Elleny Lomtadze is a rhythmic gymnast, dancer, and researcher who seamlessly blends movement, art, and intellect. From the world of competitive sports to the stage of contemporary ballet, her journey has been shaped by passion, resilience, and self-discovery. In this interview, Elleny shares her thoughts on happiness, creativity, and the challenges of pursuing art in Georgia, while also reflecting on the turning points that led her to where she is today.
How old are you, and what do you do? I know you have many jobs, can you list them quickly?
I’m Elleny Lomtadze, a 24-year-old rhythmic gymnast. Part of my life is immersed in political and media research, while I recharge my physical and emotional energy through Pilates and body ballet. I also share my experience with others, which brings me even greater joy.
When did dance enter your life? Did you love it from the beginning, or was it something your mother pushed you into? And when did you realize that dance was your calling?
Dance unexpectedly became part of my life when the rules in rhythmic gymnastics changed, requiring more choreographic elements. Then came an injury that forced me to end my sports career. But just as one door closed, another opened—the door to contemporary ballet. ✨
Since stepping through that door, everything has been based on my own desires and goals. Want to guess what my past was like? Prioritizing everyone else’s interests except my own. 😉
What does happiness mean to you? Do you consider yourself a happy person? If yes, why? If not, what’s missing? The last time you thought, "I’m so happy," what were you doing?
Happiness, for me, is choreographing a small sequence that no one knows I’m working on. It’s taking the perfect step or spin—even if it leads me nowhere, it still brings me back to where I started…
But the most intense happiness I experience is when I travel, especially when I travel alone. I’ve realized that the emotions I feel while traveling are the most complex and fulfilling. ❤️🔥
As a woman in the arts in Georgia, do you feel fulfilled?
I don’t feel fully fulfilled, but I wouldn’t blame society for that. If I had treated my body and health with more faith, confidence, and care at an earlier age, I would have undoubtedly stood on the grand stage and identified myself as a fully realized woman in the arts…
In your opinion, what is something our modern society lacks that previous generations had? And what do we have today that is better than what past generations experienced?
We lack the need for face-to-face communication because social media has become a mask that makes us feel less lonely. But this generation possesses agility and technological advancement, which are impossible to ignore and something to be immensely proud of.
How did you discover Tsleltsinda, and what was your first impression?
I was accepted into Europe’s leading ballet school in Amsterdam and started mentally selecting outfits for my classical ballet rehearsals. Instagram’s algorithm kicked in, and I came across a Georgian business that was even more creative than I could have wished for or imagined. Now, I’ll be proudly showcasing my original Tsleltsinda looks at the European Ballet School! ☺️
What color do you associate yourself with?
Red is undeniably my color. I have a small matchstick tattoo on my wrist—naturally, it had to be red. As a child, I was so skinny that people used to call me that, so I turned it into a tattoo. I grew up, and the matchstick ignited with a bright, fiery flame—blood red, like the injury that changed the course of my life. It’s the color of deep emotions, passion, and love, and now, a small part of my body carries that meaning. ❤️🔥
And the final question I want to ask every interviewee: When people hear the name Elleny Lomtadze, what do you want them to remember?
Elleny—walking forward without looking back, fearlessly paving her own path, standing guard over her dreams and goals. ✨