What does 'assa' mean, and what Georgian dances are there?
The dance cry and the best-known folk dances.
Short answer
'Assa' is a cry used to cheer dancers on, roughly like 'come on!', with no literal translation. The best-known Georgian dances are the couple's dance kartuli, the warrior dance khorumi, the lively Adjarian acharuli, and the mountain dances mtiuluri and khevsuruli. The best way to see them is at a concert by the Sukhishvili National Ballet or the Rustavi ensemble.
Why
- The Adjarian dance acharuli is Georgian, from Adjara.
- Men's dances include dancing on the tips of the toes without pointe shoes.
- Every region of Georgia has kept its own dances and costumes.
Details
Check concert schedules on the ensembles' and Tbilisi theatres' websites. Folk dances are also often performed in restaurants with live music.
Tip
To see Georgian dance live, go to a national ensemble concert or a restaurant with a folk show.
Common misconception
The lezginka is a Georgian national dance called 'assa'.
What actually happens
'Assa' is a shout in the dance, and Georgians have many dances of their own, such as kartuli, khorumi and khanjluri.
People also ask
- What are the main Georgian dances?
Sources
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
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Mariamoba, the Dormition of the Virgin, falls on 28 August and is a public holiday.
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Which hand do Georgians wear their wedding ring on?
Most Georgians wear their wedding ring on the ring finger of the right hand, following Orthodox tradition.
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Where can you see Georgian dance and hear polyphonic singing in Tbilisi?
Georgian dance is best seen at concerts by national ensembles such as the Sukhishvili ballet, and at restaurants with evening folk shows.
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Is 8 March celebrated in Georgia?
Yes, 8 March, International Women's Day, is an official public holiday in Georgia, when women receive flowers and gifts.