The History of the Armenian Kochari Dance
The Kochari is an ethnic dance originating in Armenia. Bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Armenians are Middle Easterners with a long history and Christian culture. Armenians used to be a Christian minority in the Muslim Ottoman Empire (now modern-day Turkey). The aggressive, vigorous Kochari dance dates back to this time when Armenians were at odds with their rulers.
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Geographic Origin
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This folk dance originated in the Kars and Artvin provinces of what is now Turkey (border areas right across from present-day Armenia). The Kochari is not danced in these areas anymore, as the Armenians were driven out by the Turks in the aftermath of World War I.
Time of Origin
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Armenians began to dance the Kochari in the 19th century, when repression by the Ottoman Empire was particularly brutal. The dance is danced to a 2/4 rhythm. Dancers form a closed circle, putting their hands on each other's shoulders. This may symbolize the alienation that this minority community felt at the time of the dance's birth.
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What it Looks Like
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The dance is danced by both men and women and is intended to be intimidating. More modern forms of Kochari have added a "tremolo step," which involves shaking the whole body.
Significance of the Name
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The dance migrated east after Armenians were driven out of Turkey. This movement is appropriate for its name, which in various Turkish languages signifies "nomad."
Kochari Today
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The dance remains popular in Armenia and is danced at official functions, according to Armenian newspaper "Asbarez."
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit armenia flag button image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
