Sayat Nova Dance Company is spectacular in “Power in Rhythm”

by Nairi Checkosky Balian

Published: Saturday November 01, 2008

The performers of the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston.

Washington - The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston's performance of "Power in Rhythm" on Saturday, September 27, at the George Washington Lisner Auditorium in Washington, was a two-hour celebration of Armenian dance, song, poetry, and visual art in honor of Armenia's independence. Proceeds from the show, which was sponsored by the Women's Guild of the Washington-area St. Mary's Armenian Apostolic Church, will benefit Habitat for Humanity Armenia.

The artistry of the troupe was magnificent, each movement flowing to the next in a breathtaking arrangement of modern and ancient Armenian dances. The women moved as one, with arms, hands - even fingers - perfectly coordinated. The visual imagery paid tribute to triumph in Karabakh, troubadour Sayat Nova, and the ruins of Ani, as well as the Christian faith of the Armenian people.

Sayat Nova, an 18th-century troubadour and priest, enriched Armenian culture through songs and poems that were at the forefront of the Armenian literary and musical movement of the time. He wrote:
Kanee goozeh kameen daneh, dzovemen avaz chee bagsee

Tegooz ulleem tegooz chulleem mechleesneroom saz chee bagsee

However hard the wind blows, there will be no shortage of sand on beaches

Whether or not I exist, there will be no shortage of music at feasts

But the wind has not blown away his contribution. His namesake dance group, the Sayat Nova Dance Company, embraces a dance tradition that embodies traditional Armenian culture, yet adds a modern flourish.

Founder and director Apo Ashjian was trained by the finest choreographers in Armenia, such as Gagik Karapetian, and in the diaspora, such as Sarkis Paskalian. The dance group has over 70 dedicated dancers, performers, and crew who spend tireless hours rehearsing and sacrificing so much to bring their shows to life. They navigate upward of fourteen costume changes per show, memorize over two hours of dances and songs, practice for many hours per week, and travel long distances. These dancers, together with Mr. Ashjian and assistant directors Hagop Ashjian and Shaghig Palanjian and their committee members, have a steadfast dedication to their mission "to preserve and promote the Armenian culture."

The St. Mary's Women's Guild worked for many months to ensure a successful and well-attended evening. When the dancers arrived in Washington, the Women's Guild welcomed them with a delicious homemade meal. After the show, the dancers gathered at St. Mary's Church for a lavish cast party, featuring DJ Garrett Hallajian. The party was sponsored by Nairi Checkosky Balian and Sevag Balian.