Giorgi Potskhishvili: The Rising Ballet Star Wowing Audiences in Don Quixote

For me, one of the standout young male dancers in Europe right now  (if not the standout) is Giorgi Potskhishvili.  He is exceptionally strong technically (especially in classical roles like Swan Lake) and considered a rising international star, still relatively early in his peak career.  These excerpts from the Dutch National Ballet’s  Don Quixote, performed with Prima Ballerina Anna Tsygankova, show off his exemplary talents perfectly.  The first round of applause is one of delighted spontaneity – and the rest is a series of explosive jumps, precision, and stage energy that has been engaging audiences since he started his professional career in around 2018 (if my memory served me well).

The young Georgian is widely praised for his outrageously high-flying jumps, fast and precise turns, and an unusual sense of power and attack in his movement that makes him stand out on stage. Critics often highlight how he combines athletic virtuosity with control, so even his most daring steps remain clean and secure rather than messy or overextended. This could be in part down to his childhood - his early training in Georgian folk dance seems to have given him a grounded, energetic quality and exceptional stamina compared to many classically trained dancers. As a result, he is especially effective in bravura classical roles that demand showmanship and technical fireworks, where his strength, speed, and stage presence can really come to the fore.

Take a look and prepare for your jaw to meet the floor.