On July 22, 2016, the grand opening ceremony of the “My Armenia” Pan-Armenian Festival was marked with the launch of the Days of Armenian Dance at Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. The festival was dedicated to the 25th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan presented the welcoming address of the President of the Republic of Armenia, which highlighted the role of the “My Armenia” Pan-Armenian Festival in reinforcing the relations between Armenia and the Diaspora, the preservation of national identity and the development of Armenian culture.

The Taron Dance Group(Choreographer: Suren Abramyan) of the Hayartun Center at the Armenian Diocese in Georgia (Director: Levon Chidilyan) took part in a traditional parade to mark the opening of the festival, and in the evening joined with a performance at the grand opening concert , presenting a traditional Armenian dance “Sgherdi Kochari”. The revived dance ensemble attended this prestigious event for the first time. The opening ceremony included performances by 48 dance groups from 25 countries.

On July 24, the Taron Dance Group performed traditional Armenian dances during the concert at the Achemian State Drama Theatre of Gyumri. The dance ensemble professionally performed proud and passionate dances, and earned a thunderous applause.

Every day dedicated to Armenian Dance within the framework of the 3rd “My Armenia” Pan-Armenian Festival was organized in an interesting and meaningful way. The participants not only presented the culture, but toured the Motherland, visited historical monuments and sacred sites. The members of the Taron Dance Group visited the National Gallery of Armenia in Yerevan, made a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Talin and Goshavank Monastery, bathed in Lake Sevan.

Tbilisi’s “Ani” Dance Ensemble and “Vank” Dance Group, Javakhk’s “Vachian” and “Baralet” Dance Groups participated in the festival.