Avtandil Kurashvili, Georgian Dances
A native of the Republic of Georgia, started dance training at the Georgian State Choreographic School of Sukhisvili-Ramishvili, from which he graduated with great honors in 1987. By age ten, he became a solo dancer of the Tsaktubo national Ensemble and made stage appearances all around Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and Lithuania.
Avtandil won the Gold Medal at the prestigious Kremlin Folk Dance Competition in 1989 (Moscow). In 1996, Avtandil joined the KUTAISI National Dance troupe and soon was promoted to Soloist, touring Greece, France, Turkey and Israel. From 1998-2004, Avtandil was a principal dancer with the National Ensemble MAMULI with whole he toured extensively around the world. In 1999, together with the lead choreographer of MAMULI, Zaur Papiashvili, established a children's dance studio where he served as rehearsal director while the children toured in Italy, Greece, and Turkey.
His unique artistic talent and superlative performing skills were noted by dance authorities and he was invited to join the Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili, known for the world's greatest dancers. Avtandil was recognized as one of the the company's most talented and creative solo dancers, whose innovations were elaborated in his marvelous, artistic solos. He received rave reviews for his solo performances in many countries. During his years with this company, he had over 100 performances around the world and in 30 states of the USA.
From 2004-2007, Avtandil held the lead choreographer position in the Georgian State Children's Ensemble LASHQARI. He received numerous awards as a recognized solo dancer and choreographer by the State of Georgia.
