Khiva hosts the International Lazgi Dance Festival
From April 25 to 30, Khiva will host the 3rd International Lazgi Dance Festival, which aims to preserve and promote Uzbekistan’s unique choreographic heritage and to develop international cultural cooperation.
The Khorezm dance “Lazgi”, recognized by UNESCO as an element of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, holds a special place in national culture and is known far beyond the country for its distinctive style and expressiveness.
The festival is held every other year in accordance with the Head of State’s resolution dated September 28, 2020, at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since 2022, the event has been held under the auspices of UNESCO, and starting in 2026, it will also be held in partnership with the international organization TURKSOY.
This year, the festival will bring together more than 300 participants from nearly 30 countries. The United Kingdom, France, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Russia, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Brazil, Japan, Spain, Egypt, Georgia, India, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Qatar, and Azerbaijan will be represented in person. Participants from the United States, Austria, Jordan, Mexico, Ghana, North Macedonia, Iran, China, Pakistan, and Italy will join online.
Among the participants are professional dance ensembles, choreographers, art historians, musicologists, and cultural figures. Some guests will attend in person, while others will participate remotely.
Within the framework of the festival, the 3rd International Scientific and Practical Conference on “The Art of Dance in the Development of World Culture: Traditions and Universal Values” will be held. Also planned are the regular meeting of the Committee on Culture of the Uzbek-Turkish Intergovernmental Commission, a meeting of rectors of relevant universities of TURKSOY member states, the conference “Anthology of Traditional Dance of the Turkic World”, and an ethnocultural forum.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the festival will take place on the territory of the Ichan Kala historical complex.
From April 26 to 29, a competition program will be held, featuring both foreign and domestic performers. The performances will be evaluated by an international jury of seven, most of whom represent foreign countries.
The winners of the competition will receive diplomas, statuettes, and cash prizes. The Grand Prix will be $7,000. First-place laureates in the categories “Best Solo Dance Performer”, “Best Dance Group”, and “Best Choreographed Dance” will receive $5,000 each. Cash awards of $3,000 and $2,000 are provided for second and third place, respectively.
In addition, participants will be recognized in the following categories, including “Best Dance”, “Best Choreographer”, and “Best Young Dancer”. All festival participants will receive certificates.
Aziza Alimova, UzA
