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By Agha Iqrar Haroon

The opening of the Third International Dance Festival “Lazgi” in the historic city of Khiva is more than a celebration of movement and music. It is a statement of Uzbekistan’s growing cultural confidence and a reminder that nations are often best understood not only through politics or economics, but through the arts that carry the spirit of their people across generations.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s message, delivered at the festival by his daughter Saeeda Mirziyoyeva, reflects a vision in which culture is placed at the center of national development and international engagement. In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and cultural fragmentation, Uzbekistan’s decision to elevate traditional heritage onto the global stage deserves recognition.

There could hardly be a more fitting venue than Khiva — a city whose minarets, ancient walls, and timeless architecture symbolize the continuity of civilization along the Silk Road. Hosting the festival on the banks of the Amu Darya connects the present to a rich past, reminding visitors that Central Asia has long been a crossroads of ideas, creativity, and exchange.

At the heart of the event is “Lazgi,” the celebrated dance tradition of Khorezm. As the President noted, this art form embodies grace, deep emotion, and the soul of a people whose cultural history stretches back more than three thousand years. Such heritage is not frozen in museums; it lives through performance, teaching, and public appreciation. That UNESCO inscribed Lazgi on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019 confirms what Uzbeks have long known: this is a treasure of universal value.

Yet the festival is not merely about preservation. It is also about renewal. The successful staging of the ballet Lazgi: Dance of Soul and Love on prestigious international platforms demonstrates that tradition can evolve creatively without losing authenticity. This ability to reinterpret heritage for modern audiences is the hallmark of a vibrant culture.

The President’s remarks also underline the broader reforms taking place in what he calls “New Uzbekistan.” Investments in arts education, the revival of the renowned “Bahor” ensemble, and institutional support for the “Lazgi” ensemble and other creative groups show that culture is being treated as a serious national priority rather than a ceremonial afterthought. This matters deeply. Strong cultural institutions nurture identity, provide opportunities for youth, and strengthen social cohesion.

Perhaps most significant is the recognition of the festival as an instrument of cultural diplomacy. Hundreds of performers, scholars, and experts from dozens of countries are participating this year. Their presence illustrates how dance can build bridges where politics sometimes cannot. Through rhythm, gesture, and shared appreciation, barriers of language and geography become less important.

For young people, the festival offers something equally valuable: inspiration. In a rapidly changing world, younger generations often search for identity amid global influences. By presenting Lazgi as a “school of mastery and experience,” Uzbekistan is showing that modern ambition and national heritage can coexist harmoniously.

The Third International Dance Festival “Lazgi” is therefore more than an artistic gathering. It is a symbol of a nation reclaiming and celebrating its cultural inheritance while confidently engaging the wider world. If sustained with the same energy and openness, this festival may well secure its rightful place among the leading cultural events of the international calendar.

In Khiva, the dance of the past is helping shape the future of Uzbekistan.