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 5th to the
3rd 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-inhand, 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.
Kochari
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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