About Us

Shorena Barbakadze and Ivan (Vano) Goderdzishvili came to the United States in 1998. Before their first child was born, they saw that Georgian children growing up in America were losing their sense of home and culture — with few chances to meet other Georgian kids. One question shaped everything that followed: how do we keep Georgian culture rich and alive in America?

How Pesvebi was created

The answer became Pesvebi — a place where children and adults could learn Georgian dance and song. Young Georgian girls were the first to take up the dances with joy. Within weeks they performed at a holiday concert in an Orthodox church in Manhattan, warmly received by the congregation. Word spread. Families with small children and driven young students came forward, eager to learn. Gradually, a place where Georgian children met one another took shape.

Development

Shorena's tireless, selfless work slowly began to bear fruit. The children started speaking Georgian, friendships formed, and — most important — a love of Georgian dance awakened in their hearts. The ensemble went on to perform at many concerts. When the legendary ensemble "Iveria" toured New York, its producer invited Pesvebi to take part — and our young dancers shared the stage with celebrated artists.

Naming "Pesvebi"

Initially nameless and without a permanent home, the center grew into a cherished meeting place where Georgian families formed friendships and strengthened ties. Recognizing what they had built, Shorena and Vano named their ensemble "Pesvebi" — a decision guided by Mr. Manuchar Katchakhidze, founder and editor of the only Georgian-American newspaper. The name was chosen with great care, symbolizing not just a title but a commitment to preserving their heritage.

A growing tradition

An important tradition took shape: each year, on May 26 — Georgia's Independence Day — the ensemble held its season concert at the Millennium Theater. Over the years it was graced by exceptional dancers such as Gaga Natsvlishvili, Gogita Tatulashvili, Gia Mikeladze, and Aleko Nadareishvili. Since 2011, Jurkha Lomtadze has led the boys' program, instilling a love for Georgian dance.

From ensemble to cultural center

Pesvebi steadily expanded its curriculum into a full cultural and educational program — Georgian literacy, choral singing, traditional instruments, ballet, piano, chess, drama, art, and vocal training. To support the intensive schedule, Levan Namitcheishvili joined to help students with their schoolwork and English. After ten years, the studio was officially registered as a Georgian cultural center. Its growth culminated in a remarkable 2013 concert featuring 105 students across five generations.

First tour to Georgia (2015)

By 2015, over 700 children had been nurtured by the organization — many becoming lawyers, medical professionals, servicemen, architects, and counselors while remaining devoted Georgians. That year, Pesvebi made its first tour to Georgia — a homecoming for many students who had never set foot in their ancestral land. Amid the tragedy of the Tbilisi flood, the ensemble united to support their homeland with a charity concert at Griboyedov Hall, sharing the stage with fellow Georgian ensembles. From Tbilisi to Batumi, they were warmly received wherever they performed.

The musicals

In November 2016, Pesvebi welcomed acclaimed director Nikoloz Sabashvili from Georgia, who staged the musical "Legend of Georgia" in just five weeks, turning the children into actors. It premiered on December 24, 2016, at Symphony Space in Manhattan, with original music by Ivan Goderdzishvili. A year later, Mr. Sabashvili returned to create "Tsuna and Tsrutsuna," which debuted on December 26, 2017, at the Master Theater in Brooklyn to great acclaim.

Anniversary, branches & today

These successes laid the groundwork for new chapters. In 2019, Pesvebi opened new branches in Spring Valley, NY, and Marlboro, NJ. When the pandemic struck in 2020, the center was among the first to move its classes online, and even produced a short film about its work. With the pandemic behind it, the center resumed in full, culminating in a triumphant solo concert at the Oceana Theater on February 5, 2023, featuring performers from the Brooklyn, Spring Valley, and Marlboro branches. To this day, Shorena Barbakadze and Ivan Goderdzishvili continue to lead Pesvebi with great success.