Aberdeen, UK – Aberdeen residents discovered the vibrant world of Azerbaijani folk dance on May 31, 2025, when the BA Cultural Center opened its doors at 27 Kepplestone Avenue for an evening of cultural immersion. Helen Lynch from the University of Aberdeen and dance instructor Billura Bernard led participants through traditional steps that have connected communities for centuries.
The free workshop attracted dance enthusiasts from across the city, each eager to learn the expressive movements that define Azerbaijani cultural identity. Participants mastered iconic dances including Uzun Dere and Yalli, alongside other regional folk traditions, discovering how movement becomes storytelling through intricate hand gestures and dynamic group formations.
Timing made the event particularly meaningful. Just three days after Azerbaijan’s Independence Day on May 28, the workshop offered Aberdeen residents a chance to connect with the heritage of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918. The date resonates deeply with Azerbaijani communities worldwide as they honor their ancestors’ determination and cultural resilience.
Helen Lynch, Reader in Early Modern Literature & Creative Writing at the University of Aberdeen, brings extensive experience in cross-cultural programming to Aberdeen’s arts scene. Lynch regularly organizes Balkan Dance workshops at the university, teaching participants dances from Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Romania, Turkey, and Armenia. Her approach creates spaces where diverse traditions meet and flourish together.
The workshop demonstrated how traditional dance transcends entertainment. Each formation told stories passed down through generations, while colorful costumes reflected the artistic heritage of Azerbaijan’s regions. Participants learned that Azerbaijani dance creates community bonds through synchronized movements that require trust, timing, and shared rhythm.
Bernard and Lynch structured the evening to accommodate dancers of all skill levels. Beginners learned foundational steps while experienced dancers explored more complex patterns. The instructors explained cultural context behind each dance, helping participants understand the customs and celebrations that originally inspired these movements.
Aberdeen’s cultural calendar continues expanding as organizations like the BA Cultural Center bring world traditions to local audiences. The workshops continue to create opportunities for residents to engage with global heritage while building connections within their community. The success of the Azerbaijani dance workshop demonstrated Aberdeen’s growing appetite for cultural diversity.
