There are a number of Azerbaijani folk dances that are old and extremely melodious. They are often performed at formal celebrations and the dancers wear festival clothes or Chokha cloaks. They often have a very fast rhythm, so the dancers must have inherent skills. Azerbaijan’s national dance shows the characteristics of the Azerbaijani nation. These dances differ from other dances with their quick tempo and optimism. The national clothes of Azerbaijan are well preserved within the national dances.
Types of Dances
- Abayi is an Azerbaijani dance with its origins from the Shaki and Zaqatala regions of Azerbaijan. The subject matter of the dance is middle age. In this area middle-aged people are called "Abayi" and this kind of dance is generally performed by middle-aged men or women. Creators of the melody of this dance are the Shaki composers. It has a slow dancing tempo. This kind of dance used to be performed in group, but later on changed to an individual dance.
- Agir Karadagi is an Azerbaijani melody of a danxce that was created in Karadakh. It is very popular in Shaki and Zaqatala in Azerbaijan and is performed slowly.
- Alcha Gulu (meaning plum flower) is an Azerbaijani-Indian dance created between 1910 and 1920 in the Shaki region by Ali Karimov who lived in the village of Kalva. It is performed by women and has a fast dancing tempo.
- Ceyrani or Ceyran bala is an old and delicate dance. This dance is meant to show the gazelle’s gracefulness and elegance. It is performed by both men and women.
- Chichekler (meaning flowers) is a very elegant dance. In origin, this dance is performed by women in two different forms: slow and fast. It was created in 1910. The group of girls gathers together and collect flowers. They would like to show off and demonstrate to the public how pretty flowers look. Flowers are associated with how pretty the girls are in the colorful costumes. They form circles and triangles during the dance. Sophisticated hand movements and spins create a cheerful atmosphere. The music is up-beat and energetic.
- Choban Regsi (meaning tribesmen dance) is danced only by male performers. The costume is typical to the rural areas and particular to shepherds. The music is up-beat and energetic. This dance symbolizes a cheerful spirit of the shepherd that brings his herd to the valley.
- Innabi is a girl’s dance and performed by one or two girls. The dance is meant to show the grace of women.
- Gangi (meaning dagger) is a dance that calls all people to unity, friendship and invincibility.
- Lezginka is a national dance of Lezghins popular among many people in the Caucasus Mountains. It derives its name from the Lezgin people; Azerbaijanis have their own versions.
- Mirzayi is traditionally played at wedding parties and performed by men and women with handkerchiefs in their hands.
Puzzle featuring a dancer from the Karabakh Foundation's March presentation of TURKSOY: Music and Dance of the Turkic World
