The courses for Diaspora Armenian choirmasters, dance instructors and dance group directors continue at the Cultural Center of Yerevan State University. The enthusiasm and the sounds of music make it clear that these are not ordinary lessons. The participants are from different countries, but they are familiar with Armenian songs and dances and enjoy the lessons. They discuss, give advice and help each other out.

Ani Mkrtchyan is from Orenburg and is visiting Armenia for the first time, but she says she feels at home. Although Ani lives far away from the homeland and isn’t aware of life and the present in Armenia, she hasn’t become detached from her roots. The Armenian community of Orenburg has created the Nane Ensemble, which has 25 members. Ani says the goal is to open a boys’ group since the boys are very interested. However, the community does more than that. “A year ago, we opened an Armenian school named after Vahan Teryan. We named it after the great Armenian poet because, as you know, it was in Orenburg where the great poet died in 1920,” Ani says. She is in the homeland to improve her knowledge about Armenian dance, as well as to see the homeland and exchange her experiences. Ani, for whom dance has become a lifestyle, says she’s proud to mention that even foreigners are interested in learning Armenian national dances. Ani told us that even people of Turkish and Azerbaijani descent attended the events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, but they do everything they can to make sure the events aren’t politicized and are held within morally permissible limits. The community organizes various kinds of events and celebrates holidays in order to try to preserve the Armenian identity within the community, as well as present Armenian songs and dances that many long for. Ani says she feels like a genuine Armenian when she’s dressed in a national costume and feels obliged to transmit her knowledge to as many children as possible.

Arevik Armenakyan is from the Ukrainian city of Odessa and is also participating in these courses. She’s a future doctor, but her choice of profession doesn’t stand in her way of singing and dancing because it’s all in her heart and soul. “I discover my identity when I sing Armenian songs and perform Armenian dances. My state of mind immediately changes, and I enter a new Armenian world. To put it shortly, I’m in my element,” Arevik mentioned. Arevik is one of the dancers of Barekamutyun Ensemble, which has helped her achieve success. Arevik, whose name means “little sun” in Armenian, hadn’t returned to the homeland for eight years, but says she had thought of returning to Armenia for a long time. “No matter what happens, I know the last stop will be Armenia. That’s how I feel and that’s how I want it to be,” she says. For her, the symbols of the homeland in a foreign country have always been song and dance, as well as the rich Armenian culture.