Lezginka

Painting by famous Russian artist Vasily Vereshchagin "Lezginka" which after visiting southern Dagestan and Elisabethpol Governorate wrote the scene, observing the customs and traditions of the Lezgins. (1867)

Lezgins dancing the "lezginka" in the village of Akhty, Dagestan region. (1900)

The Lezginka, also known as the Lezgi dance or Lezgian dance (Lezgian: лезги кьуьл), is a national dance of the Lezgins. The Lezgian dance is a solo male and pair dance. The dance is usually performed in national costumes and accompanied by musical ensemble. The music has a 6/8 rhythm; the melody is clear and dynamic and the pace is fast.

The dance uses a two image. The man moves in the form of an eagle, alternating between a slow and rapid pace. The most spectacular movements are those of the man when he is on his toes, throwing his hands in different directions. The woman moves in the form of a swan, using graceful posture and smooth hand movements. She increases the tempo of her dance after the man. The dance, common among all the Caucasian peoples, was named in accordance with the ancient totem of the Lezgins: the word "Lek" (Lezgian: лекь) means eagle.

According to Encyclopædia Britannica:^[1]

Lezginka, also spelled Lezghinka, folk dance originating among the Lezgian people of the Caucasus. It is a male solo dance (often with a sword) and also a couple dance. The man, imitating the eagle, falls to his knees, leaps up, and dances with concise steps and strong, sharp arm and body movements. When the dance is performed in pairs, couples do not touch; the woman dances quietly as she regards the man’s display.

Video

• Lezgi sample — folk dance Lezginka by ensemble “Suvar” (Azerbaijan).

References