Azerbaijani dances, like literature and music, are well-known the world over. Azerbaijani dances play a big part in the dance repertoires of the world’s groups.

            Well known Azerbaijani dances include Uzundere, Vagzali, Terekeme (Nomadic Man), Papaq, Innabi, Ceyrani, Mirzeyi, Cutcu and after places Shaki Zorkhanasi, Nakhchivan or Qazakh Yallisi. The Zorkhana men’s dance brightly symbolizes courage, bravery and youthful enthusiasm. The Qazakh yallisi propagates unanimity, unity and collectiveness. This dance is performed by a group of people and whoever doesn’t dance properly is “fined” by the chieftain who makes him sing a song or dance another dance. Vagzali is played when the bride is seen off from her family house to the house of the bridegroom and her departure is reflected in this dance. Gangi (martial music) calls all people to unity, friendship and invincibility. Uzundere (literally “a long gauge”) is a kind of a long dance, which traditionally used to be performed when the bride and bridegroom were on the road. The dancer performing the Banovsha (Violet) lives with his feelings, showing how the violet grows from the ground, blooms and fades. Ceyran bala is an old and delicate dance. This dance shows the gazelle’s gracefulness and elegance. It is performed by men and women. Mirzabeyi is traditionally played at wedding parties and performed by men and women with handkerchiefs in their hands. Innabi is the name of a fruit. It is a girl’s dance and performed by one or two girls. The dancers show a woman’s airs and graces as well as coquetry. Terekeme is a dance of a nomadic people. Those who are dancing extend their arms and go forward with their heads up. This dance is filled with the feelings of freedom and expansiveness. Both men and women perform it. Other dances include Nazlana-nazlana (with coquetry), Nalbekilerle regs (a dance with saucers) and Neftchiler sultani (sultan of oilmen) etc.

Traditionally the common part of Azerbaijani dances talks about friendship, invincibility and courage.