Traditional Dances

On May 25, 2012 the tradition of folk dances with Karin Ensemble restarted at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. 
Karin derives from the name of the region in Western Armenia, presently known as Erzrum, and is specialized in reviving the tradition of pure Armenian folk dance, particularly, the elements common for Western Armenia. The leader of the Ensemble, Gagik Ginosyan, started each session at the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden with an introduction of a theme of a particular dance, its meaning, purpose, as well as the traditional elements involved. In his introductions, Mr. Ginosyan explained that, whether pagan or Christian, the Armenian people have always been striving for kindness and rejecting all kinds of evil, which is reflected in our folk dances. After Mr. Ginosyan's passing, his legacy lives on through the members of the Karin Group, who continue to uphold his cherished traditions and spirit.
The professional dancers from Karin dressed in traditional attire spread out among the public, make circles and teach people the dance elements.
In May-September, every last Friday of the month, hundreds of people join in for a dance, irrespective of the weather, with Armenian identity hovering over the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden.