Georgia’s Apkhazeti: Traditional Dance Meets Modern Music | Born from Culture

Born from Culture travels the world and tells stories of culture, told through movement. As part of its global film series created by James Fenwick, it recently travelled to Georgia, where this video was made. It features the State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble “Apkhazeti” which is one of the most prominent folk ensembles associated with Abkhazia (part of Georgia, not part of Georgia – very much depends who you ask). The ensemble was founded in 1931 in Sukhumi and is dedicated to preserving and performing the traditional songs, dances, and folklore of the Abkhazian region. Following the conflict in Abkhazia in the early 1990s, the ensemble relocated to Tbilisi, Georgia. And it is Tbilisi where this remarkable film was made. Combining the ancient traditions of Georgian dance with modern music, I love the way that this has been filmed. It’s a great showcase for the spectacular folk dance performances of the country, featuring its trademark athletic leaps, precise footwork, and…