Mher Kandoyan (Lebanese-Armenian) is a second-year Graduate Student studying for his MFA in Dance at the University of Maryland. Currently, he is focused on expanding his pedagogical approaches and researching the degendering of social latin dances while actively incorporating it into his classes at the university. Mher explores intergenerational trauma, collective healing and dance as a form of catharsis. His latest project, “Journey” aspires to engage one and a half million participants in embodied performances aiming to address generational trauma. 

Mher is driven by the idea of empowering and educating individuals through dance and witnessing the transformative impact it can have on their lives. To further this goal, he founded “The Backstage,” a dance organization in Lebanon. The Backstage’s mission is to make dance accessible to everyone, ensuring it stays a medium of expression and freedom in a country marked by chaos and instability.

Mher also holds a BA in economics and a Masters in Management. Before moving to the United States, he served as a professor at Haigazian University and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik in Lebanon. He has also shared his expertise as a teacher in many dance festivals across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Gulf. 

Mher is a grantee of the “40th Annual Choreogoraphers showcase” award in 2023 and he will perform “Journey” at The Prince George’s Publick Playhouse. He also received a grant from IPCCR in 2023 and the 2023 DEL Arnhold Summer Fellowship in NYC. Mher and his partner won “The Best Show” award in Egypt International Dance Congress and he is the seven times champion of Lebanon in Latin Dance. 

Thank you for visiting my website and looking forward to the opportunity to work with you.