On Saturday, November 16, 2024, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational Society of Detroit and Hamazkayin Arax Dance Ensemble presented their annual dance performance, drawing an audience of more than 400 guests. The event was dedicated to Yerevan’s 2,800th anniversary and celebrated the city’s vibrant history and rich cultural tradition.
It is inspiring to witness 127 children and youth dancing together in harmony. The dance transcends movement, becoming a powerful expression of unity, fostering a deep understanding of identity and cultivating a generation connected to its roots. With this sentiment, Shoghere Ourlian opened the evening, expressing heartfelt gratitude to dance instructors Nayiri Karapetian and Dikran Callan, whose unwavering dedication made this event possible. She also extended her thanks to the assistant dance teachers, donors, parents, helpers, participants and the audience for their vital contributions to this memorable celebration.
The Arax dance group captivated the audience with performances rich in cultural symbolism and artistry. Their rendition of “Yarkhoushta” embodied the collective strength and resilience of the Armenian people, while “Chinar es” celebrated love and beauty, likening it to the towering majesty of a chinar tree. Dances like “Ilig Bar,” inspired by the spinning of thread, and “Kani Voor Jan Eem” filled the hall with the spirit of love and tradition. The elegant movements of the female dancers added a celebratory touch, reflecting the grace and vibrancy of Armenian life.
The group also performed “Hovivnerou Bar,” during which the boys’ lively and comical energy charmed the audience, along with other traditional pieces like “Avarayr,” “Yaman Yar” and “Hayastan.” Interwoven with these performances were the moving recitations by young dancers Tro Hatsakordzian, Berj Ourlian, Garen Gulian and Armen Danielian of Hamasdegh’s “Hayou Vokeen” and Kevork Emin’s “Sasna Bar,” evoking pride and celebrating Armenia’s heroic and spiritual legacy.
The event concluded with the enthusiastic and spiritually uplifting dance “Yerakouyn,” performed by all four groups — “Hrashk” (grades 2-4), “Houys” (grades 5-7), “Arax Jrs.” (grades 8-11) and “Arax Seniors” (12th grade and college students) — which inspired the audience to clap along with warm exclamations.
Dzovinar Hamakordzian delivered heartfelt closing remarks on behalf of the Djemaran alumni, expressing gratitude to the artistic directors, audience and benefactors. She emphasized that proceeds from the event would support the renovation of the Melkonian and Haig Arslanian Djemaran in Lebanon. Highlighting the vital role of Armenian schools in the diaspora, she underscored their mission to prepare the next generation and safeguard the Armenian national identity. Concluding her speech, Hamakordzian invited all Djemaran alumni to join her on stage for a memorable group photograph.
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