I close my eyes and imagine myself putting on my chokha again…
Bidzina (14-year-old): As soon as I thought I was happy, our house burned down. I had my instruments there – a guitar, a piano… What frustrates me most of all is that some of my costumes and diplomas burned down. I treasured them so much…
– They will buy you new ones…
Bidzina: My mom and dad don’t have the opportunity to do that. They work hard, but how can they put everything together? It will probably take many years…
– And you must have costumes for concerts! It is so?
Bidzina: Yes! I have been dancing for 9 years now. I dance in an ensemble. I perform at festivals. How can you do that without the costumes? Do you know how much I love Georgian dances? Especially Svanuri, Rachuli, Mtiuluri… I love all Georgian dances! Our dances are special and amaze the entire world! Do you know what I dreamed of? That when I grow up, I will go to other countries and proudly dance Georgian dances! I feel happy when I dance. I even forget then that our house burned down…
– So, you must continue to attend the dancing classes!
Bidzina: I continue to attend them. My teacher is a great man. He doesn’t charge my parents for classes. But the costumes are hard to find. I can’t borrow them all the time, can I?
– In what ensemble do you dance?
Bidzina: In Banguriani. It’s a good ensemble. We recently won the Grand Prix at the Harira International Festival. Do you know what “Banguriani” means? It’s a mountain in Mestia. It’s very beautiful, especially when it’s covered with snow…