Performed by both “men and women” is a South Caucasus region dance form known as Tello. This “traditional” dance is said to have originated from Azerbaijan. Furthermore, this dance is considered to be similar to yet another style known as “Yalli”. In addition, this dance is said to be extremely popular throughout the country.
A. History/origin of the Tello:
There is no information available related to the history/origin of this dance form that has originated from Azerbaijan.
B. Costumes used in the Tello:
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.
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 Tello:
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 Tello:
In terms of technique, the performers in this dance style initially hold the little fingers of each other and lift them up to the level of the shoulder. Furthermore, there exists two quick parts in this dance in which performers then move their shoulders up and down. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “traditional” dance is mainly performed in Azerbaijan.