But with the Armenian diaspora, the dancing, which continued as a way to keep connected to the old country, became even more individualistic, Rapkievian says, noting that the dances were further influenced by the host countries.ĭances of eastern Armenia, developed a Caucasian style of dance influenced by members of the Russian ballet who came into the territory incorporating acrobatics and ballet in performances that were often designed for the stage, not participation. Its key location in the South Caucaus region of Eurasia made it a central place for commerce with other cultures, but also a site for constant invasion from neighboring empires, the Ottomans to the west and Iran to the south and Russia to the east.Īlready the dance traditions of individual villages, separated by mountainous topography had been unique to each town. One of the oldest centers of civilization, Armenia once stretched from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea and between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Urmia in present-day Iran. While a few Armenian-Americans are among the top celebrities in the U.S.-from Kim Kardashian to Cher-less is widely known here about the Western Asian country. Postcard, Armenian Dance Ensemble, Nice, France, 1932Īrchives of the Armenian Folk Dance Society of New York “I worry that these dances are being lost,” says Rapkievian, who has studied the history of the dances of her grandparents who came to America in 1915 following the atrocities of World War I, and has helped preserve old notes and dance films of the movements that were often unique to the towns where they were performed. event to bring together such wide-ranging groups from North America and Armenia, says Carolyn Rapkievian, an assistant director for interpretation and education at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, who is serving as an Armenian dance advisor for this year’s Folklife Festival. The “Handes! Armenian Dance Summit,” during the second weekend of the Festival, July 6-8, is the first U.S. And as part of the “Armenia: Creating Home” program, dance will loom large among other presentations of food, wine and artisan craft. The cultures of Armenia and Catalonia will be featured in the festival on the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Those who circle up, link pinkies and swirl to the traditional village dances of Armenia believe they can.Īnd as part of the 52nd annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival this summer, scores of dancers from Armenia and across North America will perform, present master classes and share technique.
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