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Tradition Never Fades: Keverian Family Celebrates Decades Of Dance

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  • Tradition Never Fades: Keverian Family Celebrates Decades Of Dance

    TRADITION NEVER FADES: KEVERIAN FAMILY CELEBRATES DECADES OF DANCE
    By Jennifer Roach/ Correspondent

    Medfield Press, MA
    Oct 5 2006

    Sitting in traffic on her way to yet another dress rehearsal was the
    only spare time Medfield resident Niari Keverian had for a quick cell
    phone conversation about her hectic life as a member of the Sayat Nova
    Dance Company (SNDC). The Armenian Folk dancing troupe is celebrating
    its 20th anniversary with performances all over the country this year
    and even traveled to Armenia for a few shows this past summer.

    Along with her brother Jack, Niari spent three weeks in June and July
    touring Armenia with SNDC. The dance company is incredibly focused
    on preserving and sharing the rich culture of its native land with
    the rest of the world, so making the journey to Armenia was a major
    milestone in accomplishing its mission.

    "This was the next big step," says Niari, "We just keep growing and
    growing, from seven dancers to about 70 or 80 today."

    The company traveled all over Armenia, from the main venue at the
    Opera House in Yerevan to small villages beyond the city's boarders.

    "The capital city is basically the same as any typical city, but
    once you left the city and went to the outskirts, kids would come
    running up to our tour bus asking for autographs! They cried when we
    left!" said Niari.

    The performance at the Opera House was the greatest moment for Niari
    because of the elaborate stage and large audience. She had, however,
    many other memorable experiences on her trip, including a show the
    company put on for the military in Armenia.

    "The troops marched over 45 minutes just to come see us perform.

    Everyone was screaming and cheering. After a tribute at the end [of
    the show], all of the soldiers wanted to run on the stage! It was a
    most intense moment where we felt like we really did something right."

    This trip was particularly special for Niari because it was the
    first time in her life she was able to visit Armenia. Her brother
    Jack traveled to Armenia two years ago to volunteer at an orphanage.

    "It was an amazing and an eye-opening experience," recalls Niari,
    "I have a lot more respect for where I came from and who I am. I have
    a greater connection to my culture."

    Niari and Jack have spent their entire lives immersed in the Armenian
    culture. Niari recalls watching her mother dance in the Sayat Nova
    Dance Company (although it was not called that at the time) and has
    been dancing in the company herself since she was 16.

    Now, after turning 22 and finally visiting Armenia, Niari explains,
    "I've been brought up in an Armenian community, but this [trip to
    Armenia] puts all the puzzles together."

    When not touring the country for dance performances, the Keverians
    embraced the opportunity to explore their own culture and its
    traditions. One of Niari's favorite experiences while in Armenia,
    for example, was attending a wedding for one of the company members
    held in the Etchmiadzin, the head church of Armenia.

    Although this journey for the Keverians may have come to a close, Jack
    and Niari's lives have certainly not calmed down. This past Saturday
    and Sunday the duo performed with SNDC at the Cutler Majestic Theater
    in Boston. The show, entitled "Power in Rhythm," marks the end of the
    company's 20th anniversary celebration with one of the largest venues
    Sayat Nova has ever showcased in the Boston area. According to Niari,
    the show has "taken a more modern flair as well as keeping to the folk
    tradition." The Armenian dancing is explosive and passionate, the music
    loud and the stories exciting, so not surprisingly, the show was a hit.

    Future plans for the company are not yet in the works, says Niari,
    but she knows Sayat Nova will not be slowing down any time soon.

    "When you step into [this company] it is as if you've been given the
    Sayat Nova injection. You can't describe it, but the effect you give
    to people and yourself is something that cannot be replaced."
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