‘Abarantsi Davo’ to Perform at ACEC Valentine’s Day Party

By Tatoul Badalian

WATERTOWN, Mass.—On Sat., Feb. 15, the Boston-based Erebouni Armenian Dance School will hold its First Annual Valentine’s Day Party at the Armenian Cultural and Education Center (ACEC) in Watertown. The party will feature Davit Zakaryan, popularly known as “Abarantsi Davo” from Armenia, in his first U.S. appearance. Zakaryan’s repertoire ranges from village songs of the Sassoon region (sasna parer) in Western Armenia, to modern interpretations of Armenian folk songs and ethno-pop music.

The Erebouni Dance School and Ensemble is one of the programs nurtured by the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society in the Greater Boston area. The school is currently in its third year of existence and is led by Arman Mnatsakanyan, the artistic director, and a tireless, energetic, and exquisite dancer. The children in Erebouni are invited to perform in many local cultural events and, once a year in June, take the stage to show case their achievements for the year.

A graduate of the Armenian State School of Dance, Mnatsakanyan joined the “Friendship” State Dance Ensemble in 1995, where he became one of the premier soloists, performing in many countries. He also studied in the State Pedagogical University’s dance department. He founded the “Golden Age” Dance Ensemble and became its artistic director, winning numerous awards and medals. Mnatsakanyan was the coach of the winning team on Armenia’s Dancing with the Stars equivalent on its second season (Shant TV’s Folk Dances 2 program).

The event will be held at the ACEC, on 47 Nichols Ave., in Watertown, home of the Erebouni Dance School. For tickets or for more information, visit itsmyseat.com.