The word “Hye,” meaning Armenian, has been pressed into service numerous times to describe the heights, the good times, to which one becomes elevated while attending Hye events.
In a city that has its share of successful functions, some stand out more than others. The annual Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble’s performance has always—deservedly—received community-wide support.
On Saturday evening, Nov. 19, a sold-out crowd of 400 gathered around the mezza-laden tables at the Armenian Community Center in Dearborn to be entertained by a finely tuned youth group that danced its feet and hearts out.
Hamazkayin chairlady, Hermine Manoogian, always proves herself to be worthy of her leadership role. She welcomed the attending Yeretsgins, clergy, and guests. Trained as a teacher, Manoogian’s remarks were eloquent in both Armenian and English as she explained the birth and final polishing of the dancers, and stressed the Hamazkayin’s appreciation for the community’s financial and moral support.
When former Chicago native Nayiri Karapetian married and moved to the Detroit area, she brought her immense dance experience and teaching talent with her. Over six years ago, she allied with Manoogian to establish the Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble. Through rigorous Saturday rehearsals, the dance group was born.
A registered ICU nurse and the mother of two very young daughters, the dance director finally had to temporarily take time away from training the dancers. Step in university student and dancer Lara Zanazanian who willingly replaced Nayiri’s position as director. She was assisted by Dikran Callan and Nayiri Kaissarian, themselves dancers. The show must go on and it did in grand style, not missing a beat.
The evening exceeded the audience’s expectations as they watched the artistic endeavors of this third-generation following the survivors of the genocide. They carry on the dance tradition of their ancient ancestors with unabashed enthusiasm and pride.
With an eye-catching backdrop replicating the Republic of Armenia’s tricolor flag with white drapery, the large stage hosted the 29 Arax dancers. Outfitted in different costumes for each dance, the burgundy, gold, and emerald greens of the clothing only added to the excitement of the performance.
The ensemble is comprised of youth from all elements of the Armenian community, whose hearts are no doubt in the Highlands. One couple met and married and another has become engaged through the dance troupe. That deserves more applause.
While the high-flying young men’s boots vigorously stomped the floor, it was the traditional graceful hand and body movements of the women that added to the romance of the dance. And the audience responded with rounds of applause eliciting many shouts of “Bravo!”
The 14 dances included a tribute to Armenian soldiers of yesterday and today: “Vernashounch” (Rebirth), a solo performance by Nayiri Kaissarian, “Playful Dance” by Lara Zanazanian and Paul Tavitian, the popular “Kochari,” and dances representing the Zankezur, Shirak, and Moush regions, and other villages.
Something special happened when “Vaspouragan” (Van) and “Varaka Lerneri Bar” were performed. As soon as the music started all I could envision was the image of Vanetsi native Vostanik Manuk Adoyan (Arshile Gorky), the famous American abstract expressionist. His life ended tragically and too soon. Oddly it was just that day that Christie’s Auction House announced that one of Gorky’s untitled paintings had sold for $902,500.
Gorky loved Armenian music and dance, and was quick to raise his 6’5” frame, waving his arms about with joy and laughter while dancing to the village melodies in his New York studio. Surely he, too, was with us that day, up on his feet and dancing. They could never take Van and that part of being Armenian out of his soul. The mountains, fields, and Lake Van colored his paintings and were interpreted in exaggerated shapes put on canvas, for which he became famous.
The Hamazkayin dancers’ souls, too, are filled with the music of ancient and modern Armenia. The evening was heaven on earth for Vostanik and Detroiters alike, thanks to those marvelous youth.
Betty Apigian-Kessel
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