Azerbaijan Music & Dance

Azerbaijani Dance

Sari Gelin

Azerbaijani dance is an ancient and deeply rooted form of artistic expression. In fact, the stone drawings of Gobustan, which were made many thousands of years ago illustrate a traditional version of the Yalli dance being performed. These ritualistic dances have survived and have been passed down from generation to generation. Traditionally and historically, dance ensembles were held in high esteem and were invited to dance in the palaces of nobility.

Azerbaijani dance is a dynamic blend of power, energy, grace and lyricism. As most dances tell a story, they often portray a wide array of human emotions. Our Ensemble works hard to maintain the authenticity of traditional dances in performing them as they would have been performed hundreds of years ago. However, we have more contemporary dances that have been recently choreographed. The Sari Gelin (Yellow Bride), Lezginka as well as the Azerbaijan Suite dances have been choreographed by our Director Ramin Shadpour.

Our Ensemble Performs the Following Dances:

Terekeme: This graceful dance is a female solo. The dance recounts the story of a young girl in her fantasy world, who is perfectly content. The dancer glides along the stage and performs the dance with fluid arm motions. The moves of the dancer are in perfect harmony with the music.

Naz Eleme (Don’t Put on Airs): This is a couple dance which tells the story of a young woman putting on airs for her suitor. He tries to look at her face but she feigns disinterest. The female dancer is coquettish while the male dancer is determined. She is coy at first but then shows her suitor some interest as she dances for him. The male dance shows her how powerful and energetic he is. The dance is concluded with the couple holding hands.

Gaval (Tambourine): This solo dance is a combination of charm and energy. The dancer uses the tambourine to accentuate all of the dance moves. She plays coy and hides her face behind the tambourine. She uses strength and balance as she holds a move on one foot only. The dance draws to a finish with a leg pumping exit.

Yalli: This is a group dance which puts on display all of the talents of the Ensemble, as it contains not only difficult moves, but the entire dance is synchronized. It looks as though the dancers are reflections of one another. Both the male and female dancers exude poise and power.

Vagzali: This beautifully choreographed dance uses saucers and thimbles to make clicking sounds. The soloist carries half full traditional tea glasses. The group dancers compliment and contrast the soloist as they surround and circle her. This dance shows the flexibility of all the dancers as they arch their backs and decline toward the ground. The dancers exit the stage with the soloist urging them forward.

Sari Gelin (Yellow Bride): This dance is performed as three couples. The choreographer has an incredible sense of music and movement. The dance portrays female lovers bringing water to their partners, and the men brining the women stars. This peace personifies dignity and elegance.

Azerbaijan Suite: This lively and upbeat dance is choreographed by Ramin Shadpour. There are four couples in this dance; however it is also a group dance as dancers split into male and female groups of dancers. From the start to the finish of this dance you will be awed by the speed and sharpness of the moves.

Kuze (Ceramic Vase): Performed by the children’s group: Sarvnaz, Sheida, Aysan, Sevda, Sevil, and Maral. The children put on a lovely show and use ceramic vases as accessories to their dance. They are beautifully synchronized and show more grace than their years. Their colorful dresses demand the attention of audiences.

Lezginka: A heroic dance which symbolizes the elegance of the women and the courtesy and strength of the men. This kind of dance is performed in all trans-caucasia.

Lezginka