CELEBRATE WITH LOCAL ARMENIAN DANCE COMPANY

Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
Aug. 24, 2006

The 20th anniversary celebration of the Sayat Nova Dance Company
of Greater Boston is in full swing, with plans for an elegant gala,
in addition to two special performances at Boston’s Majestic Theater.

Belmont resident Apo Ashjian, the founder, choreographer and artistic
director of the dance company, said he is both amazed and humbled by
this milestone.

"When we first started, I didn’t think we would last at all. We
were an independent group, when that was rare among Armenian
organizations. People felt funny. Now we’re celebrating our 20th
year and holding up our heads," Ashjian said of the Watertown-based
dance troupe. "We never, ever thought we would reach this far. And
this success is all thanks to the community and the intense support
we got from them."

Kicking off the 20th anniversary celebration is a gala banquet at
Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza on Saturday, Sept. 16. The evening
will feature cocktails, dinner and dancing to the Melik Ohanian Band.

A guest speaker will also be featured, helping with the silent and
live auction.

The second phase of the celebration is two shows at the Cutler Majestic
Theater in Boston, on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m., and Sunday,
Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. The two performances, titled "Power in Rhythm,"
will stress cultural and ethnographic dances.

"We want to show non-Armenians the deep-rooted cultural heritage that
we have. We want to show our culture to everyone," said Ashjian.

Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston has toured the U.S. and the world
since 1986. Most recently, in July the dance troupe had several
sold-out performances in Armenia.

About 80 crew members, dancers and choreographers make up the core of
Sayat Nova Dance Company. The nonprofit group relies on donations and
community support for maintaining its rigorous weekly dance sessions
and numerous performances annually.

Ashjian and his team of volunteers also regularly visit Armenia
to learn about traditional Armenian dances, costumes and music,
in order to better represent the art of Armenia to Diasporans and
non-Armenians alike.

Tickets for both shows at the Majestic are available by calling
617-901-2758, or calling Telecharge at 1-800-233-3123. Tickets may
also be purchased at

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress