Dance in the life of the Karachay-Balkar aristocracy

The article examines the role and place of dance in the life of the Karachay-Balkar aristocracy. The stated topic has not previously been the subject of special scientific study, which determines its relevance. The work analyzes linguistic data, specifically the connection between the Karachay-Balkar title biy (prince) and the word for dance (biy) among certain Turkic peoples, which is interpreted as a relic of the ancient ritual significance of dances performed by tribal leaders. The study demonstrates that dancing proficiency was mandatory for representatives of the Karachay-Balkar upper class; in this context, an analogy is drawn with European and Russian aristocracy. Initiation rites involving dance trials for both girls and boys from princely families are considered. Based on eyewitness accounts and photographic materials from the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries, specific dances performed by the aristocracy, as well as the etiquette norms accompanying them, are described. Particular attention is paid to documentary evidence regarding the outstanding mastery of noble families: Balkarukovs, Krym-Shamkhalovs, Misakovs, and Urusbievs. The tradition of firing firearms during dances, which sometimes led to tragic consequences, is also noted. It is emphasized that critical remarks by some observers regarding the monotony of the dances they witnessed may have stemmed from a misunderstanding of the internal culture, aristocratic etiquette, and strict adherence to traditional movements. The article provides examples of how the art of dance helped members of the Karachay-Balkar aristocracy survive under conditions of emigration in the post-October Revolution period. The concluding section shows the continuity of dance traditions: descendants of the Karachay-Balkar aristocracy in the Soviet and post-Soviet periods continued to professionally engage in national choreography (performers of ensembles such as "Kabardinka", "Balkaria", and émigré troupes), preserving and developing their ancestors' art. An interdisciplinary approach was applied in the research, utilizing methods such as narrative, historical-genetic, historical-comparative, contextual analysis, and visual source analysis.

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