BOSTON, Mass.—At a time when the Armenian world is commemorating the Genocide Centennial, the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Greater Boston is relentlessly preparing for an anniversary of its own.
And director/choreographer Apo Ashjian is hoping it might erase some of the grief and solace that comes with observing such a fatal moment in history.
Next year will mark 30 years for the troupe and its eclectic leader, who have a full agenda, leading up to a dream-like tour in Armenia.
No doubt, theirs will be a much happier milestone designed to generate applause.
Ashjian just returned from the country, making plans for the trip, which will feature a full-bred ensemble, musicians, costumes, and sets—the whole gallery. And if you happen to bump into him during the interim, brace yourself for a spirited conversation. He’s wound to the hilt.
One day it’s to Boca Raton, Fla., and the next Los Angeles, Calif., preparing dance music tracks. In between there are stops in Philadelphia and Providence throughout April. Add to that an invitation to the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires.
“Hopefully, we can impress the Armenia Dance Delegation Committee with what’s been done over the past 30 years with our company,” said Ashjian. “We’ve impacted many communities nationally and more than 400 dancers over this time. The leadership here has been amazing.”
It starts with Ashjian and filters down through the ranks with his wife, children, and everyone else’s domain. To say it’s been a family atmosphere all these years is putting it mildly. Just count all the marriages (26) and relationships that have come out of this kaleidoscope, not to mention the enhancement of our arts and culture. It’s been a medium that has met no end.
“As I go on doing what I love, I get very uplifted when I see so many young adults involved, not only performing but using the art of dance to teach them history,” he said. “As they hug one another when the show ends fills me with pride. It gets pretty emotional around here and the tears often reflect it.”
One segment of the repertoire deals with genocide; another is devoted to the work of the wandering minstrel that carries their name. The costumes and props alone complement the choreography.
A children’s group in Watertown called “Abaka” serves as a logical feeding system. This group will also be performing by itself in April during a cultural day at Bedford High School. The word translates out to “future.” This group’s been going for 20 years.
“Keeping kids involved in the arts and giving them something they enjoy has been an ongoing mission,” said Ashjian. “It all starts from the top. The community has been very supportive these 30 years and we plan to be around another 3 decades.”
Currently the troupe features 64 dancers and a 9-member stage crew, coupled with a 12-member executive committee comprised of alumni dancers.
Ashjian founded the group in 1985 and hasn’t stopped. The years have been kind to him, fueled by an insatiable zest toward his heritage. Nine years after its founding, Ashjian graduated from the Khachadour Apovian Dance Academy in Armenia. Next year’s visit will be another delightful homecoming for the performing artist—his third—joining the 10th and 20th anniversaries conducted in the homeland.
It may seem incredulous that at the age of 18, when most teens were graduating from high school, Ashjian took over the reins of Sayat Nova after becoming involved with the Tekeyan Cultural Association. He began choreographing his own dances while studying the history of his people.
As a teenager, he was too shy to hold hands with a girl at a dance. He would go home and try the steps they were learning until he got it right.
Over these 3 decades, he’s devised 64 original choreographies for Sayat Nova, more than any other of his kind throughout the world.
“I learned of the many tragedies that have befallen my people and their struggle for survival,” he noted. “Only then does it suddenly have a special meaning to me. It’s become a responsibility to teach dance and promote my culture to both Armenians and non-Armenians alike.”
Of the 200 appearances throughout America and Canada, half are billed as “major performances.” Nothing has moved Ashjian more than seeing a genocide survivor in the audience. He knows all too well how important it’s been for these elders to recall the dances they used to do as children and young adults.
“They deserve the applause just for being there,” he said.
The actual 30th anniversary will be celebrated in October in—where else?—Boston. Stay tuned.
Tom Vartabedian
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Bravo Apo!! As a SN Alum, I am so incredibly proud!