Armenian Dance

Armenian dance is one of the oldest, richest and most varied types of dance in history. Rock paintings of scenes of dancing have been found from the 5 th to the 3 rd millennia B.C. in regions of Armenia.

These dances were accompanied by musical instruments like the davul and zurna (shrill pipe). Armenian traditional dance and music was sadly damaged as a result of the Genocide The survival of these arts in any form is something to celebrate.

Through its motions, Armenian dances can show suffering, fear, sadness, happiness, excitement, and many other emotions. Each dance symbolizes the livelihood, the ambitions, the traditional stories, the celebration of life, and the appreciation of beauty of the Armenian people.

Armenian Dances are usually performed by groups in the open. They are usually performed side-by-side, hand-in- hand, shoulder-to-shoulder or arm-in-arm. Dances performed by only women are very different than those performed by only men. However many dances are a combination of both men and women.

Though dance ensembles try to preserve tradition, many dances have to be altered for stage presentation. Stage versions are often quite different from the dances originally danced in villages. Some dance companies are criticized for these modifications.

The literal meaning of this dance is “Half Golden”. Traditionally, women dancing the Tamzara wore gold to symbolize luxury and wealth. There are many variations to the Tamzara but all Tamzara's have a unique rhythm, with the two accented beats at the end of each measure. Tamzara is one of the most popular Armenian folk dances to have been preserved in the United States by the Armenian-American community.

The Kochari originated in the Kars and Artvin, provinces of Western Armenia, over 1,000 years. Dancers form a closed circle with their hands on each other's shoulders to symbolize the hostility they were feeling at the time. The Kochari was created with the intention of intimidating enemies.

Armenian Dance Companies exist all over the world. Each company has their own unique twist or specialty; but they all have two main purposes: Encourage the youth in the diaspora to learn about their culture Teach non-Armenians in the area about the Armenian culture in a way that is exiting and appealing.

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