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ARAX DANCE GROUP OF SAN FRANCISCO CHARMS NEW YORK COMMUNITY
by Hagop Vartivarian
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2012-11-09-arax-dance-group-of-san-francisco-charms-new-york-community-
Published: Friday November 09, 2012
Arax dance group's performance was dedicated to the memory of Aris
Sevag.
NEW YORK - New York has four dance groups, which for several years
now, offer the best expressions of Armenian dance tradition, often
competing with one another, thus bringing a certain level of quality
within that sphere of our culture. We believe in the spirit of
competition adopted by America, because in our case too, at the end
our culture will be the winner. This I write with utmost honesty -
if you are unable to withstand competition, leave the stage.
Having said all that, the troupe, presented on October 20 was different
from all the others both by the program and selection of dances,
particularly the succession of solos, in which the best stylistic
forms of our dance tradition were interwoven with western ballet
and at times oriental elements in a beautiful fusion, which never
interfered with a complete perception of "Armenian dance" as such.
The dance instructor Noyemi Araxi, succeeded in patiently teaching
carefully choreographed and staged dances to 10 gifted young ladies
and 2 young men of the group, who excelled in their performance. I
should add, dancers performed without any mistakes - at least in the
eyes of amateurs like myself - should we presume to evaluate.
We can congratulate the executive body of New York Chapter of
Hamazkayin under the chairmanship of my friend Dr. Ara Caprielian
for making such a choice and to have the courage to invite "Arax,"
an independent entity, from faraway San Francisco. Moreover, during
this cultural month, when in New York our organizations have an
unprecedented number of events, edging one another. The initial
idea was Mrs. Asdghig Sevag's, whose tireless and effective efforts,
combined with a generous financial contribution, ensured the success
of this concert-tribute.
The performance took place in Elmhurst, New York, at the Walter Crowley
school auditorium. The troupe deserved a more presentable venue
without lighting and audio imperfections, enhancing the audience's
enjoyment of the presented program. Unfortunately, the hall, fit
for school productions, did not do justice to nearly professional
"Arax". This is by way of an observation.
The program consisted of two parts. At the beginning of each part
"Aregak" youth chorus of New Jersey Hamazkayin performed under the
baton of Vagharshak Ohanian. In the past few years the presence of
these children on the stage instills hope that our vocal art will
persevere. Having heard Damadian's "Talvorik" song with renewed
patriotic emotions, evoked appreciation for the spirit possessed by
the youth and transmitted to everyone in the audience.
The group dances were four in number, but confirmed that the dance
instructor is as talented in staging group, as in arranging of
solo dances.
Using the music of Armenian songs in choreography was an innovation
for us. Solo dances based on a few songs by Khachatur Avetisian,
Smbat Byurat, Ara Georgian, Komitas, Sayat Nova were charming. On
the other hand, Vittorio Monti's "Csardas" danced by Annat Koren and
Lillit Markosian, earned an ovation.
It is worth writing a paragraph for each dance number, but the
limitation of newspaper columns will not suffice for that. At
least the names of dancers ought to be noted: Edouard Barsoumian,
Elizabeth Cresson, Lena Dakessian, Annat Koren, Thomas Koshi, Nairi
Kouyumdjian, Lilit Markosian, Nareh Megerdichian, Maneh Minasyan,
Satenik Harutyunyan, Yelena Ter-Sargsyan; and we can surmise from
the names that the majority are talented young people expatriated
from Armenia to San Francisco.
The program was dedicated to the luminous memory and 45th anniversary
of literary activities of Aris Sevag, our unforgettable friend, author,
editor, translator, whom we lost recently. Our deepest respect to the
legacy of our old friend, as we bow our heads to the body of his work
in translation. His widow, Mrs. Asdghig Sevag has done her utmost to
present this tribute to her beloved husband at highest level.
Translated from Armenian by Arevig Caprielian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
by Hagop Vartivarian
http://www.reporter.am/go/article/2012-11-09-arax-dance-group-of-san-francisco-charms-new-york-community-
Published: Friday November 09, 2012
Arax dance group's performance was dedicated to the memory of Aris
Sevag.
NEW YORK - New York has four dance groups, which for several years
now, offer the best expressions of Armenian dance tradition, often
competing with one another, thus bringing a certain level of quality
within that sphere of our culture. We believe in the spirit of
competition adopted by America, because in our case too, at the end
our culture will be the winner. This I write with utmost honesty -
if you are unable to withstand competition, leave the stage.
Having said all that, the troupe, presented on October 20 was different
from all the others both by the program and selection of dances,
particularly the succession of solos, in which the best stylistic
forms of our dance tradition were interwoven with western ballet
and at times oriental elements in a beautiful fusion, which never
interfered with a complete perception of "Armenian dance" as such.
The dance instructor Noyemi Araxi, succeeded in patiently teaching
carefully choreographed and staged dances to 10 gifted young ladies
and 2 young men of the group, who excelled in their performance. I
should add, dancers performed without any mistakes - at least in the
eyes of amateurs like myself - should we presume to evaluate.
We can congratulate the executive body of New York Chapter of
Hamazkayin under the chairmanship of my friend Dr. Ara Caprielian
for making such a choice and to have the courage to invite "Arax,"
an independent entity, from faraway San Francisco. Moreover, during
this cultural month, when in New York our organizations have an
unprecedented number of events, edging one another. The initial
idea was Mrs. Asdghig Sevag's, whose tireless and effective efforts,
combined with a generous financial contribution, ensured the success
of this concert-tribute.
The performance took place in Elmhurst, New York, at the Walter Crowley
school auditorium. The troupe deserved a more presentable venue
without lighting and audio imperfections, enhancing the audience's
enjoyment of the presented program. Unfortunately, the hall, fit
for school productions, did not do justice to nearly professional
"Arax". This is by way of an observation.
The program consisted of two parts. At the beginning of each part
"Aregak" youth chorus of New Jersey Hamazkayin performed under the
baton of Vagharshak Ohanian. In the past few years the presence of
these children on the stage instills hope that our vocal art will
persevere. Having heard Damadian's "Talvorik" song with renewed
patriotic emotions, evoked appreciation for the spirit possessed by
the youth and transmitted to everyone in the audience.
The group dances were four in number, but confirmed that the dance
instructor is as talented in staging group, as in arranging of
solo dances.
Using the music of Armenian songs in choreography was an innovation
for us. Solo dances based on a few songs by Khachatur Avetisian,
Smbat Byurat, Ara Georgian, Komitas, Sayat Nova were charming. On
the other hand, Vittorio Monti's "Csardas" danced by Annat Koren and
Lillit Markosian, earned an ovation.
It is worth writing a paragraph for each dance number, but the
limitation of newspaper columns will not suffice for that. At
least the names of dancers ought to be noted: Edouard Barsoumian,
Elizabeth Cresson, Lena Dakessian, Annat Koren, Thomas Koshi, Nairi
Kouyumdjian, Lilit Markosian, Nareh Megerdichian, Maneh Minasyan,
Satenik Harutyunyan, Yelena Ter-Sargsyan; and we can surmise from
the names that the majority are talented young people expatriated
from Armenia to San Francisco.
The program was dedicated to the luminous memory and 45th anniversary
of literary activities of Aris Sevag, our unforgettable friend, author,
editor, translator, whom we lost recently. Our deepest respect to the
legacy of our old friend, as we bow our heads to the body of his work
in translation. His widow, Mrs. Asdghig Sevag has done her utmost to
present this tribute to her beloved husband at highest level.
Translated from Armenian by Arevig Caprielian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress