Turkmenistan was represented at the 3rd International ‘Lazgi’ Dance Festival, which took place from 25 to 30 April in the ancient city of Khiva. The event brought together over 300 artists and researchers from 30 countries under the auspices of UNESCO and in partnership with TURKSOY, according to the Orient news agency.

For Turkmenistan, participation in the festival marked a notable creative success. The dance group ‘Dessan’ was awarded one of the most prestigious prizes – the ‘Audience Choice Award’.

The group’s performance at the walls of the historic Itchan-Kala fortress drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. The performers presented a medley of Turkmen folk dances as part of the ethnocultural programme, showcasing a blend of traditional melodies, national instruments and a well-crafted stage interpretation. The performance served as a vivid example of artistic dialogue between cultures.

The ‘Lazgi-2026’ Festival combined not only a festive atmosphere but also a serious academic agenda. As part of the 3rd International Scientific and Practical Conference, participants discussed the significance of dance art in the development of world culture and the preservation of universal human values. Turkmen specialists also took part in a meeting of heads of relevant higher education institutions from TURKSOY countries, where the project ‘Anthology of Traditional Folk Dances of the Turkic World’ was discussed.

The meeting resulted in the adoption of a document aimed at the systematic preservation and promotion of the national dance heritage of the Turkic states.

The festival’s closing ceremony, timed to coincide with International Dance Day (29 April), highlighted the uniqueness of the Khorezm Lazgi, which is included on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The award ceremony for the winners of the competition programme also took place on this day.

The festival was attended in person by groups and specialists from the United Kingdom, France, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Brazil, Japan, Spain, Egypt, Georgia, India, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as online from the USA, Austria, Jordan, Mexico, Ghana, Russia, North Macedonia, Iran, China, Pakistan and Italy.