Giorgi is a Nussbaum trainee grown into a professional truck driver. He’s warm and smiling and always leaves more smiles in his wake. But Giorgi hasn’t always been a driver. He and his wife immigrated from Georgia, where they went to school together and were trained in classical ballet. Yes, Giorgi was a professional ballet dancer, and his wife is still an active professional ballet dancer.
Follow their story, from Georgia throughout Europe and landing in America in Central Illinois.
This is a spotlight story that you don’t want to miss. Giorgi’s passion for the art of classical ballet, growing the greatness of America, and making people happy is contagious.
Press play on this episode of Terminal Exchange with Giorgi Tabatadze – a man of classical ballet who had a change of plans that led to truck driving.
QUOTES
“My first trip was to Paris when I was 16.”
“I was shaking at how beautiful she was. She was a beautiful dancer.”
“We flew from Georgia to Turkey. From Turkey to London. And from London straight to Chicago at O’Hare Airport.”
“I danced for almost 30 years, and I want to do something else.”
“For 25 years, I was her partner. And I cannot see someone else dance with her. I just can’t.”
“I saw all these big, beautiful semis in this country. I’d dance on stage, and then think, ‘Oh, I want to be a truck driver!’”
“God gave us our daughter so we would stay in this country.”
“I am busy right now doing my job – to make America great.”
“Always remember, be prepared, be tough, and believe in yourself.”
“That’s what I do. I surprise people with happiness.”
“Then my wife explained to them, ‘I’m deeply sorry, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He doesn’t speak any English.’”
“The ballet industry comes from the 1600s. It’s very, very old.”
