Moris Lekiashvili

Moris Lekiashvili (; 10 October 1936 – 2024) was a Soviet Georgian ballet dancer, choreographer, and pedagogue. He was a principal soloist at the State Opera of the Ukrainian SSR in Kyiv and later at the Georgian National Opera Theater, where he also served as director of the ballet company and choreography teacher. He held the title of Merited Artist of Georgia.

Early life and training Lekiashvili was born on 10 October 1936 in the Georgian SSR. Around 1955 he travelled to Leningrad to undertake training at the Leningrad Choreographic School, one of the leading ballet institutions in the Soviet Union. In May 1957 he was awarded second place in the professional arts competition of the 2nd Leningrad Youth Festival, receiving a certificate of commendation from the Leningrad City Committee of the Komsomol.

Career Kyiv Lekiashvili joined the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of the Ukrainian SSR, named after Taras Shevchenko, in Kyiv, today the National Opera of Ukraine, where he performed as a principal soloist. He made his debut in the role of Count Albrecht — the principal male lead — in Giselle by Adolphe Adam on Sunday 17 July, a performance formally announced as his first appearance in the role.

Tbilisi Lekiashvili was subsequently invited to the Georgian National Opera Theater in Tbilisi by the renowned choreographer Vakhtang Chabukiani, who recognised him as a dancer of exceptional talent. There he performed for many years as a leading soloist, also working as a choreographer, pedagogue, and director of the ballet company. For his contributions to Georgian performing arts he was awarded the title of Merited Artist of Georgia. Their daughter Eteri Lamoris became an internationally recognised operatic soprano. Lekiashvili died in April 2024 in Tbilisi, less than one month after the death of his wife on 14 March 2024. He was buried next to her at the Makhata Pantheon in Tbilisi.