An International Award-Winning Georgian Choreographer

Traditional Georgian choreography has enjoyed great popularity in the world for many years. The variety of regional dances and the skill of Georgian dancers are the cause of great admiration.  

In September 2022, Georgian choreography In September, 2021, Georgian choreography attained even more recognition: a scene from Matthew Vaughn's film The King’s Man, staged with elements of Georgian choreography, won in the “Best Fight Scene” category at The Taurus World Stunt Awards. TheOne of the main figures behind this success was the Georgian choreographer, actor, and dancer Lasha Mdzinarashvili.  He was the one who staged theHe made a great contribution to the staging of the  fight scene in the film and also acted as the double for the lead actor. Every year, the Taurus Stuntman Award is presented to outstanding stuntmen of exceptional skill, and  this yearwas the first time in the history of this award when a Georgian dancer or choreographer was nominated, not to mention went on to win. was the first time in the history of this award when a dancer or choreographer was nominated, not to mention went on to win. 

Lasha Mdzinarishvili became involved with the The King’s Man through Davit Khubua, the founder of Action Production Georgia. He recognized Lasha’s skill and professionalism and suggested that he participate in auditions for the fight scene, which were held in London. This was a big challenge for Lasha. But as he says, he was very interested in acting in such a large-scale film, so he quickly made the decision and agreed to participate. He received an invitation from London, where he studied fighting in Jackie Chan's group for a week. Representatives of fifteen countries took part in the qualifying round. A week later, a letter came for Lasha at the hotel: “Welcome to The King’s Man!” And just like that, a Georgian dancer and choreographer was confirmed as the stunt double for Rhys Ifans, who played Rasputin in film.  

 Georgian dance elicited great excitementGeorgian dance aroused great admiration among the creative team. In what turned outwas s to be a fiery fight scene, Rasputin fights a character named Oxford with Samtiuluro dance moves and Khevsur fencing tricks.

Filming took place at the Marv Production film studio, and Lasha was assisted by dancer Bachana Chanturia in the work process, which, although it took a lot of hard work, was interesting, fun, and worthwhile Filming took place at the Marv Production film studio, and Lasha was assisted by dancer Bachana Chanturia in the work process, which, although it took a lot of hard work, was interesting, fun, and worthwhile for Lasha. And then came the exciting news that Lasha’s scene was nominated for “Best Fight” at the 2022 Taurus World Stunt Awards.The award ceremony was held at Paramount Studios, but the nominee’s attendance was not so easy to organize: getting a visa required a lot of time. But everyone came to Lasha’s support—family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. Finally, the problem was solved with the help of the President of Georgia and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture. Along with The King’s Man, fight scenes in the films Black Widow, Nobody, The Suicide Squad, and The Last Duel were also nominated for the award.

The very fact that the film featuring Lasha’s work was recognized for such a prestigious award was already a great victory, and no one expected more success. However, the talent and hard work of the Georgian dancer was appreciated, and The King’s Man won the award for best fight scene.  

It was a long road to success for Lasha Mdzinarashvili, starting from the age of six, when he fell in love with Georgian dance. Studying under Nugzar Jikuri and Eter Rekhviashvili, he decided to become a choreographer in the seventh grade, a goal he accomplished with the ensemble Rokva, then with thehis  dream y Sukhishvili ballet and his own ensemble, Shushpari. He describes the renowned Rustavi Ensemble, where he still works, as a place for new discoveries.

“Here, by combining dance and song, a cosmos is created. I am a small part of this cosmos, and this feeling brings me great happiness,” says Lasha.

Today, Lasha Mdzinarishvili is the winner of a prestigious international prize, The Taurus World Stunt Awards. He stands at the beginning of a new path for Georgian choreography and is one of the main role models for young people seeking to pursue this difficult and captivating calling.

 

Author :

Teona Benashvili - Master of Church Musicology, Giorgi Mtatsmindeli University of chant