Armenian Folk Dance & Song Teacher Hasmik Harutyunyan Charms Students

Tatevik Hovhannisyan
Staff Writer

Armenia has an ancient history and with its history comes a great culture, featuring different kind of dance and song.
On Saturday, March 31, respected folk singer and dancer teacher Hasmik Harutyunyan held an Armenian Dance and Song Workshop for students at Fresno State, sponsored by the Armenian Students Organization and partially funded by the Associated Students, Inc.

It has already become a tradition at this time of year, for Harutyunyan to visit Fresno State and teach students traditional Armenian dances and songs and have a wonderful time.

Harutyunyan used the first half of the workshop to teach some beautiful Armenian folk songs: Noubar Noubar, Sari Aghjik, Sareri Hovin Mernem, and Bingyol. For some in attendance, the songs were familiar, but for others they were new. She explained every single word to the people that didn’t understand the Armenian language.

After singing those traditional songs Harutyunyan, with her positive and bright energy, then took to the dance floor, where she taught some folk dances; Kochari, Tamzara, Gyovand, Pompouri, Shoror, Hamshen dances, Ver Veri, and Mayroke, each representing a different region of Armenia.

Harutyunyan explained that in each region dances are performed in a unique way. While teaching the dances she also told some jokes. The time passed with a lot of laugher and positive moments.

After the workshop was over, Harutyunyan gathered all the students and gave them advice on how to keep the Armenian traditions alive.

“I love teaching. It gives me so much happiness,” stated Harutyunyan. “Plus, I especially love to teach these dances and songs to young people and the people that live in the Diaspora, because I want them to always remember the dances we learned and how rich their culture is. It’s especially hard to keep your culture when you are away from your country. We have to always hold our heads up especially our youngsters.”

“I wish each of you good health. Always be positive,” stated Harutyunyan. “Walk with your heads held high and always be proud of what you are. I love you all and I will see you soon.”