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.

Stylized graphic of two figures in traditional clothing with Canadian maple leaf symbols beside a tall tower resembling the CN Tower.

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.

Sevag Avakian
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Sareen Avakian
Assistant Director & Costume Coordinator
A large group of performers and clergy in traditional and formal attire pose together on a theater stage with a blue curtain and an audience in the foreground.
Performance Highlights

Celebrating Our Journey Through Dance

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.

  • 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)

Sharing Our Heritage Globally

International Performances

Sassoun Dance Ensemble has proudly represented Armenian culture around the world, performing in major festivals and cities across multiple continents.

Group of dancers in traditional yellow attire performing a folk dance outdoors in front of a historic stone building.

2010

Armenia & Karabagh

One Nation, One Culture Festival

Group of dancers performing on stage with men in purple tops and black boots in front of women in black dresses, alongside an American flag.

2017

New York, USA

Two dancers in traditional attire performing a folk dance with red cloth props.

2019

Argentina & Uruguay

A female dancer in a red and white costume performing on stage with a male dancer in black behind her holding a sword.

2021

Australia

Group of people wearing red shirts posing outdoors near a large spiral art piece with the Washington Monument in the background at sunset.

2023

Washington D.C., USA

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

A Harmony of Dance and Song

Performances with Renowned Artists

Over the years, Sassoun Dance Ensemble has shared the stage with some of the most beloved Armenian and international singers, bringing unforgettable live performances to audiences across the globe.

Group of performers on stage in traditional yellow and red costumes with a female singer on the left holding a microphone.

2010

Raisa Mkrtchyan

Three presenters on stage with microphones in front of a group of performers in colorful traditional costumes, with a curved staircase leading to the stage.

2012

Inga & Anush

Group of people in traditional yellow and embroidered folk costumes holding hands and dancing on a wooden floor with a singer performing on stage in the background.

2013 & 2016

Silva Hakobyan

Group of performers in colorful traditional costumes lined up on stage under spotlights with a male singer holding a microphone on the left.

2014

Ruben Sasunci

A line of dancers in traditional red, black, and white costumes performing indoors on asphalt under stage lights.

2018

Monika Nazaryan & Arpi

A group of people performing a coordinated dance on stage under purple lighting.

2019

Hayk Petrosyan (Comedian) & Lilit Hovhannisyan

Dancing on Canada's Biggest Stages

Famous Stages

Sassoun Dance Ensemble has performed at high-profile venues and cultural events, showcasing Armenian dance at widely attended celebrations and multicultural festivals across Canada.

Armenia Day at Canada's Wonderland

July 1, 2011 / 2013 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2018

Canada Day Celebrations at Dundas Square, Downtown Toronto

February 23, 2014

Armenian Heritage Night at the Raptors Pre Game Show at ACC

August 23, 2014

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) on the International Stage

September 27, 2014

International Student’s Festival organized by the City of Toronto

August 23, 2015 & September 25, 2016

Richmond Hill’s “Taste of the Hill” Multicultural Festival

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

"Exile in the Cradle" Play

Annual Carassauga Festival in Mississauga

Khoren Mouradian's "Harsi Bar" Music Video

Harout Bedrossian's "Ayo" Music Video

Shirak Tatosian's "Aysor" Music Video

United Way Event

Honouring of Waterloo Police Chief, Matt Torigian

2011, 2013, & 2015

AYF Winterfest

Armenia's 20th, 23rd & 26th Independence Celebration

AYC Toronto

2011, 2012, & 2014

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

Pangea Multicultural Event

McMaster University in Hamilton

2012

Ottawa Armenian Festival

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

May 11 & 12, 2013

Lousapem Theatre's "An Unusual Day"

June 22, 2013

Igranka Bulgarian Festival

September 24, 2016

Unveiling of the "Forest of Hope" Memorial & Tree Planting Ceremony in memory of the Armenian Genocide

Make a Donation
View Upcoming Events
View Upcoming Events
Make a Donation