Gagauz folk dance is an expression of their culture and tradition, being an important element of the cultural heritage of this ethnicity.
The Gagauz dances are diverse and reflect the cultural diversity of the Gagauz, being influenced by the Turkish, Balkan, Romanian and Russian dances. Slow movements, humble and dignified, are the main features of Gagauz folk dances.
The director of the museum in Besalma village, Ludmila Caracioban, says that the Gagauz dances appeared at the same time as the emergence of the Gagauz people. At present, almost every locality in the Autonomy has its folk band.
One of the most popular Gagauz dances is Kadınca (Kadinjiа). It is a joyful and energetic dance frequently danced during wedding celebrations and other special occasions.
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According to Ludmila Caracioban the Gagauz dances borrowed certain elements from Moldovan dances. The difference is that the Gagauz dance their hora counterclockwise.
The folk dances are a mirror of the Gagauz character, according to the renowned choreographer Constantin Ghermec, who took the fame of the Gagauz folk dance beyond the borders of our country.
Every Gagauz settlement has its traditions. There are eight types of dances just in Besalma: some are solo dances such as Kadinja, others are danced in pairs. Another type of dance involves three dancers, and it is called Kirata havası (the bride’s dance) in some villages and Marama in others – in the past it used to be danced by the bridegroom with his sisters.
Ludmila Caracioban, director of the History Museum in Besalma
We have a rich folklore due to the Turkic roots, a strong Balkan influence as well as the Moldovan footprint. Gagauz dance cobines all these elements, which emphasizes the nomadic roots of the people through pronounced and classical movements.
Constantin Ghermec, choreographer of the band “Düz Ava”
This material was developed in the framework of the project “Supporting institutionalized and sustainable dialogue on Gagauzia Autonomy”, implemented by CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation and financed by Sweden. The opinions expressed in this material pertain to the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of CMI or of Sweden.