“Don’t be capricious” is the literal English translation of a South Caucasus region dance form known as Naz Elama. This “couple dance is said to have originated from Azerbaijan. Furthermore, this dance style mainly focuses on the use of facial “expression” and elegant feet movements. Apparently, this dance was made popular in the country by a folk dancer known as Amina Dilbazi. In addition, this dance has been performed in an Azerbaijan musical movie titled “The labor and rose” which has been directed by Tofig Taghizade.
A. History/origin of Naz Elama:
There is no information available regarding the history/origin of this dance style originating from Azerbaijan.
B. Costumes used in the Naz Elama:
Traditional Azerbaijani costumes are used by the male and female performers respectively. They are as follows:
1. For males:
The attire worn includes a colourful long jacket, a trouser, and pair of shoes. In addition, a prop in the form of a sword is tied around the waist of the performer.
2. For females:
The attire worn includes a colourful dress that includes a skirt, a colourful overcoat, and an elaborate headgear.
C. Music involved in the Naz Elama:
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 the technique involved in the Naz Elama:
In terms of technique, the performers i.e. male and female synchronize quick feet movements with hand movements. In addition, the performers also make use of facial expressions while dancing to the accompanying music. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “couple” dance is mainly performed in Azerbaijan.