From dancing to teaching ballet: Interview with Gvantsa Gavashelishvili
Monday, May 24
The Messenger asked Gvantsa Gavashelishvili, a renowned Georgian ballerina to talk about the importance of her profession, its essence, and the strenuous yet enjoyable path she covered to become who she is today- the lead teacher of Maka Makharadze Ballet Studio.
Gvantsa Gavashelishvili first fell in love with the art of dancing, specifically ballet, at the age of 10, when she enrolled in Chabukiani Choreographic School. Gvantsa notes that the school and its teachers had the first and most important influence on her:
-Gvantsa, how did Vakhtang Chabukiani Ballet school, the most prestigious one in the country, define your future?
-In a week I was in love with the school, which was a sacred experience- similar to the one you get in a museum when you visit an exceptional show. The essence of the old era, that of the generation of Vakhtang Chabukiani and classical Georgian ballet. The first teacher was Mr. Vakhtang who was a phenomenal specialist and the leader of the school. He taught me how to create the main pillar on which my current work stands. It filled my childhood with unbelievable impressions and paved my future.”
“It was during that period when Nino Ananiashvili returned to Tbilisi, took over the leadership of the ensemble, held many premieres, gathered the troupe, and strengthened it.
I started working with Nino Ananiashvili as a soloist at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, where I spent 7 seasons. Then I lived in America for 5 years, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
- What is the difference between the Georgian and American realities in this field?
- Ballet is incredibly developed and important in America and has been raised to the level of show business. Every famous dancer is familiar to the public, not only theatergoers. As a dance you’re always going to achieve what you really do deserve to there.
- Gvantsa, you now work as the lead teacher of ballet in the ballet studio of Mrs. Maka Makharadze. Tell us about your experience as a teacher.
- I was always interested in teaching. We, dancers, were constantly learning through each other's mistakes. When looking at our peers, we had to notice their flaws and as a group work together to better our performances and individual skills. I have always loved sharing my experience and advice with others and getting feedback from them as well, which is ultimately what being a teacher is all about.
I have been here for 4 years now with my students. When I see their smiling faces in the audience or on the stage, I feel this unbelievable joy and pride! I can’t do otherwise… I have to and will give them everything I know...I love watching how every student finds themselves in this form of art, and how they almost always turn their weaknesses into strength.
The main thing that helps me find inexhaustible energy to work with children is that I remember myself as a child ... I remember everything about my teachers. I realize that even one of my words can strongly affect the psyche of the child and have a great impact on them. Therefore, it is an activity that requires great tact and simplicity. Just as a surgeon's mistake can end up being catastrophic, so can that of a teacher.
