Pakistan emerges as key regional trade hub as new corridors open by NLC

By Agha Iqrar Haroon

Khiva, Uzbekistan:  III International LAZGI DANCE FESTIVAL has started in Khiva.

The “Khorezm Lazgi dance” which occupies a special place in the rich history of our country’s dance art, is renowned not only in Uzbekistan but also in foreign countries for it is distinctive performance style and charm. It is inclusion in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of UNESCO further confirms that it is a unique and exceptional art form.

In order to preserve and develop the centuries-old traditions of the “Khorezm Lazgi dance” strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among peoples through dance and further expand international creative cooperation and cultural ties, a relevant resolution of the President of Uzbekistan (No. 4843, dated September 28, 2020) established the following initiative by the Ministry of Culture. Starting from 2022, the “Lazgi” International Dance Festival has been scheduled to be held every two years from April 25 to 30 in the city of Khiva, located in the Khorezm region.

Since 2022, the “Lazgi” International Dance Festival has been held under the auspices of UNESCO. Beginning in 2026, the TURKSOY will also serve as a co-patron of the festival.

At the “Lazgi” III International Dance Festival, more than 300 talented dancers, professional dance groups, masters of dance art, musicologists and art scholars, renowned artists, leading specialists, and honorary guests are participating from over 30 countries around the world.

Participants are attending offline from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Brazil, Japan, Spain, Egypt, Georgia, India, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, while representatives from the United States, Austria, Jordan, Mexico, Ghana, Russia, North Macedonia, Iran, China, Pakistan, and Italy are participating online.

Within the framework of the festival, the III International Scientific and Practical Conference titled “Dance Art in the Development of World Culture: Traditions and Universal Values” is being held with the participation of foreign and local dance masters, musicologists, art scholars, well-known artists and honorary guests.

This conference also brings together participants from the same wide range of countries—attending both offline and online—including the United Kingdom, France, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Brazil, Korea, Japan, Spain, Egypt, Georgia, India, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Qatar, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan (offline), as well as the United States, Austria, Jordan, Mexico, Ghana, Russia, North Macedonia, Iran, China, Pakistan, and Italy (online).

Additionally, the III meeting of the Uzbekistan–Turkic Joint Cultural Commission, the III meeting of rectors of higher educational institutions of arts and dance from TURKSOY member states, a conference on the topic “Anthology of Traditional Dance of the Turkic World,” and an “Ethnocultural Forum” are planned to be held.

Moreover, the official opening and closing (award ceremony) of the festival will take place in the “Ichan-Kala” complex located in the city of Khiva.

At the same time, from April 26 to 29, a dance competition will be held within the framework of the festival, where both international and local participants will compete creatively.

To evaluate the performances of the participants, the Organizing Committee has formed an international jury consisting of 7 members, including 6 representatives from foreign countries (Kazakhstan, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Tatarstan, and the Republic of Bulgaria) and 1 representative from the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The winners of the competition held within the framework of the festival will be awarded diplomas, statuettes, and cash prizes in the following amounts by the Organizing Committee:

Grand Prix — 7,000 USD

1st place — in the following categories:

• Best Solo Dance Performer — 5,000 USD
• Best Dance Ensemble — 5,000 USD
• Best Choreographed Dance — 5,000 USD

2nd place — in the following categories:

• Best Solo Dance Performer — 3,000 USD
• Best Dance Ensemble — 3,000 USD
• Best Choreographed Dance — 3,000 USD

3rd place — in the following categories:

• Best Solo Dance Performer — 2,000 USD
• Best Dance Ensemble — 2,000 USD
• Best Choreographed Dance — 2,000 USD

Additionally, within the framework of the festival, participants will be awarded incentive prizes and gifts in special nominations such as Best Dance, Best Choreographer, and Best Young Dancer (male/female), established to support and encourage active performers.

At the same time, each participant of the festival will be awarded a certificate titled “Participant of the Lazgi International Dance Festival.”

For reference: During the I and II “Lazgi” International Dance Festivals held in 2022–2024 in the city of Khiva (Khorezm region), talented dancers, professional dance groups, masters of dance art, musicologists and art scholars, renowned artists, leading specialists, honorary guests, and media representatives from more than 30 countries around the world took part.

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