Born: 1986 (Tbilisi, Georgia)
Biography:
Maia Makhateli, a renowned Georgian ballet dancer, has made a significant impact on the world of dance. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, around 1986, she hails from a family deeply rooted in the art of ballet. Her parents, Nikoloz Makhateli and Marina Loladze, were both esteemed dancers at the Georgian National Ballet, and her grandfather was a notable folk dancer, while her grandmother was an opera singer. As the younger sister of David Makhateli, a former principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, Maia was exposed to the world of ballet from a young age and would soon find her own path in this captivating art form.
At the age of nine, Maia began her formal ballet training at the esteemed Vakhtang Chabukiani Choreographic Institute in Tbilisi. Under the guidance of her instructor, Larisa Chkikvishvili, she honed her skills and developed a strong foundation in classical ballet. Her dedication and talent paved the way for an extraordinary career that would take her across continents.
When Maia was 15 years old, her father received an enticing job offer at the Sun Valley Ballet School in Ketchum, Idaho, in the United States. Maia seized the opportunity and joined the school, where she had the privilege of dancing alongside her brother David in productions like The Nutcracker. Today, her parents run the Makhateli Ballet Academy in Denver, Colorado, a testament to their family’s commitment to nurturing young talents in the world of dance.
In Colorado, Maia continued her training under the guidance of esteemed instructors German Zamuel and Valentina Mukhanova. Her passion and hard work led her to join the Colorado Ballet in 2002. At just 19 years old, she made her debut as a principal dancer, captivating audiences with her portrayal of Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty.
Seeking new opportunities with a larger ballet company and a closer proximity to Europe, Maia joined the Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2006 as a soloist. That same year, in a remarkable collaboration with her brother, she danced the iconic roles of Romeo and Juliet at the World International Ballet Festival in Tokyo. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, It’s quite hard to be Juliet when Romeo is your brother. However, her curiosity and desire for growth eventually led her to the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.
In 2007, Maia joined the Dutch National Ballet as a grand sujet. Over the years, her talent and dedication propelled her through the ranks, and in 2010, she achieved the esteemed position of principal dancer. Throughout her career with the DNB, she has graced the stage with breathtaking performances in leading roles such as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty and Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. Her artistry and technical prowess have captivated audiences worldwide.
In 2020, Maia Makhateli added yet another feather to her cap by originating the role of Frida Kahlo in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s ballet, Frida. This groundbreaking portrayal showcased her versatility as a dancer and her ability to embody complex characters on stage. Beyond her performances, Maia has also shared her knowledge and expertise as a guest teacher at programs like The Hague’s 2014 Summerschool Den Haag and as a guest artist at the Oregon Ballet.
On a personal note, Maia Makhateli is married to Artur Shesterikov, also a principal dancer with the Dutch National Ballet. The couple has been blessed with a son named Luka, adding a new dimension to Maia’s already extraordinary life.
Awards:
Maia Makhateli’s exceptional talent and contributions to the world of ballet have earned her numerous prestigious awards and recognitions. These accolades include the 2020 Dance Europe Critic’s Choice Dancer of the Year Award, two Dance Europe Critic’s Choice Outstanding Performance by a Female Dancer awards in 2019, a nomination for the 2019 Prix Benois de la Danse, the 2015 Alexandra Radius Award in the Netherlands, the 2011 Nina Ananiashvili & Gilbert Star Award in Georgia, and a finalist position in the 2002 Youth America Grand Prix in New York City. These accolades highlight her exceptional artistry and her significant impact on the field of dance.
Maia Makhateli’s journey from Georgia to the international stage has been marked by extraordinary achievements and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Through her remarkable talent and dedication, she continues to inspire audiences and aspiring dancers around the world.