Armenian dances are a kind of expression of the character of the people. The roots of national choreography are in ancient times, when the inhabitants of Hayastan worshiped pagan gods. Many movements to this day have preserved the ancient ritual-cult significance. Researchers concluded that initially Armenian dances were divided into ritual, religious and domestic. For example, hunters often imitated the movements of animals. Incidentally, the famous Armenian Kochari dance was originally an imitation of the jumping of animals on the tops of the cliffs. He is accompanied by a game of dhol and zurn. This is a temperamental male dance, which consists of fast and slow parts. Distributed almost everywhere in Armenia. Also included in many classic works of choreography. Translated, "Kochari" means "a brave man." It was often performed before the start of the battle in order to “warm up” and raise morale.
Armenian dances can be not only hunting, but also warlike. As an example, you can cite bird. The word itself means "fortress" in translation. This dance probably arose at a time when the mountain people of Transcaucasia had to fight for their lands with superior opponents. Men and women dance, holding hands, moving, but clearly observing the system. The culmination is the construction of a living fortress.
The ancient dance of Yarhushta also refers to martial arts. It was performed both before and after the battles. Two fighters in full arms and vestments fought in a dance. These fights were, so to speak, “not real”, were of a ritual and training nature.
Armenian dances are very diverse. Among them, among others, one can distinguish shepherd’s, children’s, comic, labor, and parody. The listed varieties are distinguished by temperament and folk humor. Often, Armenian dances accompanied the usual actions like winemaking or making bread. Some of them are associated with felting, kneading dough and other household processes.
Armenian dances can be divided into male and female. The strong sex is agile, energetic in dance. Women's movements are more graceful, sophisticated and flowing. Armenian folk dances can be in group, single or doubles. In each of these cases there will be a specificity of movements.
One cannot but mention the Armenian dance outfits. They are heterogeneous and have serious territorial differences. For example, a dancer from Karabakh will dress differently than a Yerevanian. The colors of the outfits have a certain meaning. For example, white symbolizes purity, red symbolizes courage, and blue symbolizes justice.
Unfortunately, far from all the masterpieces of Hayastan’s folk choreography have survived to this day. Huge damage to the cultural and historical heritage of the nation was caused by the 1915 genocide committed by the Turkish authorities, as well as centuries of oppression and oppression by the Ottoman Empire. However, the number of Armenian dances that has survived to this day is truly impressive. Moreover, thanks to Spyurk (scattering in the diaspora), they became known almost to the whole world.