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ARMENIAN BELLY DANCER SHINES IN NEW YORK
by Lori Cinar
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/06/20/armenian-belly-dancer-shines-in-new-york/
June 20, 2012
It could be said that Armenians are known for being creative and
talented in the arts. From weavers and artisans to musicians and
composers, there are several Armenian names that come to mind. Dance
has been an essential and culturally binding art form for Armenians
for centuries, and Anna Pipoyan, a belly dancer based in New York,
has given that tradition an update.
Anna Pipoyan Originally from Yerevan, Pipoyan began dancing at a young
age. Her parents were the initial influence on her, enrolling her in
ballet classes at the age of six because she was an extremely active
youngster. "My father was an artist and singer," she told the Weekly.
"I guess I've inherited it from my family."
Pipoyan continued her study of classical ballet at the Russian School
of Ballet in Yerevan until she was 17. Among her favorite styles
was Armenian folk dance, which would play an important role in her
future success.
After studying at the school for 11 years, Pipoyan made the transition
to New York City. "My number one priority was to just dance," she
said, which she did in several Broadway shows. She admits that it
was a slightly difficult transition from the methods she had studied
for so long in Armenia. "I didn't want to continue ballet because I
wanted a different experience. I discovered belly dancing by accident,"
she said. After taking a class with a friend, she was hooked. "It's
energetic, feminine, classical-everything that I wanted to experience
at that time." Her passion for this newfound style took over, and
she slowly began devoting herself to the alternative style of dance.
As she began getting hired for her talents more often, Pipoyan made
belly dancing her full-time profession. "When you love what you do it
becomes infectious," she said. "It becomes something meant to be when
you have true love and passion for it." This passion led Pipoyan to
dance at several exciting venues, including her favorite, America's
Got Talent, a televised talent show hosted by celebrity judges.
Pipoyan was contacted by the program and invited to participate. She
traveled to Las Vegas and performed on stage in front of thousands
of audience members.
"Sharon [Osbourne] said I was the best belly dancer she had ever seen
in her life," Pipoyan said. "I will never forget that experience."
Pipoyan has also had the pleasure of working with celebrities like
Beyonce and Don Omar. "It's exciting to work with that type of
clientele, but my range is really big. From family functions to
music videos."
Aside from her whirlwind experiences as a belly dancer, Pipoyan also
enjoys other types of dance and has started on some new personal
ventures. "I dance flamenco and Russian gypsy dancing. Authentic
dances like this interest me." Pipoyan is currently working on an
instructional DVD, which will be released at the end of August. She
also teaches children's dance classes and hopes to one day own her
own international dance school.
"I'm very fortunate for what my talent has become," she said.
by Lori Cinar
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/06/20/armenian-belly-dancer-shines-in-new-york/
June 20, 2012
It could be said that Armenians are known for being creative and
talented in the arts. From weavers and artisans to musicians and
composers, there are several Armenian names that come to mind. Dance
has been an essential and culturally binding art form for Armenians
for centuries, and Anna Pipoyan, a belly dancer based in New York,
has given that tradition an update.
Anna Pipoyan Originally from Yerevan, Pipoyan began dancing at a young
age. Her parents were the initial influence on her, enrolling her in
ballet classes at the age of six because she was an extremely active
youngster. "My father was an artist and singer," she told the Weekly.
"I guess I've inherited it from my family."
Pipoyan continued her study of classical ballet at the Russian School
of Ballet in Yerevan until she was 17. Among her favorite styles
was Armenian folk dance, which would play an important role in her
future success.
After studying at the school for 11 years, Pipoyan made the transition
to New York City. "My number one priority was to just dance," she
said, which she did in several Broadway shows. She admits that it
was a slightly difficult transition from the methods she had studied
for so long in Armenia. "I didn't want to continue ballet because I
wanted a different experience. I discovered belly dancing by accident,"
she said. After taking a class with a friend, she was hooked. "It's
energetic, feminine, classical-everything that I wanted to experience
at that time." Her passion for this newfound style took over, and
she slowly began devoting herself to the alternative style of dance.
As she began getting hired for her talents more often, Pipoyan made
belly dancing her full-time profession. "When you love what you do it
becomes infectious," she said. "It becomes something meant to be when
you have true love and passion for it." This passion led Pipoyan to
dance at several exciting venues, including her favorite, America's
Got Talent, a televised talent show hosted by celebrity judges.
Pipoyan was contacted by the program and invited to participate. She
traveled to Las Vegas and performed on stage in front of thousands
of audience members.
"Sharon [Osbourne] said I was the best belly dancer she had ever seen
in her life," Pipoyan said. "I will never forget that experience."
Pipoyan has also had the pleasure of working with celebrities like
Beyonce and Don Omar. "It's exciting to work with that type of
clientele, but my range is really big. From family functions to
music videos."
Aside from her whirlwind experiences as a belly dancer, Pipoyan also
enjoys other types of dance and has started on some new personal
ventures. "I dance flamenco and Russian gypsy dancing. Authentic
dances like this interest me." Pipoyan is currently working on an
instructional DVD, which will be released at the end of August. She
also teaches children's dance classes and hopes to one day own her
own international dance school.
"I'm very fortunate for what my talent has become," she said.