UK’s Dance Informa interviews ballet soloist Nino Samadashvili ahead of London tour
On August 28, the State Ballet of Georgia opens the first of 15 performances of Swan Lake at the London Coliseum, marking the company’s debut in London. Under the direction 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 spoke about her development as a dancer, her experience working with the famous prima ballerina Ananiashvili and her excitement about the first performance of the State Ballet of Georgia in London.
"Samadashvili joined the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre ballet company as a ballet dancer in 2011, was promoted to soloist in 2014 and leading soloist in 2016," writes Melody McTier Thomason. "But her journey to the State Ballet of Georgia began at the age of 12."
McTier Thomason quotes the soloist from Tbilisi as she describes her amazing journey into the theater.
“My family heard that Nina was coming back to Georgia and would become the new director of the State Ballet of Georgia and the school,” says Samadashvili. “Originally my family had considered taking me out of Georgia to train there, but when they heard Nina was coming back, they decided that I should stay. At 17, I was not yet in the company, but Nina wanted to take me on a tour with the company to Italy. They were performing Frederick Ashton’s Birthday offerand Nina chose me for one of the options. After completing my training at school, I joined the company."
Swan Lake was Samadashvili’s first major role.
"I was about 20 or 21 when I first danced Odette/Odile, and even then I wasn't sure I was quite ready," she tells Dance Informa.Swan Lake is more than just technical ability; you have to be emotionally prepared for the role. They are two very different characters with opposing styles and emotions."
She says of London: "I feel a great responsibility for my country because we are showing our face to the cultural centre of ballet. It is a dream for me to perform there."
Read the full interview here.
By Team GT
