Learn about Lily Karapetian, our founder and instructor. Lily is a passionate dancer and teacher who has dedicated her life to Armenian dance. With years of experience and a deep love for her culture, she inspires students to grow, connect with their roots, and express themselves through movement.
Lily Karapetian was born into a family of distinguished dancers in Armenia, where both her mother and father shared a deep-rooted passion for the performing arts. From a young age, Lily was immersed in dance, joining a local troupe that nurtured her early talent and set the stage for a lifelong career in the art form.
She was accepted into Armenia’s prestigious Choreographic Academy, where she graduated with high honors. Upon completing her formal training, Lily went on to teach at the Opera Ballet Theatre of Armenia, where she led the youth division in traditional Armenian cultural dance. In 1998, Lily moved to the United States and continued her mission to preserve and promote Armenian dance. Together with her mother, she co-founded Nairi Dance Studio, where she has spent over two decades inspiring and educating new generations of dancers through a deep commitment to cultural heritage, artistic discipline, and community engagement.
Lily Karapetian is dedicated to preserving and passing down the rich tradition of Armenian cultural dance. She views dance as a powerful expression of Armenian history and identity, with each movement telling a story of resilience and pride. As an experienced teacher, Lily is committed to rooting this heritage in her students—helping them connect with their culture while developing discipline, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the art of Armenian dance.
