On October 25, 2025, the Hamazkayin Quebec “Sanahin” Chapter's “Ani” Dance Ensemble gave a splendid performance at the Théâtre Marcellin-Champagnat hall, Horizon reports.
This performance was the first under the direction of dance instructor Levon Arabian, who captivated the audience. Present at the performance were the Very Rev. Fr. Hagop Yacoubian, representing the prelate of the Armenian Diocese of Canada, Archbishop Papken Tcharian; Zovig Terzian, chairperson of the Prelacy Board; Hagop Der Khatchadurian, representative of the ARF Central Council of the Armenian Cause; representatives of sister organizations, Hamazkayin members, and a large crowd of art lovers who filled the entire hall.
An opening speech was delivered by Garin Sarkisian, a member of the Dance Committee, who welcomed the audience and said: “Through this performance, we wish to illuminate dance as an expression of feelings, as well as a way to transmit them, and a means of unity. Every movement has a story behind it—from the memory and culture of a people that continues to live within us. Dance, without words, returns us to our roots and connects us through shared emotions.” Sarkisian also expressed gratitude to the dance instructor, the Dance Committee, the executive board, the parents, and the audience, whose continuous support made this performance possible.
The artistic program began with the Lorké dance, which was followed by Uzundara, the Naz Bar, featuring solos by Vani Tokatlian, Anna Bulgarian, Miriam Tovmasian, Talar Tejirian, and Nanor Pilibosian. Successively presented were Bandzali, Zepyurian Tever, featuring solos by Mari Hovhannessian, Anna Bulgarian, Talin Kasbar, and Rima Kharshafjian; Hzor Bar, Yerachap, featuring solos by Talin Kasbar, Inés Nevin, and Lusin Khshkhshian; Yarkhushda, Armatakhor, presented by the senior group of the “Ani” School of Dance Art; and Tsndzutiun.
After a short break, the program continued with the successive presentation of the following dances: Kochari, Kuyreru Ser, featuring solos by Nanor Pilibosian and Rima Kharshafjian; Siro Alikner, Pert, Erzerum Shoror, Veratarts, featuring a solo by Talin Kasbar; Gadag Bar, Pergrank, presented by the senior group of the “Ani” School of Dance Art; and Abaka. These were presented by the inspiring and captivating movements of more than 50 dancers from the ensemble, who shook the entire hall, deeply enthusing the audience, who expressed their praise and appreciation with long and fervent applause for the exhausted but joyously elated young men and women on stage. The persistent work and support of the Dance Committee and the parents’ group working behind the scenes were highly appreciated, but especially the diligent effort and consistent work of the dance instructor, thanks to whom the community enjoyed a high quality and captivating performance.
The chairperson of the Hamazkayin Quebec “Sanahin” Chapter Executive Board, Rupen Sarkisian, delivered a speech of thanks, first addressing the choreographer and highly appreciating his painstaking and persistent work, and then the dancers, stating that, as a former dancer, he fully understands their enthusiasm, as well as the magnetic pull of the stage, which will keep them on their toes for a long time with the same spirit and the same vigor.
In closing, the Very Rev. Fr. Hagop Yacoubian conveyed a message of blessing, saying, “Today, our youth showed us that they are attached to their roots, attached to Ararat, Arakats, attached to Sasun and Moush, and also proved that they have taken the torch from their ancestors and will pass it on to the next generation.” He then closed the event with the Bahbanich prayer.
Sona Titizian Guedikian
