[Congressional Record: October 6, 2004 (Extensions)]

HONORING THE ANI DANCE ENSEMBLE

______

HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

of california

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, October 5, 2004

Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Waxman and I rise today to honor “the
Ani Dance Ensemble,” part of the Armenian Educational and Cultural
Society, Hamazkayin, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Hamazkayin
was founded by a group of community leaders on May 28, 1928, in Cairo,
Egypt with the objective of providing a sound education to the new
generation and preserving the ethnic identity and cultural heritage of
the Armenian people forced to live outside their homeland after the
1915 Armenian genocide.
Subsequently, Hamazkayin chapters sprouted throughout the Middle
East, Europe, the United States, Canada, South America and Armenia to
instill, perpetuate and preserve the centuries of Armenian culture.
Hamazkayin has been successful in establishing secondary and higher
educational institutions which have prepared scholars, literary
figures, and community leaders throughout Armenia and the Diaspora. The
establishment of “the Ani Dance Ensemble” achieves the objectives of
Hamazkayin through their unique performances of traditional Armenian
folk dances.
“The Ani Dance Ensemble” was established in 1974 in Los Angeles,
California under the leadership of artistic directors/choreographers
Ms. Suzy Barseghian-Tarpinian and Mr. Yeghia Hasholian. The ensemble
has had more than 80 dances in its repertoire, and presently consists
of 40 dancers. Since its inception it has performed and captivated
audiences throughout California as well as cities across the nation
including Washington DC, Chicago, Illinois; Falls Church, Virginia; and
Las Vegas, Nevada. In addition, the group has performed in Armenia and
Karabagh in 1999, 2001, and 2004. The ensemble has also represented
Armenian Culture through Armenian folk dances at the American Ethnic
Day in Washington, DC in 1987. They are frequently invited by American,
ethnic and Armenian organizations to perform at functions. As one of
the oldest and most accomplished Armenian Dance Ensembles in the United
States, it is recognized as one of the best ethnic dance groups in
America.
It is our distinct honor to recognize the cultural contributions of
“the Ani Dance Ensemble.” I ask all members to join me in
congratulating the “the Ani Dance Ensemble’s” 30 years of performing
traditional Armenian folk dances.