Tweet
Dallas Morning News, TX
Sept 30 2005
Armenian festival venerates beloved culture
Carrollton: Event choreographed to honor heritage and to educate
By VERONICA VILLEGAS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
For nearly two months, Rachel Adonian has been learning the
traditional dances of her native country along with other members of
St. Sarkis Apostolic Church - the only Armenian congregation in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area.
JASON JANIK/Special Contributor
Datevik Gharibian displays a traditional Armenian dance step as
Anaies Avidisian (left) and Magali Altunian practice a dance in
preparation for ArmeniaFest on Oct. 7-9. It isn't easy, she said, but
it's something she thinks she must do. She couldn't pass up the
opportunity to learn from an instructor who traveled from Armenia
specifically to teach them.
"To be a part of something that is so important and vital to your
culture - there really aren't words to describe it," said Ms.
Adonian, 21, who has taken the lessons since she was a girl. "It puts
me in tune with what my heritage is, and it ties you in closer to
your family and your community. Plus, I love doing it. It's a part of
who I am."
The countless hours of practice culminate next week for her and about
40 other women, men and children learning the native dances when they
take to the stage during the three-day ArmeniaFest.
The festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is held on the
grounds of St. Sarkis in Carrollton and is organized by its
congregation.
Festival organizer Paul Kirazian said the dance performances are
important to understanding Armenian culture.
"The dances are used to tell our stories," he said. "They represent
our history and our culture. It's one of our major attractions."
Mr. Kirazian said that each year, the church brings in an Armenian
dancer to teach interested members of its congregation and the
community.
During the instructor's two-month stay, she lives with a host family.
"There is no one here locally who can teach us this," Mr. Kirazian
said. "It's our heritage. To be able to pass those traditions on to
our young is valuable."
The dancing is only one of the many activities scheduled during the
festival. Live music, children's games, cooking demonstrations and
handcrafts also are planned.
This year, the festival is celebrating the 1,600th anniversary of the
Armenian alphabet with a special history and art exhibit.
And as usual, those attending will be able to enjoy traditional
Armenian food.
"It's all cooked by hand," said Eva Sherenian, festival spokeswoman.
"It's very impressive because all the women come together and work
really hard to prepare the foods and the men come together to
marinate the meats."
"All the other festivals claim to have the most delicious foods and
be the best, but we really are the best," Mr. Kirazian bragged.
"Whether you're an Armenian or not, it's a great event."
Ms. Sherenian said that although the festival was started as a way
for the Armenian community to come together and celebrate its
heritage, organizers also wanted it to educate people unfamiliar with
Armenia.
"We want people to come and enjoy our foods and our traditions," she
said.
Sept 30 2005
Armenian festival venerates beloved culture
Carrollton: Event choreographed to honor heritage and to educate
By VERONICA VILLEGAS / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News
For nearly two months, Rachel Adonian has been learning the
traditional dances of her native country along with other members of
St. Sarkis Apostolic Church - the only Armenian congregation in the
Dallas-Fort Worth area.
JASON JANIK/Special Contributor
Datevik Gharibian displays a traditional Armenian dance step as
Anaies Avidisian (left) and Magali Altunian practice a dance in
preparation for ArmeniaFest on Oct. 7-9. It isn't easy, she said, but
it's something she thinks she must do. She couldn't pass up the
opportunity to learn from an instructor who traveled from Armenia
specifically to teach them.
"To be a part of something that is so important and vital to your
culture - there really aren't words to describe it," said Ms.
Adonian, 21, who has taken the lessons since she was a girl. "It puts
me in tune with what my heritage is, and it ties you in closer to
your family and your community. Plus, I love doing it. It's a part of
who I am."
The countless hours of practice culminate next week for her and about
40 other women, men and children learning the native dances when they
take to the stage during the three-day ArmeniaFest.
The festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is held on the
grounds of St. Sarkis in Carrollton and is organized by its
congregation.
Festival organizer Paul Kirazian said the dance performances are
important to understanding Armenian culture.
"The dances are used to tell our stories," he said. "They represent
our history and our culture. It's one of our major attractions."
Mr. Kirazian said that each year, the church brings in an Armenian
dancer to teach interested members of its congregation and the
community.
During the instructor's two-month stay, she lives with a host family.
"There is no one here locally who can teach us this," Mr. Kirazian
said. "It's our heritage. To be able to pass those traditions on to
our young is valuable."
The dancing is only one of the many activities scheduled during the
festival. Live music, children's games, cooking demonstrations and
handcrafts also are planned.
This year, the festival is celebrating the 1,600th anniversary of the
Armenian alphabet with a special history and art exhibit.
And as usual, those attending will be able to enjoy traditional
Armenian food.
"It's all cooked by hand," said Eva Sherenian, festival spokeswoman.
"It's very impressive because all the women come together and work
really hard to prepare the foods and the men come together to
marinate the meats."
"All the other festivals claim to have the most delicious foods and
be the best, but we really are the best," Mr. Kirazian bragged.
"Whether you're an Armenian or not, it's a great event."
Ms. Sherenian said that although the festival was started as a way
for the Armenian community to come together and celebrate its
heritage, organizers also wanted it to educate people unfamiliar with
Armenia.
"We want people to come and enjoy our foods and our traditions," she
said.