Srpouhi Lisitsian’s role in the documentation and study of dance songs

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the study of Armenian dance-song folklore in the works of Srbuhi Lisitsian (1893–1979), the founder of Armenian ethnodance studies. It is an undeniable fact that her works are a vital source not only for Armenian ethnographers and cultural scholars but also for their foreign counterparts. The article examines Lisitsian’s observations regarding Armenian folk dance songs, which are deeply rooted and intertwined with ancient ritual, cultic, and communal traditions. According to the author, the dance song is one of the essential components of folk theatrical dance performances: it is a spoken or sung text that is closely tied to the movement-based text—the dance itself—and this close connection is shaped by ancient ritualistic roots. This archaic layer is preserved especially in the refrains of the songs, which are relatively stable and resistant to change. In contrast, the verses and lines of the song lyrics are more flexible and subject to transformation, thus creating new content and influencing the dance as well.

In her research, Lisitsian addressed a range of genre-specific characteristics of dance songs, their form, modes of performance, and various issues of theme and content. She played a crucial role in documenting and preserving these song texts, acting

not only as a recorder but also as a translator from various languages. Lisitsian’s notations of dance-song texts now hold a significant place in the heritage of Armenian dance folklore. They have been republished by Armenian musicologists and remain a rich resource for future studies.