DAVLURI DANCE – GEORGIA

“City aristocracy” is what a Eurasian dance style known as Davluri precisely represents. This “city” dance is supposed to have originated from Georgia, and is performed by a couple. Furthermore, Davluri is extremely similar to Kartuli, yet another popular Georgian dance style. In addition, the movements involved in this dance are less complex. On the other hand, the male/female relationship that exists in this dance style is less formal.

A. History/origin of the Davluri:

There is no information available with regards to the history/origin of this dance style.

B. Costumes used in the Davluri:

The costumes used in this dance style vary according to the gender as follows:

1. For males:

The attire worn includes an undershirt called “piranha” locally, an under pant called “sheidishy” locally, a wide trouser called “sharvali” locally and a long jacket called “chokha” locally.

2. For females:

The attire worn includes a beautiful long dress known locally as “kartuli”, a decorated belt, a decorated bodice and long laps, a head dress that is made from silk and cotton, and a large calico veil.

C. Music involved in the Davluri:

The musical instrument mainly used in this dance style includes the bagpie, a type of flute known locally as “panduri”, changi i.e. a form of harp, and drums.

D. Training availability and technique involved in the Davluri:

In terms of technique, this dance is extremely similar to another traditional Georgian dance known as “Kartuli”. The only major differences between the two dances are as follows:

Difference Number 1: The feet movements involved in this dance are far less complex then the Kartuli.

Difference Number 2: The relationship between the performers i.e. male and female in this dance style during a performance is far less formal than is observed in the Kartuli.

As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in Georgia.

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