DUSHANBE, 04.05.2022 (NIAT Khovar) – A group of dancers from the Zebo State Dance Ensemble took second place in the Dance of Lazgi International Festival, which had participants from 30 countries, reports the Ministry of Culture.

Tajikistan was represented by 13 dancers led by People’s Artist of the USSR Zebo Aminzoda and Director General of the State Union of Creative and Concert Groups Bakhtovar Rahmonzoda.

The festival was held from April 25 through April 30 in Khiva, Uzbekistan.

According to the Uzbekistan Cultural Heritage Project, the festival is held every two years.

The festival is aimed at preserving and developing the ancient traditions of the art of Khorezm Lazgi Dance, strengthening the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between people through the art of dance, and further expanding the scope of creative cooperation and cultural ties at the international level.

The event also included presentations of national instruments and costumes, folk crafts, works of fine and applied arts, sculptures, feature films and documentaries, audio and video works, books, albums and photographs.

The Khorezm Lazgi Dance, which occupies a special place in the rich history of dance, is popular not only in the country, but also abroad due to its unique style. UNESCO’s inclusion of the Khorezm Lazgi Dance into the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity attests to the uniqueness of this art.

In September 2019, the Tajik dance ensemble performed at the Magic of Dance International Festival in Khiva among representatives of 20 countries.