Sassoun Dance Ensemble

The Sassoun Dance Ensemble was established in 2004, under the guidance of Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Vicar and Parish Priest of Holy Trinity Armenian Church.

Meet Our Leaders

Guiding the rhythm, tradition, and passion behind every performance. Get to know the dedicated individuals shaping the spirit and excellence of the Sassoun Dance Ensemble.

Assistant Director & Costume Coordinator

Sareen Avakian

Sevag Avakian

Artistic Director & Choreographer

Sassoun Dance Ensemble has performances annually, along with many other performances for various events, presenting traditional Armenian dances, as well as dances from other cultures.

Celebrating Our Journey Through Dance

  • Season 1 (2004/2005)

  • Season 2 (2005/2006)

  • Season 3 (2006/2007)

  • Season 4 (2007/2008)

  • Season 5 (2008/2009)

  • Season 6 (2009/2010)

  • Season 7 (2010/2011)

  • Season 8 (2011/2012)

  • Season 9 (2012/2013)

  • Season 10 (2013/2014)

  • Season 11 (2014/2015)

  • Season 12 (2015/2016)

  • Season 13 (2016/2017)

  • Season 14 (2017/2018)

  • Season 15 (2018/2019)

International Tours

From Armenia to the Americas, the ensemble has carried the spirit of Armenian dance across continents—representing culture, identity, and community on the world stage.

Armenia 2010
2010 Armenia & Karabagh

One Nation, One Culture Festival

Argentina 2019
2019 Argentina & Uruguay
Washington DC 2023
2023 Washington D.C., USA

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

2017 New York, USA
New York 2017
2021 Australia
Australia 2021
  • 2010 Armenia & Karabagh

    One Nation, One Culture Festival

    Armenia 2010
  • 2017 New York, USA
    New York 2017
  • 2019 Argentina & Uruguay
    Argentina 2019
  • 2021 Australia
    Australia 2021
  • 2023 Washington D.C., USA

    Smithsonian Folklife Festival

    Washington DC 2023

Sharing the Stage with the World's Best

Throughout its history, Sassoun Dance Ensemble has performed alongside some of Armenia's most celebrated singers and international artists — creating unforgettable moments for audiences around the world.

Raisa Mkrtchyan
2010 Raisa Mkrtchyan
Inga & Anush
2012 Inga & Anush
Silva Hakobyan
2013 & 2016 Silva Hakobyan
  • 2010 Raisa Mkrtchyan
    Raisa Mkrtchyan
  • 2012 Inga & Anush
    Inga & Anush
  • 2013 & 2016 Silva Hakobyan
    Silva Hakobyan

A Presence on Canada's Grandest Stages

From landmark venues to beloved national festivals, Sassoun Dance Ensemble has brought the art of Armenian dance to some of the largest and most celebrated gatherings across the country.

Armenia 2010
Canada's Wonderland July 1, 2013 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018
New York 2017
Raptors Pre Game Show at ACC February 23,2014
Argentina 2019
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) August 23, 2014
  • 2010 Armenia & Karabagh

    One Nation, One Culture Festival

    Armenia 2010
  • 2017 New York, USA
    New York 2017
  • 2019 Argentina & Uruguay
    Argentina 2019

Other Performances

Beyond annual and international showcases, the ensemble actively contributes to community events, collaborations, and special causes—continuing to represent Armenian identity through dance in every setting.

  • Holy Trinity Church Anniversary Celebrations

    A proud tradition of performing at our home church's milestone anniversary events.

    Holy Trinity Church Anniversary
  • Exile in the Cradle

    "Exile in the Cradle" Play

    A moving theatrical collaboration bringing Armenian history and culture to the stage.

  • Annual Carassauga Festival, Mississauga

    Representing Armenian culture each year at one of Canada's largest multicultural festivals.

    Carassauga Festival
  • Harsi Bar Music Video

    Khoren Mouradian's "Harsi Bar" Music Video

    The ensemble brought authenticity and grace to this Armenian music video production.

  • Harout Bedrossian's "Ayo" Music Video

    Dancers performed alongside renowned Armenian singer Harout Bedrossian in this production.

    Ayo Music Video
  • Aysor Music Video

    Shirak Tatosian's "Aysor" Music Video

    A beautiful collaboration blending Armenian dance with contemporary music.

  • United Way Event

    Lending their voice through movement to support this vital community fundraiser.

    United Way Event
  • Armenia Independence Celebration

    AYF Winterfest

    Performed at this beloved annual gathering three times over the years.

    2011 · 2013 · 2015
  • UofT Hart House Theatre

    Charm of Song & Dance at UofT Hart House Theatre, organized by the Academy of Serbian Dance

    2011 · 2012 · 2014
    AYC Toronto
  • Armenia Independence Celebration

    Armenia's Independence Celebrations

    Celebrated Armenia's 20th, 23rd, and 26th Independence Day with pride and tradition.

  • Pangea Multicultural Event

    Sharing Armenian heritage on a diverse multicultural stage alongside performers from around the world.

    Pangea Multicultural Event
  • McMaster University Hamilton

    Ottawa Armenian Festival

    Representing the Toronto community at the Armenian festival in the nation's capital.

    2012
  • Lousapem Theatre's "An Unusual Day"

    Collaborated with Lousapem Theatre in this special production.

    May 11, 12, 2013
    Lousapem Theatre An Unusual Day
  • Fr. Zareh Ordination Anniversary

    Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian's 20th Anniversary of Ordination

    A heartfelt performance honouring the ensemble's founding guide on this milestone occasion.

  • Igranka Bulgarian Festival

    Represented Armenian culture at this international cultural celebration.

    June 22, 2013
    Forest of Hope Memorial
  • Igranka Bulgarian Festival

    Unveiling of the "Forest of Hope" Memorial

    Performed at the tree planting ceremony and memorial unveiling in memory of the Armenian Genocide.

    September 24, 2016