Lezginka or Lezghinka (, , Circassian: Лъапэрисэ, Шышэн, Къэжэхь, , , , , , , ) is a national dance of the many peoples in the Caucasus Mountains. Lezghins, Azeris, Chechens, Ossetians, Circassians, Karachays, Balkars, Abkhazians, Kabardins, Ingush, Ingilos, Mountain Jews, Georgians, the Russian Kuban and Terek Cossacks and the various ethnicities of Dagestan such as the Avars, Dargwa and Kumyks have their own versions. A dance of the Lezgian people of Daghestan and Azerbaijan. The name derives from the Lezghin people as they were probably the first Caucasian group the Russians saw dance this dance, but it misleads and Russians called all Caucasian dances as “Lezginka”. Lezginka can be a solo, couple or group dance. Men and women are dressed in traditional costumes; men wear a sword adorned on their side and women in long, flowing dresses. The man, imitating an eagle, dances in quick, concise steps; falling to his knees and leaping up quickly. The woman dances quietly, taking light, small steps—giving the appearance of her floating around the floor. When the dance is performed in pairs, the couples do not touch; the woman acknowledges the man, and dances discreetly about him. Aram Khachaturian’s 1942 ballet Gayaneh features a Lezghinka. Ayna’s rock version of the melody (Ceylan) made it to be known more in the Balkans and the Middle East.
