Armenian dance has its beginnings in worship and healing rituals, where many circle dances originated. Throughout Armenian history, these rituals became folk dances that varied by region.
Dances from this region, which is the present-day republic of Armenia, include the energetic men's dance Jo John, which is also known as Zhora Bar. The Mom Bar, also known as the Candle Dance, is often performed at weddings. Dancers blow out candles at the end of the song to say farewell to the guests. A women's free-form dance known as the Grace Dance also originates from this region.
Armenians fleeing massacres to Western Anatolian Armenia, which is now in Turkey, have successfully passed dances from this region around the world. Laz Bar, from Sev Tsov on the Black Sea coast, is one notable dance from this area. This dance incorporates the area's fishing lifestyle through shoulder shimmies, which are said to mimic the swimming motion of fish.
Dances from this region, which used to be Armenia, are typically classified under other regions or countries, but they have a definite Armenian influence. Stylistic elements include dancing in a tight line, linked closely together, a symbol of solidarity and cultural preservation. The footwork is tight and strong. Precise contact with the ground signifies that the Armenian people make whatever earth is beneath them their home.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Armenian-Americans redefined traditional Armenian folk dances, creating a new fusion of Armenian and other folk dances. The new dances address themes of loss, often using lost loves as a symbol for the lost land. These new traditions also reflect the human ability to rebuild what has been destroyed. Armenian dance groups thrive all over the world.
In 1915, Soviet takeover brought with it a rich ballet tradition. Armenia's ballet thrived, and Yerevan was said to have the best ballet in the Soviet Union, after Moscow and Leningrad. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Armenia fell into war, and the ballet struggled to thrive. Today, however, the National Ballet is flourishing. In 1999, Armenian choreographer Roudolf Kharatian founded the ARKA ballet in Washington, DC, which performs many Armenian-influenced pieces. Kharatian continues to practice his art in Armenia. In the early 2000s, Armenia experienced a growth in freedom of travel, ideas and commerce, nurturing more experimental companies. The Nane Ballet is one such group, fusing folk and jazz in its work.