Hamazkayin Meghry Ensemble on the Rise

Established in 2011 under the auspices of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association of Philadelphia, the Meghry Dance Ensemble has come a long way with a few young dancers and their vibrant love for Armenian dance.

The group first performed at the Lower Merion Public Library in August 2011, when they danced at the Multi-Cultural Fair. Now Meghry is 20-plus members strong, and is aiming to connect with the youth, help perpetuate our Armenian culture, strengthen our spirit, and preserve our music and dance.

Over the past two years, Meghry members have performed on many local stages in the greater Philadelphia area. Just a few months ago, on April 5, they performed at the multi-cultural dance event at the University of the Sciences; at the Armenian Genocide Walk on April 27; and at the International House of Philadelphia Annual Gala on May 18.

The Meghry Ensemble concluded the year with its annual hantess (concert) on June 1, at the St. Gregory’s Church Founders Hall, where more than 180 people came to watch their spectacular performance. This high-energy group has a great presence in the Philadelphia community, and is scheduled to perform a number of performances in the area over the next few months.

Tovmas Harutyunyan, a graduate of the Khanamiryan Dance Academy in Yerevan and the owner of the Khanamiryan Dance Academy in New York City, joined Meghry as its artistic choreographer. The Philadelphia Hamazkayin extends its sincere gratitude to Sareen Garabedian, a student majoring in dance at Temple University, for her support and assistance in training the dancers since the beginning.