Information: Tom G. Bozigian, musician and teacher of Armenian dance.

Tom was born in Los Angeles, California, of Armenian parents. Tom's father immigrated from Gumri-Alexandropol (Leninakan), Armenia. Tom grew up in the Armenian community in Fresno, California, studying and experiencing Armenian language, music, and dance from both Caucasaian and Anatolian Armenians. Tom is particularly sought for his extensive knowledge of Armenian dances from the pre-1915 period.

Following the massacres of the Armenian population in eastern Anatolia by the Ottoman Turks during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many survivors found their way to the United States and the lush agricultural area of central California – the San Joaquin Valley – especially around Fresno. Through the activities of many Armenian pan-patriotic organizations, immigrants maintained the many songs and dances representing their many regions. Tom frequented these affairs where he developed a life-long love of original Armenian song and dance. In addition to the dances of the pre-1915 period and the Caucasian Armenian dances, Tom specializes in the new Armenian folk dances and in choreography for stage presentation.

A professional precussionist of music of the Caucasus, Near East, and the Balkans, Tom mastered the very complicated rhythmic meters of these regions in which he has many years of experience. Tom leads a folklore orchestra that has produced numerous recordings which are available from your local folk dance recording outlet or directly from Tom himself. He continues his classical dance training, studies musical arrangement and harmony, and directs a disk-jocky service called "Hye Bar Entertainment."

Tom and his wife, Sheree King, also a dancer and choreographer, live in the Los Angeles, California, area, where now the largest concentration of Armenians reside outside of Armenia.

Dances Tom has taught include Abaranjani Bar, Agar Magar, Aghcheekneroo Par, Aghcheek de Yel Khagha, Al Kalaa, Ali Ali (Ally Ally), Aree Yar Yar, Ashtarkee Par, Ambee Dageets (Armenian Turn), Amir Ya Maalem, Azgagrakan, Bar Kafaneets, Bardezuh Mer, Beejo (Bijo), Beet Kroonk, Bert Par, Chastooshki, Chors Goghk, Daldala Chandrozhee, Daronee, Daronee Yerker Yev Barer, Darontsineroo Bar, Debka Beirut, Debki Misirlou, Detroit, Dzakh Par, Dugha Zaven, Dzagh Bar, Eench Eemanee (Armenian Misirlou), Elloo Yar, Forka Forka, Fresno, Garoon (Karoun), Govand, Guhneega, Halay, Harsaneek, Hasaposerviko, Hashtayee, Hay Vala, Hayrer oo Mamoogner, Heeng oo Meg, Hey Vala, Hop Shourma, Hoy Nar, Jadili (Jeddili, Jeitili), Kadeh Yes Em, Karoun (Garoun), Karsi Bar, Kesabtsi Barer, Khahch, Khumkhuma (Teen), Kocharee, Lalvan, Loorke, Loosnee Shoghov (Moon Light), Loree, Lorkay (Lorge), Lorke-Lorke, Mamyana, Mandrakhagher - Ishkhani Veri Veri, Mareeyda, Martoonoo Kocharee, Mayorke, Medax Tashginag, Moosh, Moosh Barı, Moosho Gorani, Mooshooker, Nareh - Dikranagerd, Neenam Neenam, Oee Naze, Oor es Doo, Paeelanjo, Papakhnerov Par, Par Kafaneets, Pararee Sharan, Pompooreeg, Qafan Harsneekee Bar, Qafan Tsernapear (Kafan Wedding Dance), Rusion Cucumber Garden, Sadiye, Sari Sirun Yar - Yes Boojoor Sasoon, Sasoonashentsee, Seenjane Ovsana, Sepastia Bar (Sepo), Sepo, Sev Acherov Aghcheek (Girl with the Black Eyes), Sevani Bar, Shatakhi Tomzara, Shatty ya Deney, Shavalee, Sheikhani, Shiragi Tars Par, Shoorj Par, Shoror Aghcheek, Sirdes, Siroon Aghcheek (Sweet Girl), Syrtos, Tab el Hawa, Tahnzara - Arabkir, Tamzara, Tamzara - Pompooreeg, Tarontseeneero Par, Telloo se Yedee, Top Shourma, Tsatkeh, Tughmartneroo Kocharee, Vana Gyond (Soghag), Vana Loreeg (Soolemanee) - Kerdze, Vana - Martig, Vanik Bolor, Vari Hasapikos, Vartevar, Voske Aparanjan, Ya Hazhal Sannine, Yelel em Alagoyoz, Yerevan Bar, Yerzengatsee-Maeeroke, Yes Gharib Em, Yotnerort Kogheen Barh ("Dance of the Seventh Veil"), Zaroura, Zhedili, and Zhora Bar (Jo Jon).