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Apigian-Kessel: Detroit 'Hye' At Arax Dance Performance

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  • Apigian-Kessel: Detroit 'Hye' At Arax Dance Performance

    APIGIAN-KESSEL: DETROIT 'HYE' AT ARAX DANCE PERFORMANCE
    By: Betty Apigian-Kessel

    http://www.armenianweekly.com/2011/12/16/apigian-kessel-detroit-hye-at-arax-dance-performance/
    Fri, Dec 16 2011

    The word "Hye," meaning Armenian, has been pressed into service
    numerous times to describe the heights, the good times, to which one
    becomes elevated while attending Hye events.

    In a city that has its share of successful functions, some stand
    out more than others. The annual Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble's
    performance has always-deservedly-received community-wide support.

    On Saturday evening, Nov. 19, a sold-out crowd of 400 gathered around
    the mezza-laden tables at the Armenian Community Center in Dearborn
    to be entertained by a finely tuned youth group that danced its feet
    and hearts out.

    Hamazkayin chairlady, Hermine Manoogian, always proves herself to be
    worthy of her leadership role. She welcomed the attending Yeretsgins,
    clergy, and guests. Trained as a teacher, Manoogian's remarks were
    eloquent in both Armenian and English as she explained the birth
    and final polishing of the dancers, and stressed the Hamazkayin's
    appreciation for the community's financial and moral support.

    When former Chicago native Nayiri Karapetian married and moved to the
    Detroit area, she brought her immense dance experience and teaching
    talent with her. Over six years ago, she allied with Manoogian
    to establish the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble. Through rigorous
    Saturday rehearsals, the dance group was born.

    A registered ICU nurse and the mother of two very young daughters, the
    dance director finally had to temporarily take time away from training
    the dancers. Step in university student and dancer Lara Zanazanian
    who willingly replaced Nayiri's position as director. She was assisted
    by Dikran Callan and Nayiri Kaissarian, themselves dancers. The show
    must go on and it did in grand style, not missing a beat.

    The evening exceeded the audience's expectations as they watched the
    artistic endeavors of this third-generation following the survivors
    of the genocide. They carry on the dance tradition of their ancient
    ancestors with unabashed enthusiasm and pride.

    With an eye-catching backdrop replicating the Republic of Armenia's
    tricolor flag with white drapery, the large stage hosted the 29 Arax
    dancers. Outfitted in different costumes for each dance, the burgundy,
    gold, and emerald greens of the clothing only added to the excitement
    of the performance.

    The ensemble is comprised of youth from all elements of the Armenian
    community, whose hearts are no doubt in the Highlands. One couple met
    and married and another has become engaged through the dance troupe.

    That deserves more applause.

    While the high-flying young men's boots vigorously stomped the floor,
    it was the traditional graceful hand and body movements of the women
    that added to the romance of the dance. And the audience responded
    with rounds of applause eliciting many shouts of "Bravo!"

    The 14 dances included a tribute to Armenian soldiers of yesterday
    and today: "Vernashounch" (Rebirth), a solo performance by Nayiri
    Kaissarian, "Playful Dance" by Lara Zanazanian and Paul Tavitian,
    the popular "Kochari," and dances representing the Zankezur, Shirak,
    and Moush regions, and other villages.

    Something special happened when "Vaspouragan" (Van) and "Varaka Lerneri
    Bar" were performed. As soon as the music started all I could envision
    was the image of Vanetsi native Vostanik Manuk Adoyan (Arshile Gorky),
    the famous American abstract expressionist. His life ended tragically
    and too soon. Oddly it was just that day that Christie's Auction House
    announced that one of Gorky's untitled paintings had sold for $902,500.

    Gorky loved Armenian music and dance, and was quick to raise his 6'5"
    frame, waving his arms about with joy and laughter while dancing
    to the village melodies in his New York studio. Surely he, too, was
    with us that day, up on his feet and dancing. They could never take
    Van and that part of being Armenian out of his soul. The mountains,
    fields, and Lake Van colored his paintings and were interpreted in
    exaggerated shapes put on canvas, for which he became famous.

    The Hamazkayin dancers' souls, too, are filled with the music of
    ancient and modern Armenia. The evening was heaven on earth for
    Vostanik and Detroiters alike, thanks to those marvelous youth.

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