Armenian dance

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Traditional Armenian Dance

The Armenian dance (Armenian: Հայկական Պար) heritage has been one of the oldest, richest and most varied in the Near East. From the fifth to the third millennia B.C., in the higher regions of Armenia, the land of Ararat, there are rock paintings of scenes of country dancing. These dances were probably accompanied by certain kinds of songs or musical instruments. In the fifth century Moses of Khoren (Movsés Khorenats'i) himself had heard of how the old descendants of Aram (that is Armenians) make mention of these things (epic tales) in the ballads for the lyre and their songs and dances.

Traditional dancing is still popular among expatriate Armenians, and has also been very successfully `exported' to international folk dance groups and circle dance groups all over the world. The majority of people feel something special in Armenian dances, and in the passion, subtlety, and eloquence which they embody. All dancers wear the traditional costume to embody the history of their culture and bring their ancestors stories alive. The design of these costumes are influenced by many factors, such as religious traditions, family methods, and practicality. The traditional deep red color and exquisite beading of the costumes brings the dance and the tradition together. The beautiful movements of the Armenian cultural dance are adored by all audience around the world. ^[1]

Religious dancing

The origin of religious dancing is ancient, an expression of the inner feelings of the worshipers. It is of interest to note that dance never occurred alone, but was always accompanied with song, clapping of hands, and musical instruments. As with music, so too the dance expressed a person’s internal spiritual emotions and personal disposition. By its very movements dance is able to bring out and make known a person’s grief and joy.^[2]

Notes

1. ^ Gary Lind-Sinanian - ALMA
2. ^ "The Shepherd and His Flock"—By Rev. Zenob Nalbandian

See also

• Armenian music
• Tamzara
• Kochari
• Yarkhushta (Spear Dance)
• Bertpar (Castle Dance)
• Gyond par (Group Dance)
• Harsnapar (Bride Dance)
• Menapar (Single Dance)
• Nazpar (Graceful Dance)
• Sasnapar (Dance of Sasoun region)
• Shirkhani (Group Dance)
• Shurjpar (Group Dance)
• Souserapar (Sword Dance)
• Vagharshapat Dance
• Zuykpar (Double Dance)
• Zeytouni par (Dance of Zeytoun region)
• Sirto
• Uzundara (Bride's dance)

External links

• Armenian Dance Videos
• Clips of authentic Kavaragan Armenian Folk Dances from Historical Armenia: Tamzara, Popouri, Laz Bar, Arapkir Bar, Akheltskha Vart, Govduntsi, Bijou, Kessab Bar, Haleh, Shushan, Suleimanli,Shavali. (Archived 2009-10-25)