SAYAT NOVA DANCERS KEEPING PACE WITH APO ASHJIAN
by Tom Vartabedian
June 4, 2012
BOSTON, Mass.-One would think that directing a dance company through a
rigorous stage production and appearing in most every sequence would
take the life out of a choreographer.
Sayat Nova Dance Company director Apo Ashjian is enjoying his 26th
year with the troupe. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian) Not Apo Ashjian. He
seems enamored by it.
The folk dance dynamo is in his 26th year as director of the
charismatic Sayat Nova Dance Company and appears as consistent as a
pendulum on a clock, except for one thing: He defies the gravities
of time with boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Since 1985, when a small group of individuals gathered in a tiny
Watertown hall to determine their fate, some 400 dancers have sifted
through the ranks, sharing the pride and indomitable spirit of the
Armenian people.
If nothing else, Ashjian has created a veritable dynasty with his
dancing troubadours, giving some 400 performances over this time while
creating a reputation for excellence. The current adult troupe numbers
65 dancers. Moreover, a junior group that forms the Abaka Armenian
School for the Performing Arts remains a buoyant look toward tomorrow.
Translated, “abaka” means “future.”
“I feel an urge to start training kids from an early age to act as
a feeder system for Sayat Nova,” he says. “The concept has been a
blessing. Children as young as four are in a unique dance program,
listen and react to beautiful Armenian music, and feel the glamour
of a stage with their beautiful costumes.”
The dividends have paid off in other ways. Through Sayat Nova, more
than seven dance groups have been created in different communities,
all students and disciples of Ashjian. His talent creates other talent.
Watching him perform, usually front row center, keeps the cadence
in step. Other visuals like lighting, props, and costumes enhance
the moment. No better performance was there than the two trips he
made to Armenia with his group in 1995 and 2006 for its anniversary
celebrations.
Sayat Nova dancers keep in perfect step. (Photo by Tom Vartabedian)
It’s hard to believe that at the age of 18, when most teens his age
were just graduating high school, Ashjian took over the reins of Sayat
Nova after involving himself with the Tekeyan Cultural Association. He
began choreographing his own dances while studying the history of
his people.
As a teenager, he was too shy to hold hands with a girl in a dance. He
would go home and try the steps they were learning until he got
it right.
“I learned of the many tragedies that befell my people and their
struggle for survival, and suddenly dance had a special meaning for
me,” he recalls. “It became a duty to teach dance and promote my
culture to both Armenians and non-Armenians.”
A recent program in North Andover by the Armenian Genocide
Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley drew fervent applause
from the audience. The repertoire included a moving tribute to
the minstrel Sayat Nova, and an eclectic number dedicated to
Khor Virap. The performance opened with a “Journey Through Time:
Pre-Christian Era,” marked by ritualistic movements incorporating
Armenia’s pagan celebrations.
A 100-year-old survivor seated in the front row was more than pleased
with the show, recalling how she had danced in her younger days. She
was happy to know the culture was being carried on in good hands.
When the final curtain call took place, Ashjian extended his hand to
where the woman was seated and passed off any esteem that may have
come his way.
“She deserves the applause for being here,” he later said.
It’s become a family affair from the onset. Wife Arlet was a beautiful
dancer and a soloist for 12 years. She’s now taken charge of costuming.
Both daughters (Alina and Garineh) are Abaka graduates and have been
part of the core cast of Sayat Nova for nine years. Son Vrej is right
behind them.
“I always joke around and tell people that when it comes to Armenian
dancing, my family doesn’t have a choice,” said Ashjian. “It’s been
a way of life for us.”
Sister Sona is a member of the executive committee, and maintains
membership and the day-to-day operations. Brother Hagop also dances
and instructs while his wife Arpie was a dancer, joined by their two
children, Araz and Sarine, who are on the verge.
Apo Ashjian’s parents hardly took a back seat. His dad was a well-known
actor in Syria and Beirut, Lebanon, and helped Sayat Nova with various
production roles, while his mom was a seamstress during the early
years. Several other family members also have ties, including as
stagehands and photographers.
Hagop Ashjian instills strong energy and dance perfection while
instructing the men. Shaghig Palanjian acts as assistant director
and works with the women. Her two children (Sevag and Talar) are also
Abaka graduates.
“I look at the dancers and see the smiles on their radiant faces,”
says Apo Ashjian. “They’re covered with sweat and sometimes moved to
emotional tears. I feel blessed that I’m able to use God’s given talent
to keep the Armenian pride intact. This is where I get my energy.”
This same energy has transgressed itself into other areas of mobility.
As a workout routine, Ashjian runs marathons. He’s done Boston 13
times. And he’s a serious cyclist, having studied physical education
at Northeastern University, and works out regularly in the gym.
He smiles in thought. “Between Abaka and Sayat Nova, I get all the
exercise I really need,” he admits.
If perchance Ashjian crossed paths with Sayat Nova (1712-95) in a
time machine, how would he enjoy the interlude?
“I would die from excitement and go to heaven very satisfied with
life on earth,” he says with a chuckle. “Then I’d ask him if he were
free to play at my kids’ weddings.”
Kidding aside, Ashjian would stage a special performance for the
wandering minstrel, even invite him to partake.
“If Sayat Nova ever saw our ensemble, he would be both flattered and
amazed at what we’ve created,” Ashjian feels. “He would be in tears at
how well we’ve depicted his music and his life. Most of his songs are
about the beauty of women and so romantically written. We describe
them to our dancers and to audience members. Unless the lyrics are
explained, those choreographed dances become meaningless movements.”
The artist has imbued every facet of Ashjian’s life, from his songs
to his instruments. Ashjian has grown familiar with the kamanche.
“Sayat Nova wanted to be the best in his art and he exemplified
that by playing in Georgian palaces and for the king’s guests,”
Ashjian explained.
Those who come under Ashjian’s wing call him a “perfectionist” and a
“taskmaster.” Half-heartedness is not an option. It’s total immersion
or nothing. Dancers arrange their work schedules, studies, and family
obligations to make every rehearsal and performance.
“The more I demand perfection, the harder they work,” Ashjian points
out. “When we take the stage, I’m confident that all our dancers have
done everything possible to ensure a flawless presentation.”
Take it from alumni like Josh Tevekelian. He spent 16 years with the
ensemble and saw what it did for him. He’s still dancing his way
through life with a happy shuffle and holds special gratitude for
the likes of Apo, Hagop, and Shaghig.
“The company re-energized me in the community,” says Tevekelian. “I
walked into that first rehearsal and was greeted by people who found
importance in the upkeep of our heritage. We danced not only for
ourselves, an audience, but for a nation-our martyrs and those who
survived the genocide. The dancing was important. But the passion
and the friendships are what build nations.”
Every day offers a new beginning with Ashjian. Rehearsals.
Appearances. Coming attractions. There’s the Peabody International
Festival in September where Sayat Nova dancers have performed the
past 20 years. Worcester is on the agenda for early October, followed
by a return visit to Montreal later that month. The “Journey Through
Time” show is also being given some thought for a return engagement
in Boston.
No doubt, something very special will be prepared for the genocide
centennial in 2015.
“When I look at all the friendships that have been created, even
marriages, I begin to realize what a unique mission we’re taking,”
he says. “In our own world, we’re creating a little corner of Armenia
in the diaspora.”
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/06/04/sayat-nova-dancers-keeping-pace-with-apo-ashjian/