to me instead of just a superstar. Nina was still dancing when I was in school and would take class with the company. She would stand at the barre behind me so she could check me every day. If there was ever a day when she couldn’t come to class, it would make me relax a little – not that I wasn’t working hard, but I didn’t feel this responsibility of her being behind me! It was amazing when she was in the studio with us. She continues to coach me on all my roles.”
When asked what was one of her favorite roles to perform, Samadashvili had a difficult time choosing, but in the end, she went with Giselle. “My favorite role is Giselle because of the second act adagio music. As a child, when I saw Giselle, it touched me the most – I had goosebumps watching it! I was always dreaming about how I would dance it and what emotions I would show. I also love Swan Lake. It was my 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. 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.”
With this being State Ballet of Georgia’s first trip to London, Samadashvili shared what she is most excited for. “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. Because Nina is known in London, and now is bringing her company there, it’s very exciting.”
She continues, “Our production has a beautiful set and costumes. I think the entire company will try to show our best, but my hope is that the audience will see a beautiful Odette/Odile. Nina had beautiful arms and she’s taught me that for Swan Lake, because so much in Swan Lake is in the arms.”
Zooming out a bit, Samadashvili expanded on her love of dance, “I find myself when I dance. I’m inspired that our work allows us to grow every day. You’re always growing, learning and discovering no matter if you’ve performed a role before or not. I love that when we perform, audiences can leave their lives at the door and for a few hours escape with a beautiful story onstage. It makes me happy because I’ll hear audiences say that even the day after the performance, they’re still full of the emotions from the night before.”
When asked what advice she would give to young dancers, Samadashvili shares, “Love what you do. When you love what you do, you can go anywhere. As a professional, sometimes it’s difficult, but if you love it, then that love will allow you do anything you dream.”
After State Ballet of Georgia travels to London, the company will return home to open its season in Georgia. During the last quarter of 2024, State Ballet of Georgia will tour in Dublin and Japan. Samadashvili will be a part of each stop.
To keep up with Samadashvili, follow her on Instagram @nino_nini_samadashvili_, and for the latest State Ballet of Georgia updates, follow the company @stateballetofgeorgia.
By Melody McTier Thomason of Dance Informa.
