Preserving Armenian Folk Dance: Remembering Apo Ashjian

Julia Wagner · 2026-05-10

The dance community lost a giant recently. Apraham "Apo" Ashjian dedicated his life to preserving Armenian folkloric dance, and his legacy will keep inspiring dancers and choreographers for generations. ### A Life Devoted to Tradition Apo didn't just teach steps. He taught stories. Every movement carried centuries of history, and he made sure those stories stayed alive. His students didn't just learn choreography—they learned what it meant to be Armenian. Think about that for a second. In a world where trends change overnight, Apo held onto something timeless. He understood that dance isn't just entertainment. It's identity. ### Why Folk Dance Matters More Than Ever Here's the thing about folk dance: it connects us to where we came from. In the United States, where so many of us are immigrants or descendants of immigrants, that connection can feel fragile. Apo's work reminded us that dance can bridge that gap. - It preserves language and culture through movement - It builds community across generations - It gives young dancers a sense of belonging - It keeps traditions alive in a modern world Apo didn't just teach Armenian dances. He taught dancers how to carry their heritage with pride. ### Lessons for Dance Professionals If you're a dance studio owner or choreographer, there's a lot to learn from Apo's approach. He didn't chase trends. He focused on authenticity. And that's what made his work so powerful. > "Dance is the hidden language of the soul," Apo once said. And he lived those words every single day. For choreographers, the takeaway is simple: don't lose sight of why you started. Whether you teach ballet, hip-hop, or folk dance, the heart of what you do matters more than the flashiest routine. ### How to Honor His Legacy Want to keep Apo's spirit alive in your own studio? Start by digging into the stories behind the dances you teach. Ask yourself: what does this movement mean? Where did it come from? Who kept it alive before me? Here are a few practical steps: - Research the cultural origins of each dance you teach - Invite guest artists who specialize in traditional forms - Create space for students to share their own heritage - Document your choreography and the stories behind it Apo understood that preservation isn't about freezing something in time. It's about letting it breathe, evolve, and stay relevant while honoring its roots. ### The Bigger Picture We're living in a time when cultural appropriation is a real concern. But there's a difference between borrowing and honoring. Apo showed us how to honor. He didn't just perform Armenian dances—he lived them. For dance professionals in the US, this is a powerful reminder. Your work matters. Every class you teach, every routine you choreograph, every student you inspire—it all adds up to something bigger than just steps on a floor. Apo Ashjian is gone, but his rhythm lives on. Every time a dancer moves with intention, every time a choreographer tells a story through movement, that legacy continues. And honestly? That's the kind of legacy worth celebrating.