Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, will host the European Oriental-Belly Dance Championships and Cups, due September 6-8.

Following long-lasting negotiations between Azerbaijan's Modern and Social Dance Association and the International Dance Organization, the sides signed an agreement to hold the championship in the Azerbaijani capital Baku.

"This is the first event of such a level that we intend to hold in Azerbaijan," says president of the Association, Aziz Azizov.

According to Azizov, dancers from across Europe will show their dancing skills in nine nominations of belly dance in several age categories.

He said referees from Italy and other European countries will assess the performances.

Azizov said dance championships are held in the world regularly, adding, "Now, we want to develop this in our country, because dancing is an integral part of the society."

According to Azizov, unfortunately, the funds needed to hold such championships are unavailable to the Association and Azerbaijani dancers now.

"Although our dancers are among the strongest in Europe, [holding] events of such a high level requires much spending which we don't have at our disposal yet. But we are working in this direction and would appreciate any outside assistance, because a chance like this is given to a country once in a generation," Azizov added.

Moreover, during the championship Azerbaijan will host another international contest and festival of modern and social dance, Silk Way 2013, which is expected to draw participants and referees of countries from all over Eurasia.