Varna, Bulgaria — October 19, 2025. On the weekend of Oct. 17 ’till 19, AGBU Plovdiv “YAN” Dance Group, joined by young participants from Haskovo, took part in the Second International Dance Festival “Armenian Soul”, held in the famed seacoast city of Varna.
The festival gathered Armenian dance groups from across Bulgaria, with special guest performances by ”Urartu” Dance Ensemble from Komotini, Greece. The grand concert, staged at the Stoyan Bachvarov Drama Theatre, featured groups from Plovdiv, Sofia, Ruse, Burgas, Shumen, Varna, and Greece, uniting performers and audiences in a celebration of Armenian artistry, heritage, and identity.
A highlight of the festival was the traditional Master Class, held on Saturday, where participants learned several authentic Armenian folk dances.
The “YAN” Ensemble opened the festive concert program with the powerful dance “Avarayr.” Audiences familiar with their debut at the first edition of the festival were deeply impressed by their artistic growth and refinement. Their progress reflected the impact of intensive rehearsals in September under the guidance of renowned choreographers from Armenia — Gagik Karapetyan, ballet master and artistic director of Armenia’s State Dance Ensemble, and Arthur Gasoyan, deputy director of Armenia’s National Center of Folk, Music and Dance – a project initiated by AGBU Plovdiv Chairperson Hripsime Nourikian and Creative Coordinator Silvia Yuzengedjian.
The ensemble’s program — “Avarayr,” “Azkakragan Artashat,” the lyrical “Makhmur Aghchig,” and the newly premiered “Kayl Tebi Luys” (A Step Toward Light), choreographed especially by Maestro Gagik Karapetyan— captivated the audience with its harmony, energy, and deep emotional resonance, earning resounding applause.
The following day, all ensembles came together at Independence Square, transforming the city center into a colorful and joyful display of Armenian rhythm, movement, and community spirit.
The festival was organized by the “St. Sarkis – 2007” Cultural Center and “Gayane Marashlyan” Armenian Dance Ensemble, continuing a cherished tradition of bringing together Armenian communities in Bulgaria and beyond through the universal language of dance.
AGBU Plovdiv also extended its deep gratitude toward the Municipality of Plovdiv department of culture, for their support and assistance in making this trip and participation possible for the group.