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Hamazkayin's "Sipan" and "Ani" dance ensembles, with the children's "Nanor" dance ensemble, once again gave a wonderful concert for Cypriot Armenians, thanks to the young dance instructor Krikor Keleshian’s efforts and leadership.
On Sunday, May 13, 2018, the crowd had packed the municipality theater hall of Strovolos and was eagerly awaiting the beginning of the event.
This festival of Armenian dance, sponsored by Minister of Education and Culture, Dr. Kostas Champiaouris and State Representative of the Armenian Community Vartkes Mahdessian, was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of establishing the Armenian statehood. The event was attended by Syllouris Demetris, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus. Archbishop Khoren Toghramadjian, Pontifical Vicar of Cyprus, as well as delegates, government officials, representatives of political parties and unions also were present at the event.
After the opening speech, delivered by Hamazkayin Executive Board Chair Arto Tavitian, Director of the Cultural Service of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Pavlos Paraskevas, read the greeting letter from Minister of Education and Culture, Dr. Kostas Champiaouris to the guests.
The stage was opened and the dance ensembles "Sipan", "Ani" and "Nanor" danced in front of the huge poster representing the ″Sardarapat″ Memorial.
"Sipan" dance ensemble of Nicosia presented the dances ″Artashat″, ″Sayat-Nova″, ″Krakot″, ″Usundara″, ″Game of Thrones″, ″Umretsik″, ″Potpourri″, ″Sardarabad″, and ″Tricolor″. The ″Sipan″ juniors’ group performed the dance "Pearls".
"Ani" dance ensemble of Pafos presented "Tamzara", while the "Nanor" dance ensemble presented the dances "We are Armenians", "My Love - Yerevan", "Kinto", "Kazochok" and "Nino".
The warmest appreciation was given to Nanor Keleshian's dance "I gave my pain" and to Maria Moskofian’s beautiful song "Wake up, my son".
At the end of the program, all the groups unitedly performed the dance "Brave Men of Sardarabad", which received standing ovation.
This 19th annual performance of Armenian dances presented to Cypriot-Armenians had a great success thanks to the hard work of the talented dance instructor Krikor Keleshian and of each dancer of the Hamazkayin dance ensembles. The heartfelt sacrifice of all the volunteers on the stage or behind it, before or after the performance, the long-lasting preparation work of the committees and boards is highly appreciated. Good job everyone!
Despite the difficulties of our life, either material or related to the lack of cultural atmosphere, the Hamazkayin Chapter always tries to keep the Armenian culture alive in the Armenian community of Cyprus through its dance groups, theatrical troupes and cultural evenings.
Hope the community appreciates the huge work done, and it will give its support and care to Hamazkayin.