Asma Kasma dance is a dance from Azerbaijan, literally meaning “Hanging Cutting”. This South Caucasus region dance style is a “celebratory” dance and is mainly performed during marriages. Furthermore, this dance comprises of an extremely slow tempo and exaggerated feet movements.
A. History/origin of Asma Kasma dance:
According to the cultural history of Azerbaijan, this dance was named so after a type of music called “Asma Kasma” which was commonly used during marriages while escorting the bride and bridegroom home.
B. Costumes used in the Asma Kasma dance:
Traditional Azerbaijani costumes are used by the male and female performers respectively. They are as follows:
1. For men:
The attire worn includes a colourful long jacket, a trouser, and pair of shoes.
2. For women:
The attire worn includes a colourful dress that includes a skirt, a colourful overcoat, and an elaborate headgear.
C. Music involved in the Asma Kasma dance:
Traditional Azerbaijani musical instruments such as tar i.e. a skin faced lute, a kamancha i.e. a skin faced spike fiddle, the saz i.e. a long lute, tutek i.e. whistle flute, daf i.e. frame drum etc are used in this dance style.
D. Training availability and technique involved in the Asma Kasma dance:
In terms of technique, this dance involves the use of exaggerated feet movements such as jumping. Furthermore, the female performers perform by positioning themselves in front of the bride. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “celebratory” dance is mainly performed in Azerbaijan.