If you want to learn basic Tatar dance moves, there is a fabulous playlist by the State Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tatarstan.
What makes Tatar dance especially rich is how differently it's expressed across ethnic subgroups and regions. There is a video of a dance of Urmay tatarları, a Mişər Tatar group from the Chăvash village of Urmay, whose dance is characterized by a lot of hopping and tapping.
Perm tatarları are known for very wide, swinging movements, a style recognizable by its generosity of motion and brightness.
The dancing of the Tatars from Yərmək awılı in Samara district is heavily influenced by the Russian style of dancing, especially tapping one’s feet.
Əsterxan tatarları have very distinct costumes heavily influenced by those of Caucasians. The men’s dancing style has a very pronounced, strong character, while women move quietly and softly.
Nijgar tatarları from Tübən Novgorod, recognized for their beautiful couple dancing with sweeping moves and rhythmic foot tapping. Kerəşen Tatarları have a dancing style with distinct interplay between partners and frequent foot tapping.
And then there's the classic Kazan Tatar style itself, built on signature movements like öçle yöreş (triple step) and ükçə-baş (heel-toe), moves most people picture when they think of Tatar dance.
If you want to see a performance rich with beautiful choreography, I recommend you watch Tuy.
Tatar dance hasn't stayed just confined to village meadows: it has produced dancers of international level. Rudolf Nuriyev is remembered as one of the greatest ballet dancers of all time. İrek Möxəmmətov became a celebrated principal dancer for both the Bolshoi Ballet and the Royal Ballet in Great Britain. And Ğaliyə İzmaylova built a career that carried her fame from Uzbekistan to audiences spanning from Great Britain to China.
