Erzurum - Daldala (dance)

23/04/24 (Last modified 23/04/24)

This section of our website aims to document and share performances of various traditional Armenian dances that have been preserved by Diasporan communities in the United States. To this end, Houshamadyan is partnering and collaborating with a group of Armenian dance experts who have produced appropriate dance notations for documentation. This group consists of Carolyn Rapkievian (of Bar Harbor, Maine), Susan and Gary Lind-Sinanian (of Watertown, Massachusetts), Tom Bozigian (of Los Angeles, California), and Robert Haroutunian (Sunyside, NY).

Most probably Erzurum's Sanasarian College band performing on the banks of a lake. (Detail)

Daldala originated in Garin and spread throughout the region to Ardahan, Daron, Baghesh (Bitlis) and Van.  There are different versions of Daldala from these provinces.
"Dal, Dala" means "back, going back" in the Papert (Bayburt) dialect spoken in the region between Garin and Trabizon.  The beginning dance phrases start by going backwards.  The patterns are similar to some Tamzaras from this region.

This Daldala is from Garin (Ezerum) and was learned by Tom Bozigian from immigrants in Fresno California at the day school he attended as a youth.  Dancers in the video demonstrate two different variations.

Dancers: Tom Bozigian, Carolyn Rapkievian, Sheree King, Phoebe Okoomian

Recorded Music: Hachig Kazarian Orchestra, 1979; Sam Haidostian, Ashoogh Records, 1947

Daldala is a dance in 5/4 rhythm.

With thanks to Ara Dinkjian and Harout Arakelian

Film: Vaspurakan Dance Group

Daldala | Demonstration and Tutorial

An Armenian girl wearing traditional Erzurum/Garin Armenian costume. This photograph, originally in black and white, was digitally colorized using MyHeritage.com. Photographer: Kevork/George Djerdjian (source: George Jerjian collection, London).
Most probably an Erzurum/Garin Armenian family. Photographer: Kevork/George Djerdjian (source: George Jerjian collection, London).