Uzbekistan

Inscribed in 2019 (14.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The movements of Khorazm dance, Lazgi encapsulate human creativity by reflecting the sounds and phenomena of surrounding nature, feelings of love and happiness. Initially associated with the Khorazm Region, Khorazm dance, Lazgi has since become widespread in Uzbekistan. Paintings of the dance can be found in the archaeological site of Tuproqqala, in the Khorazm Region, testifying to its centuries-old roots. Informed by the social life and activities of the local communities, Lazgi dance represents real life in all its movements. During the dance, all the musicians, singers and dance performers act in a harmonized way, and the lyrics of the songs are mainly devoted to glorifying love and kindness. Two types of dance exist: the ‘scenery’ dance and the interpretive improvised form. While the scenery dance represents these feelings through concrete movements, its interpretation focuses on improvisation as the rhythm and dance movements become more dynamic with changeable actions. The melody and dance of Lazgi are so attractive that spectators start dancing voluntarily. Khorazm Dance, Lazgi is a key form of self-expression and is transmitted across the generations through the creation of new versions of performances. It is performed during national holidays and folk festivities in scenery forms, as well as in the daily-based interpretation form during community and family events.