Shalakho / Şalaxo

Shalakho sketch.
Rhythm Series - Azerbaijani folk dances

“Shalakho” is one of the oldest Azerbaijani dances.
"Shalakho" takes its name from the word "shala" ina single line of the song. Even now most people call this dance "Shalakho", which previously was called "Shalakum", "Shalagoy". Performed by Azerbaijanis living in the ancient districts of Tbilisi, this dance was learned by Georgians over time. The name of the dance was adapted to the Georgian language and was called "Shalakho". The dance is based on the typical 6-8 rhythms of Azerbaijani Turks.
Composer Afrasiyab Bedelbeyli used "Shalakho" musicin the "Maiden's Tower" ballet, giving it the power of expression and movement.