On May 10, in the city of Veszprém, the HAWK Dance Group performed as part of the “Gisella Days” celebrations. Every year in May, Veszprém celebrates “Gisella Days” in honor of Queen Gisella, the wife of King Stephen I. Veszprém is also known as the “City of Queens.” Various events take place throughout the city during the Gisella Days, and this year, the HAWK Dance Group was also part of the festivities.

The dance group presented the following traditional Armenian dances: “Shavali,” “Khosh Bilazig,” “Matsun em merel,” “Dance with Handkerchiefs,” “Ishkhanats Par” (Dance of the Nobles), and “Karno Kochari.” The performance was held on the stage near the Armenian “Ararat” memorial.

HAWK Dance Group was formed in March 2024 through the initiative of a group of Armenian youth living in Budapest, under the leadership of Sima Ohanyan. Initially, the group was intended for dance lessons, but over time, a professional dance group emerged from the participants. Today, the group is dedicated to presenting and promoting Armenian national culture both in Hungary and beyond. The main members of HAWK are Armenian students residing in Budapest. In the fall of 2024, the HAWK Choir was also established, which focuses on performing and promoting Armenian national and spiritual songs.

Since its formation, the HAWK group has participated in several events. Its first performance took place in Budapest’s 18th district during an event dedicated to Armenian Family and Children’s Day. In September 2024, the group had its first performance outside of Hungary, invited by the Armenian community of Gheorgheni, Transylvania. On November 22, 2024, HAWK held a concert at the K11 Cultural Center, dedicated to the 155th anniversary of Komitas. On March 25, 2025, the HAWK Dance Group performed during the play “Musa Dagh,” staged at Hungary’s National Theatre, commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In addition to its main performances, the group also takes part in the celebration of Armenian church holidays, organizes dance lessons, and performs at Armenian community events.

Article written by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879

Photos by Flora Hambardzumyan, Project code: 2024-1-HU01-ESC51-VTJ-000207879