What is "shota"

is a common masculine Japanese given name.

Shota (or Shote) is a dance very popular in Albania and Kosovo. It involves synchronized steps, and a strong rhythm. It is one of the most well known dances/songs from that region, and is commonly played at weddings, folk festivals and other events.

During the 1960s this dance was performed in Belgrade based on the choreography of Olga Skovran.

One folklore musical ensemble in SFR Yugoslavia was named Šota. In March 2013 the Assembly of Republic of Kosovo approved a law which regulates the functioning of cultural-artistic activities of the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances "Shota".

It must not be confused with Shota Galica, a Albanian national heroine in the 1920s who simply took the name "Shota" from the dance itself.

Shota is a Georgian given name that may refer to

• Shota Abkhazava (born 1971), Georgian racing driver, race cars designer and businessman
• Shota Arveladze (born 1973), Georgian association football player
• Shota Bibilov (born 1990), Russian association football player
• Shota Chochishvili (1950–2009), Georgian judoka
• Shota Chomakhidze (born 1978), Georgian association football player
• Shota Grigalashvili (born 1986), Georgian association football player
• Shota Khabareli (born 1958), Georgian judoka
• Shota Khinchagashvili (born 1951), Russian association football player
• Shota Kveliashvili (1938–2004), Georgian Olympic shooter
• Shota Kviraia (1952–2011), Georgian security and police official
• Shota Laperadze (1930–1995), Georgian film producer
• Shota Lomidze (1936–1993), Georgian wrestler
• Shota and Margarita Metreveli (1913-1983/84), Georgian artists
• Shota Rustaveli (1172–1216), Georgian poet of the 12th century
• Shota Shamatava, Abkhazian politician
• Shota Voskanyan (born 1960), Armenian artist