HOME CONTACT Contact and locations TBILISOBA FESTIVAL UPCOMING PROJECTS RECENT PERFORMANCES SUPPORT CLASSES FIREFLY STUDIO PROJECTS and EVENTS Blog Search Results More For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State. PESVEBI GEORGIAN CULTURAL CENTER WE ARE GEORGIANS For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State. For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State. P E S V E B I P E S V E B I P E S V E B I GEORGIAN Culture GEORGIAN Culture GEORGIAN Culture Classes JOIN US click Welcome to Georgian Cultural Center in New York Our center was established in 2000 Get a new experience in our unique center. "PESVEBI" means ROOTS. In 2000, I founded the Georgian Cultural Center "PESVEBI", a non - profit organization, to help introduce the traditional Georgian culture to the U.S. Thousands of children have grown up in our center. they have become professional dancers throughout their journey with us. Our team of teachers consist of top-level professionals. Every year our ensemble, which is located in multiple states, perform at hundreds of concerts, including Georgian dancing, signing, music, acting in the USA and also in various European countries. Hello My name is Shorena Barbakadze I am the founder of this center. SUPPORT For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State. BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS CLICK HERE 70 Avenue O , Brooklyn NY 11204 430 Market Street Nanuet NY 10954 314 US-9 N Englishtown, NJ 07726 718-514-3655 718-954-6880 Call Us Anytime Contacts and Locations Click Here For CLASSES Click Here Georgian National Dance Ensemble AUDIO RECORDING STUDIO AUDIO RECORDING STUDIO AUDIO RECORDING STUDIO VOCAL CLASS with NINI TSIKLAURI NINI TSIKLAURI is a true stage star, she is high level professional singer and vocal coach.. George Gamkrelidze Director of the theater department. THE MUSICAL TV SHOWS in Georgia 2023 Girls vocal and instrumental ensemble Children's vocal choir FOLK DRUMS UPCOMING EVENTS INFO. CLICK HERE For All upcoming projects please click below UPCOMING EVENTS INFO. CLICK HERE Clay sculpture and Fine art The Georgian Language: Writing, grammar and literature, classes. Chess BALLETT CLASS HOME CONTACT Contact and locations TBILISOBA FESTIVAL UPCOMING PROJECTS RECENT PERFORMANCES SUPPORT CLASSES FIREFLY STUDIO PROJECTS and EVENTS Blog Search Results More RECENT PERFORMANCES CLICK HERE

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 Americ a? " 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. _________________________________________________________________ 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 THEATRICAL PRODUCER NIKOLOZ SABASHVILI In November 2016, 'Pesvebi' welcomed acclaimed director Mr. Nikoloz Sabashvili from Georgia, who orchestrated the musical "Legend of Georgia" in just 5 weeks, transforming our children into actors. The performance featured original songs by Ivan Goderdzishvili and choreography by former 'Pesvebi' student Vako Gelesiani, blending Georgian and English elements. The musical premiered on December 24, 2016, at Symphony Space hall in Manhattan, garnering acclaim from audiences and laying the groundwork for future projects. A year later, Mr. Sabashvili returned to New York to collaborate on "Tsuna and Tsrutsuna," expanding the production with new characters and musical compositions. The success of its December 26, 2017, debut at Master Theater in Brooklyn propelled 'Pesvebi' forward, leading to the establishment of new branches in Spring Valley, NY, and Marlboro, NJ, in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, 'Pesvebi' swiftly adapted, offering remote classes and producing a short film documenting its resilience. Now, with the pandemic behind us, classes have resumed in full swing, culminating in a triumphant solo concert at Oceana Theater on February 5, 2023, featuring performers from our Spring Valley, Brooklyn, and Marlboro branches

CLASSES Georgian Folk Dance Shorena Barbakadze Jurkha Lomtadze Giorgi Goderdzishvili Folk instruments and Choir Ivan Goderdzishvili POP Songs Nini Tsiklauri Clay sculpture and Fine Art Classic Title ხატვა და ძერწვა ART Classes Georgian Language Rusudan Galdava Chess Avtandil Chanadiri Violin Natalia Goderdzishvili BALLET CLASS MARIAM KUKULADZE GEORGIAN DRUM CLASS

For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State. For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State. For grantees of Regrowth and Capacity or Support for Organizations, the period of a multi-year General Operating Support award or: [ORGANIZATION’S PROGRAMS ARE] made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The acknowledgement of NYSCA support is required for all public programs and services occurring within New York State.

SHORENA BARBAKADZE President FOUNDER AND CHOREOGRAPHER Creative and successful leader of ‘PESVEBI” since 2001, Shorena creates highly beautiful relationships with parents, children, teachers, musicians and clients. Strong management leadership abilities, fine interpersonal skills in communications, highly focused representative of Georgian cultural and performing arts, effectively meets the demands in leadership as the day-to-day head of Pesvebi Inc. as a dynamic and growing company. Recipient of numerous awards, recognitions, diplomas, appreciation certificates, and testimonial letters of support from Georgia and U.S. SKILLS Project management, teaching strategy, communication and relationships, team builder and leadership, Georgian folk dance teacher, Georgian Folk dance performer, knowledge of 15 Georgian dance dialect styles from the western and eastern regions of the country WORK EXPERIENCE ● Specialized dance school 1985-1989 ● Dancer of Georgian folk ensemble “HERETI” 1990-1996 ● Choreographer in children's dance ensemble “Sakartvelo” 1996-1998 ● Dancer of Georgian folk ensemble “Varazi” and ensemble based at Georgian Medical university 1996-1998 ● Dance performer since 1998-present days ● Founder of Georgian dance children’s group (future Pesvebi) 2001-present days ● Board of director of “Pesvebi” 2011-present days ● Bachelor’s degree in science 2017-2020 ● Work studying in TOURO college 2018-2019 ● Paraprofessional in New York public school 2019-2021 Victoriya DZHAVAKHISHVILI Secretary vargo@argocommunity.com (718)300-7276/ (646)961- 0696 NEW YORK NY ARGOCOMMUNITY.ORG LANGUAGES: English, Russian. Georgian. SUMMARY Experienced and multifaceted professional with a strong background in stomatology, psychology, business administration, and paralegal studies. With a diverse career spanning from medical practice to arts and community service, I have demonstrated leadership and excellence in various roles. As the founder of multiple non-profit organizations, I am passionate about community development and support. My artistic background in traditional Georgian dance, rhythmic gymnastics, and theater complements my professional expertise, making me a well- rounded individual committed to making a positive impact. Proud mother and grandmother, dedicated to nurturing and supporting my family and community. Levan Namitcheishvili Treasurer Levan Namitcheishvili 1 318 W 6th St, Apt C6
 Brooklyn, NY 11204
 Phone: 347-385-3735
 Email: Levani71@yahoo.com Education: Doctorate in Management (PhD)
 Georgian International University, 2011-2015
 USA Master's in International Affairs
 City University of New York, 2009-2011
 USA Post Graduate Study in Industrial Economics
 Kutaisi Technical University, 1993-1996
 Georgia Business Philosophy Program
 Dulman, Germany, 1992-1993 Combined Bachelor/Master Program in Chemical Engineering Technology
 Kutaisi Technical University, 1988-1993
 Georgia Minor in German Language and Literature
 Kutaisi State University, 1988-1992
 Georgia Work Experience: Assistant to Vice-Mayor (Finance, Public Health)
 Kutaisi Mayor's Office, Property Management, Kutaisi Town Hall, 1995-1997 Head of Information Department (Property Management)
 Kutaisi Mayor's Office, Kutaisi Town Hall, 1993-1995 Head of German-Georgian House
 Kutaisi, Georgia, 1997-1999 Project Manager
 Vocational Training and Job Center (funded by US), Kutaisi, Georgia, 1999-2000 Intern
 US Government-funded project in Vocational Training and Job Center, Kutaisi, Georgia, 2001-present Skills: Computer Literate (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Managerial and Marketing Acumen International Trade Expertise Income Management Expertise Public Health Expertise Languages: Georgian (Native) English (Fluent) German (Good) Russian (Good) French (Fair) • NINO MAGALI Vice President Event Manager Nino Magali is a dedicated Georgian-American community advocate and volunteer, born and raised in Brooklyn. Since age 20, she has been passionately involved in her community, contributing through volunteering, advocacy, and assistance. Nino holds a BA in Political Science and boasts over 22 years of experience in politics, government, and the non-profit sector. As a devoted mother to her beautiful daughter, Yassmin (Mimi), Nino balances her family life with significant community roles. She serves on the School Leadership Team (SLT) Committee, where she helps develop educational policies. Additionally, Nino is the Chairperson of the Title 1 Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Committee, working to create a robust Parent and Family Engagement Policy in collaboration with the SLT, aligning with Title I and Chancellor's Regulation A-655 requirements. Nino's leadership extends to her role as Vice President of the Title 1 District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) and Vice President of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Professionally, she is the Special Assistant to an Executive Director in a major non-profit organization, supervising a team of 20 staff members. Her extensive experience and unwavering commitment make her a cornerstone of her community, continuously striving to enhance educational policies and parental involvement. NATALIA GODERDZISHVILI Adviser As “Pesvebi” Inc.’s Board President, Natalia is a highly motivated and successful team member of “PESVEBI” since 2008, with strong experience working with children, teaching, project management, leadership, troubleshooting and cross-functional company support, a true and invaluable team member with passion for learning and growing within the organization. Strong knowledge of Georgian folk music, folk instruments and classical western instruments SKILLS ● Project managing ● Professional violin player ● Strong knowledge of Georgian folk music, songs, instruments ● Time management ● Leadership ● Interpersonal skills ● Knowledge of microsoft office ● Organized WORK EXPERIENCE ● Specialized music school 1986-1996 ● Chamber orchestra of Tbilisi State University 1997-2005 ● Private violin lessons 1998-2007 ● Violin Teacher, vocal choir conductor helper, singer and performer at Georgian cultural center “PESVEBI” 2008-present days IVAN GODERDZISHVILI Adviser As a creative and successful leader of “PESVEBI” since 2001, Ivan is an ethnomusicologist trained in Georgia, he sings, plays and teaches more than 12 instruments including traditional string, wind and percussion instruments, he leads the “PESVEBI” live musicians as part of Pesvebi dance and music performances, through his vast knowledge of the history of Georgian folk music, his high standards of performance have helped develop Pesvebi’s fine reputation in Georgia as well as throughout the U.S. Georgian community SKILLS ● Professionally plays more than 12 instruments ● Professional vocal choir and instrumental ensemble conductor ● Outstanding teacher ● Singer ● Music producer engineer ● Performer ● Project manager ● Computer skills WORK EXPERIENCE ● School teacher assistant 1990-1994 ● Musician and singer at Georgian folk music and dance ensemble “ROKVA” 1994-1998 ● Soloist singer and musician at Georgian folk ensemble “KOLKHETI” 1996-1998 ● Musician and singer at Georgian folk music and dance ensemble “VARAZI” 1997-1998 ● Founder of Georgian dance children’s group (future Pesvebi) 2001-present days ● Board of director of “Pesvebi” 2011-present days ● Children’s Vocal choir conductor, music teacher and performer at Georgian cultural center in NY “PESVEBI” Michelle Abramov Volunteer

FOUNDER AND CHOREOGRAPHER SHORENA BARBAKADZE Shorena was born in Georgia, in 1979, she started dancing at the age of 3. She studied the ancient options and details of Georgian folk dance. She was happily accepted into a dance ensemble, and then went to university to study foreign languages. Shorena is an extremely experienced dancer. She came to New York in 1998 and has been working in New York ever since. Together with her husband, Vano Goderdzishvili in 2000, she founded the Georgian Culture Center, Pesvebi, and has already taught more than 1.500 students and has made them fall in love with Georgian dancing. Adviser Vocal and Instrumental teacher IVAN GODERDZISHVILI Ivan Goderdzishvili, was born in Georgia in 1977. He began studying Georgian music at the age of 5. He studied the details of Georgian folk music, instrument and traditional Georgian Folk, and Church songs . At the age of 6, he started studying at a musical high school. He first began to play the violin, then the clarinet, saxophone, piano, and Georgian folk instruments. He graduated from school at the age of 17 and continued his studies at the Institute of Culture, majoring in conducting. His profession is folk choir conductor, church choir regent, and folk instruments expert. He is a an extremely experienced musician and singer who plays 12 instruments. Along with studying at the institute, he was a soloist of the ensemble Kolkheti, where his father was also a musician soloist. He went on tours with the ensemble. In 1998, he joined the same ensemble where Shorena Barbakadze danced. Vano and Shorena went to the USA with the ensemble, and then got married. Together, Ivan and Shorena founded the Georgian Cultural Center " PESVEBI. " Ivan taught singing and musical instruments, while Shorena taught dancing. Due to their diligent work together, the center has achieved great success and they continue to grow as a team. Public Relations Manager Victoriya DZHAVAKHISHVILI Adviser Natalia GODERDZISHVILI Natalia Goderdzishvili, a multifaceted musician who came from Georgia in 1980, is not only renowned for her proficiency in piano, violin , and Georgian for instruments but also her significant contribution to the cultural fabric in New York, since her arrival in 2007. Her brother Ivan and her share a deeply rooted musical education from their studies in Georgia. Natalia's role extends with teaching violin and directing the girls' vocal choir. Her active involvement in the organization matters has been a catalyst for the cultural center. CHOREOGRAPHER GIORGI GODERDZISHVILI DANCE INSTRUCTOR JURKHA LOMTADZE

Support Many thanks to our dear supporting organizations and individuals for their support. Over the years, they support us in the implementation of various large and small projects and help us to keep our cultural center alive because our supporters believe that we are doing important and good work for the public and especially for children. This support is essential for us. We introduced a new culture, experience and many good traditions in the USA, which were loved by the society and especially by children and adults. We were able to do all this with the help of our supporters. Many thanks to them. Organizations

the musical Directed by Nikoloz Sabashvili Tsuna da Tsrutsuna 2016 15 YEARS ON STAGE 2016 the musical Directed by Nikoloz Sabashvili Legend of Georgia 2015 pesvebi school concert 2014 pesvebi school concert 2013