Questions for choreographer Yuri Possokhov, who will create a piece for Nina Ananiashvili and the State Ballet of Georgia (Feb 27—Mar 2), from Susan Yung, BAM Publications.

Susan Yung: Do you have a concept for the piece?

Yuri Possokhov: I have a basic idea of what I would like to portray onstage. In my experience of understanding the creation of a ballet the final product never matches the initial idea that I first set out to create. I find that I am constantly adding layers to the story to express what I would like onstage. Many times this is true even after the first time the ballet appears onstage.

Yung: What music will you be using?

Possokhov: I will be using a special piece of Georgian folk music which is close to my heart.

Yung: What is your impression of the State Ballet of Georgia?

Possokhov: I feel that the dark ages of ballet in Georgia are behind them and a new age of excitement has begun. The Georgians are primed to claim their own place in the ballet world. They have an incredible tradition and many stories are waiting to be told.

Yung: How long have you known Nina, and what do you most respect about her, dance-wise and personality-wise?

Possokhov: I have known Nina since we were both students at the Moscow Academy of Ballet. Our artistic relationship first started onstage at the Bolshoi Theater and has continued til the present day. Since I have known her, Nina has always had an incredible ability to capture the audience. She has been able to bring this ability throughout her career to the present day, and has the strength and vision to pass this on through her national company.