Music and dance hold a special place in the heart of Armenians. Throughout history, each has served as a way to bind the Armenian community together and create new identities while paying homage to the traditions of the past.
Much of Armenian folk music exists today thanks to Soghoman Komitas, a priest and ethnomusicologist who documented folk music throughout Armenian communities in the early twentieth century. His work became an integral aspect of Armenian community-building at home and across Armenia’s many diasporas.
Music changed dramatically when Eastern Armenia became a satellite state of the Soviet Union, with the simplification of folk songs and the introduction of jazz. The combination of these two traditions is evident in contemporary music, and collaboration between Armenian and diasporan Armenian musicians traces the exchange and influence of a wide range of sonic experience.
Musicians

-
Ara and Onnik Dinkjian

-
Armen Hyusnunts Quartet

-
MVF Band

-
PANALÎ

-
Samvel Galstian Group

-
Secret Trio

-
Time Out

-
Vahagn Hayrapetyan Trio

-
Vardan Ovsepian Trio

-
Zulal
Dance
“In Armenia, when we are happy, we dance!”
In Armenia and across its many diasporas, dance is an important means of building community. Taught in schools and after school programs, it is a common aspect of social life. During the Folklife Festival, Armenian dance was presented as a part of the feast, with a special weekend Handes! Armenian Dance Summit, which brought together dancers from Armenia with diaspora dance groups from across the United States and Canada.

-
Akhtamar Dance Ensemble, Palisades Park, NJPhoto courtesy of the artists

-
Arev Armenian Dance Ensemble, Washington, D.C.Photo by J. Urban

-
Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble, Detroit, MichiganPhoto courtesy of the artists

-
Heritage Dance Company, Granada Hills, CAPhoto by Avo Guedekelian

-
Kaleidoscope Dance Ensemble, Washington, D.C.Photo courtesy of the artists

-
Menq & Hrayrq, Yerevan and Gyumri, ArmeniaPhoto courtesy of the artists

-
Milena Oganesyan, Washington, D.C.Photo by Lacey Young / Montana Kaimin

-
Sassoun Dance Ensemble, Toronto, Ontario, CanadaPhoto courtesy of the artists

-
Shghta or “Chain” / «Շղթայ», Washington, D.C.Photo by Olena Nykytovych