The Hamazkayin Nicosia “Oshagan” Chapter dedicated its cultural evening of March 4, 2023, to Armenian dance. The 65 or so guests included Vartkes Mahdessian, member of parliament for Armenians in Cyprus.
Chapter Executive Board chairperson Arto Tavitian explained that the occasion for the evening was the presence of Grigor Karapetyan, dance instructor from Armenia. It was an opportunity to explore the origins, development, and current state of Armenian dance.
Celebrating the presence of members of the Nicosia “Sipan” Dance Ensemble, he invited ensemble member Elen Antreasian to the stage to discuss the development of Armenian dances, particularly those from Artsakh.
Then Nanor Keleshian, Elen Khachadrian, and Elen Antreasian performed the dance “Davigh,” which was received with warm applause.
Mr. Karapetyan took the stage and said Armenian dance originated in the pre-Christian era and over the centuries served to reflect the personality and artistry of the Armenian people. He sorted Armenian dance into four categories: ritual, romantic, military, and folk. He spoke about the characteristics and traditions associated with each category.
The next speaker was Hamazkayin Cyprus dance instructor Krikor Keleshian, who spoke about the great Armenian dancers Azat Gharibyan and Vanush Khanamiryan, as well as the legacy of Hovhannes Khachigyan. Their creations are gems in the art of dance, worthy of conservation and passing on to new generations.
A second dance performance followed: Serine Baghdasarian performed the solo dance, “Dards Dvi Hoverin,” which was likewise warmly received.
At the end of the program, a video was shown in which renowned dancers Gagik Karapetyan, Flora Asoyan, Albert Kiziryan, Jasmina Avetisyan, Rashid Karapetyan, Suren Khachatryan, Asatur Karapetyan, and Vardan Gevorkyan congratulated and wished renewed success to Mr. Keleshian and the Hamazkayin “Sipan” Dance Ensemble.
The program concluded with a reception.
