ქართული კულტურის ცენტრის
" ფესვები"
დამფუძვნებელი და ქორეოგრაფი
Founder And Choreographer of
Georgian Cultural Center
" PESVEBI "
SHORENA BARBAKADZE
How was "PESVEBI" created
Shorena Barbakadze and Ivan Goderdzishvili came to the USA in 1998. Before their first child, they realized Georgian children born in America, had lost their sense of home and culture. They had no opportunity to meet and get to know fellow Georgian kids.
It was this situation that became the reason for the final decision that Vano and Shorena had to make.
" What can we do to keep the Georgian culture rich in America?" and that question was the reason for the establishment of Pesvebi.
In Pesvebi, children and adults will have the opportunity to be able to do Georgian dancing and singing.
The young generation of Georgian girls. expressed their desire to learn Georgian dance with great joy, which indeed happened. Within a few weeks, they had performed several dances at a holiday concert in an Orthodox church in Manhattan, and were well received by the crowd.
This concert was well received by the Georgian congregation.
Everyone, even those with small children, young driven students came and expressed their desire to learn dancing and singing, and that was the formation
'' PESVEBI. ''
Adviser
IVAN GODERDZISHVILI
Development
Time passed and gradually a place where Georgian children met each other emerged.
Shorena's tireless and selfless work slowly began to bear fruit.
The children started speaking in Georgian, friendships began to form, the Georgian culture began to merge, and most importantly, the love of Georgian dance was awakened in their hearts.
They have already participated in various concerts:
For example, when the legendary ensemble "Iveria" came to New York for a tour, the producer expressed his desire for "Pesvebi" to participate. This historic day has come and the ensemble "Pesvebi" is performing on stage with great actors.
The Georgian cultural center, initially nameless and without a permanent residence, evolved into a cherished meeting spot for the community. It fostered connections and became a second home where Georgians could gather, form friendships, and strengthen family ties.
As the young American-Georgian generation matured within this vibrant cultural center, the numbers swelled, and their dance skills blossomed. Father Alexander, the devoted pastor of St. Nino's church, was always eager to host and participate in concerts for religious holidays, bringing positivity and dedication to these celebrations. The parents' pride was mesmerizing; they often shared their contentment and the joy of having Shorena's studio as a sanctuary for their children to stay connected to their Georgian roots. Recognizing the significance of this cultural haven, Shorena and Vano named their dance ensemble "Pesvebi," a decision guided by Mr. Manuchar Katchakhidze, the esteemed founder and editor of the only Georgian-American newspaper. His support for "Pesvebi" was unwavering, providing invaluable assistance to the community. The name "Pesvebi" was chosen with the utmost care, symbolizing not just a title, but a commitment to preserving their heritage.
CHOREOGRAPHER
JURKHA LOMTADZE
Traditions
A important tradition was created, at Millennium Theater, on May 26 there is a concert at Millennium Theater, and is marked as a well known "Pesvebi" concert. Over the years, the ensemble was graced with the talent of exceptional dancers such as Gaga Natsvlishvili, Gogita Tatulashvili, Gia Mikeladze, and Aleko Nadareishvili. Since 2011, Jurkha Lomtadze has been at the helm, passionately educating Georgian-American children and instilling in them a love for Georgian dance.
GIORGI GODERDZISHVILI
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
Culture Center "Pesvebi"
Shorena, with unwavering commitment, continues to guide the girls in the ensemble, nurturing their skills and connection to their cultural heritage single-handedly.
"Pesvebi" ensemble has significantly expanded its curriculum to cultural and educational programs including Georgian literacy, choral singing, traditional instruments, ballet, piano, chess, drama, art, and vocal training. To accommodate the intensive schedule, academic support has been integrated, with Levan Namichheishvili assisting students with their schoolwork, English, and mathematics. This holistic approach has transformed "Pesvebi" into a comprehensive cultural center, taking on a greater educational role. The ensemble's growth culminated in a remarkable final concert in 2013, featuring 105 students across five generations. Shorena Barbakadze, alongside her husband Ivan, continues to successfully steer this venture, helping the ensemble's commitment to cultural preservation and education.
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The first tour trip to the homeland
Spring blossomed in 2015, heralding a season of growth and achievement for 'Pesvebi'. By then, over 700 children had been nurtured by the organization. The showcases their talents in countless concerts across the United States, captivating audiences with the richness of Georgian culture. Beyond their professional pursuits, they embodied the values of both American and Georgian societies, contributing as lawyers, medical professionals, servicemen, architects, and counselors. Many of them embraced marriage, fostering loving families steeped in Georgian traditions. Their journey was not just personal; it extended to the formation of numerous Georgian households. With divine guidance, 'Pesvebi' embarked on a momentous tour of Georgia, a homecoming for many students who had never set foot in their ancestral land. Amidst tragedy, the ensemble united to support their homeland, exemplified by Shorena's benevolent initiative to aid disaster victims through a charity concert. Their performance at the Griboyedov Hall was a testament to their artistry, shared with fellow Georgian ensembles, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. From Tbilisi to Batumi, 'Pesvebi' captivated audiences, leaving an indelible mark of talent and compassion wherever they traveled. They found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of rest and recreation by the Black Sea shores in Batumi.
The musical
