Arizona Opera Cast Members & Creatives

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Birkadze trained at the National Academy of Dance of Tbilisi with Vakhtang Chabukiany. He was invited to attend the Bolshoi Ballet Academy under the direction of Genady Ladiah where he graduated with Honours in Classical Ballet, Pas de Deux, and Traditional Dance.Birkadze was awarded the Gold Medal in Moscow in World History and Literature. Upon graduating from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, he furthered his studies as a Pedagogy in Dance.

Birkadze has danced and choreographed throughout Europe with an international career dancing for the Bolshoi Ballet, Kremlin Ballet, Corella Ballet de España. He was appointed Artistic Director of BMK Company, bringing elite dancers from around the world to perform in their galas.

As a choreographer, Birkadze has created numerous works for famed Angel Corella, among other world renowned companies and individual dancers. Birkadze has also worked extensively on opera productions rising to Assistant of Production at the Gran Teatro de Liceo, and Assistant Choreographer to David McVicar. He has also worked closely with Christopher Wheeldon, Natalia Makarova, and performed works especially by Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, and Stanton Welch to critical acclaim.

He has since created new works for companies throughout Europe, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Currently, Birkadze is based out of Boston, MA, working at the Boston Ballet while he continues to travel internationally for his choreography and other artistic ventures.