About AGD
Azad Gharibian Dance (AGD) is a not-for-profit organisation, which aims to promote and preserve the ancient art of Armenian dance and culture in Australia. It is the first and only Armenian dance group in Victoria, formed in Melbourne on March 2nd 1994.
There are currently over 80 students in AGD's Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Social groups, with ages ranging from four to 70+ years of age. AGD prides itself on its inclusive group culture and accessibility to all ages and abilities, creating a place for Armenians to honour their traditions and express creativity and passion.
Since its formation, AGD has been performing all across Australia at a wide range of multicultural events, festivals, weddings and concerts, often collaborating with other Armenian and Multicultural dance groups, celebrating rich culture and diversity within Australia.
History – Azad Gharibian
Azad Gharibian Dance (AGD) is named after and is a tribute to the late Azad Gharibian, a famous choreographer and dancer from Armenia.
Azad Gharibian dedicated his life travelling around Armenia to learn the depths of his culture and heritage, where he collected and re-created folkloric dances from different regions of the country. He visited various villages, where he observed and learned their traditional dances and nuanced rituals.
Azad was inspired to incorporate his new experiences into his own creations, and with his unique style, he created and breathed new life into traditional Armenian dances, some of which being centuries old and would have otherwise been forgotten.
'Krounk' (translating to crane) was Azad's favourite bird and symbolic to the Armenian people. Cranes never travel alone, always in groups, a trait that Azad connected with. So much so that in the 80s, he formed the 'Krounk Dance Ensemble'.
Azad's passion and dedication to the art of dance was so strong, that after his sudden death in 1988, his students vowed to keep his legacy alive – one of them being Hermine Kuyumcian.
Founder – Hermine Kuyumcian
"I've had the honour of teaching Armenian dance in Australia for the last 30 years through Azad Gharibian Dance – a living tribute to the enduring legacy of late choreographer Azad Gharibian. Words cannot express how proud I am of all my students – from past to present, juniors to seniors – for everything they've achieved throughout the years, and importantly, for keeping our rich culture and heritage alive in Australia. All your hard work and dedication continues to inspire me every day, and I couldn't be more grateful for you all."
Hermine Kuyumcian, who was born in Yerevan, Armenia, started her dancing career at the age of five. At only 12 years of age, she became an assistant dance teacher for "Yeridasartootyun" Dance Group, despite being the youngest in her group. Following this, Hermine began tutoring dance at multiple schools, cultural centres and universities.
By age 16, she was invited to join the "Krounk" dance group as a professional dancer, led by the renowned choreographer and dancer, Azad Gharibian. For years, Hermine has travelled with Krounk to perform around the world, constantly in awe and inspired by his work.
After Azad's sudden passing in 1988, Hermine vowed to honour his name, memory and choreography. In 1994, she formed Azad Gharibian Dance – a living tribute to his enduring legacy.