Azerbaijani dances () are traditional dances developed and performed in the Republic of Azerbaijan. These dances are known for their quick tempo and the dancers' traditional clothing.
Examples of dances in Azerbaijan
Abayi (Azerbaijani: Abayı) is an Azerbaijani dance with its origins in the Shaki and Zaqatala regions of Azerbaijan. The name of the dance refers to the middle-aged people who typically perform this dance with exaggerated movements for comedic effect. The dance's slow-tempo song was written by Shaki composers. This dance is traditionally performed as a group but has evolved into a solo dance. Agir Karadagi (Azerbaijani: Ağır Qaradağı, meaning "heavy Karadakhi") is a dance song that originated in Karadakh. This slow dance is popular in Shaki and Zaqatala. Anzali (Azerbaijani: Ənzəli) is a traditional dance that was created approximately in 1880–1890 in Baku. This slow dance is typically performed by older people at the beginning of wedding ceremonies.
Asma Kasma (Azerbaijani: Asma Kəsmə, meaning "hanging cutting") is one of the oldest Azerbaijani wedding dances. The song "Asma-Kasma" accompanies the procession of the bride to the bridegroom's home as women dance alongside the bride. This slow, slightly exaggerated dance features several jumps. Asta Karabagi (Azerbaijani: Asta Qarabağı, meaning "slow Karabakhi") is a dance from Karabakh. This slow dance has fixed movements. Avari (Azerbaijani: Avarı) originates from the Avari people who live in Azerbaijan. Throughout the dance's three parts, the dancers' movements gradually accelerate until they reach the quick rhythm of the Lezginka music. Banovsha (Azerbaijani: Bənövşə, meaning "Viola flower") represents how a violet grows from the ground, blooms, and fades. This dance is performed at Nowruz spring festivals in Azerbaijan. Bahar (Bahar rəqsi or Gülbaxçalar or Bahar gəldi or Bahar olsun): this dance is performed in Nowruz spring festivals in Azerbaijan by women. The dance consisted of 3 parts. This dance was composed by the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Alibaba Abdullayev. The music of this dance was composed by great Azerbaijani composer Jahangir Jahangirov. Ceyrani or Ceyran bala (Azerbaijani: ceyran, meaning "Gazelle", an Azeri given name for girls) is a dance, performed by both men and women, which symbolizes the gazelle's gracefulness and elegance. Chichekler, meaning "flowers" in Azeri, is an elegant dance that was created in 1910. This women's dance is typically performed in two different forms: slow and fast. The group of colorfully costumed dancers gathers together to collect flowers to display to the audience. The dancers form circles and triangles to the upbeat music. The dance also includes complex hand movements and spins. Choban Regsi (from Persian: Choopan, meaning "shepherd's dance") is a men's dance typical to rural areas. This energetic dance symbolizes the cheerful spirit of the shepherd who brings his herd to the valley. This dance was first created by the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Alibaba Abdullayev. Innabi (Azerbaijani: İnnabı, meaning "name of a fruit") is performed by one or two female dancers to exhibit a woman's airs and graces as well as coquetry. Gangi (Azerbaijani: Cəngi, meaning "related to war" (from Persian: Dgang جنگ, meaning "war")) is martial music that calls all people to unity, friendship, and invincibility. Lezginka (Azerbaijani: Ləzgi) is a national dance of Lezghins popular among many people in the Caucasus Mountains. Mirzayi (Azerbaijani: Mirzəyi) is traditionally played at wedding parties and performed by men and women with handkerchiefs in their hands. Nalbeki (Nəlbəki, meaning "saucer") is a women's dance performed with dance saucers and cups. This dance was composed by the Azerbaijani dancer and choreographer Alibaba Abdullayev. Alibaba Abdullayev was the first in the World to use the saucer and cups in a dance. This dance is played with two musics. The first music was composed by Azerbaijani composer Qylman Salahov. Second one was composed by Azerbaijani composer Telman Hajiyev. (Azerbaijani: 3 nömrə. 4 nömrə. 5 nömrə. 6 nömrə – meaning "Number 3, Number 4, Number 5, Number 6") are famous dance melodies composed in the second half of the 1920s in Baku. Dance 3 and 5, which have slow tempos and doleful melodies, are performed by women. Dances 4 and 6 have a slightly faster tempo and are performed by both women and men. Tarakama (Azerbaijani: Tərəkəmə) is a dance of a tribespeople performed by both men and women with arms extended and heads up. Vagzali (Azerbaijani: Vağzalı) is a dance for when the bride departs from her family house to the house of the bridegroom.
