Uzbek ballet to perform ‘Lazgi – Dance of Soul and Love’ at Dubai Opera

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

The multicultural audience in the country will be enthralled by a completely new interpretation of the ‘Khorezmian dance’ when the original traditions of the Uzbek people will be at the display during a performance at the Dubai Opera on Nov.27.

The staging of ‘Lazgi – Dance of Soul and Love’ brings the ballet of Uzbekistan to a new level and begins its first tour around the world.

For the first time, the cultural heritage and history of one of the Uzbekistan's most popular dances will be presented on stage at the Dubai Opera, a multi-format performing arts center.

The history of Lazgi is three thousand years old - this ancient dance of Khorezm is shrouded in riddles and myths, embodies ancient folk wisdom, and its name itself means ‘Soul and Love’.

Directed by choreographer Raimondo Rebeck and performed by the ballet company of the Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theater, it premiered in Tashkent on Sept.5 under the auspices of UNESCO and was applauded by audiences and the professional community.

The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage ahs included the ‘Khorazm Dance – Lazgi’ in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019.

Furthermore, Pianist Behzod Abduraimov will perform in a concert on the stage of Jubilee Park at Expo 2020 Dubai on Nov.27.

Renown pianist Behzod will present a programme of classical pieces by Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin, Mussorgsky, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky.

Admission is free for all visitors at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The series of cultural events from musical shows to performances by renowned artistes is a part of the collaboration between the Art and Culture Development Foundation, the official partner of the cultural programme of Uzbekistan pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai.

During six months of exhibition, the foundation has planned a number of significant cultural events for the international audience.

The Foundation's long-term programmes include creating an inclusive and accessible environment for cultural institutions in the country, renovating museums, developing arts patronage and supporting the development of human resources for museums, theaters and other cultural institutions.