TRADITION NEVER FADES: KEVERIAN FAMILY CELEBRATES DECADES OF DANCE
By Jennifer Roach/ Correspondent

Medfield Press, MA
Oct 5 2006

Sitting in traffic on her way to yet another dress rehearsal was the
only spare time Medfield resident Niari Keverian had for a quick cell
phone conversation about her hectic life as a member of the Sayat Nova
Dance Company (SNDC). The Armenian Folk dancing troupe is celebrating
its 20th anniversary with performances all over the country this year
and even traveled to Armenia for a few shows this past summer.

Along with her brother Jack, Niari spent three weeks in June and July
touring Armenia with SNDC. The dance company is incredibly focused
on preserving and sharing the rich culture of its native land with
the rest of the world, so making the journey to Armenia was a major
milestone in accomplishing its mission.

"This was the next big step," says Niari, "We just keep growing and
growing, from seven dancers to about 70 or 80 today."

The company traveled all over Armenia, from the main venue at the
Opera House in Yerevan to small villages beyond the city’s boarders.

"The capital city is basically the same as any typical city, but
once you left the city and went to the outskirts, kids would come
running up to our tour bus asking for autographs! They cried when we
left!" said Niari.

The performance at the Opera House was the greatest moment for Niari
because of the elaborate stage and large audience. She had, however,
many other memorable experiences on her trip, including a show the
company put on for the military in Armenia.

"The troops marched over 45 minutes just to come see us perform.

Everyone was screaming and cheering. After a tribute at the end [of
the show], all of the soldiers wanted to run on the stage! It was a
most intense moment where we felt like we really did something right."

This trip was particularly special for Niari because it was the
first time in her life she was able to visit Armenia. Her brother
Jack traveled to Armenia two years ago to volunteer at an orphanage.

"It was an amazing and an eye-opening experience," recalls Niari,
"I have a lot more respect for where I came from and who I am. I have
a greater connection to my culture."

Niari and Jack have spent their entire lives immersed in the Armenian
culture. Niari recalls watching her mother dance in the Sayat Nova
Dance Company (although it was not called that at the time) and has
been dancing in the company herself since she was 16.

Now, after turning 22 and finally visiting Armenia, Niari explains,
"I’ve been brought up in an Armenian community, but this [trip to
Armenia] puts all the puzzles together."

When not touring the country for dance performances, the Keverians
embraced the opportunity to explore their own culture and its
traditions. One of Niari’s favorite experiences while in Armenia,
for example, was attending a wedding for one of the company members
held in the Etchmiadzin, the head church of Armenia.

Although this journey for the Keverians may have come to a close, Jack
and Niari’s lives have certainly not calmed down. This past Saturday
and Sunday the duo performed with SNDC at the Cutler Majestic Theater
in Boston. The show, entitled "Power in Rhythm," marks the end of the
company’s 20th anniversary celebration with one of the largest venues
Sayat Nova has ever showcased in the Boston area. According to Niari,
the show has "taken a more modern flair as well as keeping to the folk
tradition." The Armenian dancing is explosive and passionate, the music
loud and the stories exciting, so not surprisingly, the show was a hit.

Future plans for the company are not yet in the works, says Niari,
but she knows Sayat Nova will not be slowing down any time soon.

"When you step into [this company] it is as if you’ve been given the
Sayat Nova injection. You can’t describe it, but the effect you give
to people and yourself is something that cannot be replaced."