Dubai A one-night-only performance of Chechen folk groups dazzled the audience at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Al Mamzar last week.
The performance featured Vanikh, the national traditional Chechen dance ensemble, Dakmokh and the children's song and dance troupe, among others.
The event was organised by Dubai Culture in collaboration with the Chechen Ministry of Culture.
In the audience
The performance was attended by Shaikh Hasher Al Maktoum, Director-General of Dubai Department of Information and Ramzan Akhmadovich Kadyrov, President of the Chechen Republic.
Notable performances included a tightrope walker, a drum line-up and six female singers.
A ten minute documentary about Chechnya, titled Region Open for Investment, showing its history and different economic sectors preceded the performances.
There was a large presence of the Chechen community in the audience.
Malika Madaeva said she had no words to describe the beauty of the performance.
Fellow Chechen Zulay Apkaeva said she has been in Dubai for 17 years and the performance was a great chance for other nationalities to get to know her country's culture and traditions. She added that she would like everyone to visit Chechnya.
Great history
Essam Ahmad said: "It was a very good performance, it reflected the heritage, culture and art of the Chechen Republic.
"It showed that they have a great history and that they can express this heritage through the new generations."
He added the evening also represented an window on possible economic investments in the country.
Choreographed sword fights make a point
Lezginka — a Chechen dance performed in traditional costumes — was the highlight of the evening.
The men imitated eagles through hand gestures and dance as the women glided gracefully across the stage in flowing dresses and head scarfs. The Dakmokh ensemble featured children as young as eight dancing with a skill and passion that rivalled their older counterparts.
A Lezginka involving high-speed choreographed sword fights stole the show. The sword fight stopped when a female dancer took off her head scarf and threw it between the swordsmen.
In Chechen culture, a woman can stop a fight by baring her head and letting her scarf fall between the fighters.
