Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble

Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble

Founded in 1970, the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble is the country’s leading professional dance company, dedicated to preserving and promoting the richness of Azerbaijani choreographic traditions. Renowned for its expressive style and artistic excellence, the ensemble has toured extensively across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, representing Azerbaijan at major international festivals, cultural events, World Expos, and the Olympic Games.

Since 1982, it has been led by People’s Artist Afag Malikova, who has greatly expanded its repertoire, combining traditional Azerbaijani dances with works by national composers and selected international pieces. In recognition of its outstanding contribution to Azerbaijani culture, the ensemble received the Gold Medal at the International Carthage Folklore Festival in 1979 and was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Collective” in 1991. Today, it remains a leading ambassador of Azerbaijan’s dance heritage worldwide.