The performance by the Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney Dance Company (ASDC) senior dancers on Sunday 20^th July truly resonated its title; Armenia- Beyond Noah’s Land.

As Noah’s Ark came to rest on the peak of Mount Ararat after the Flood, the land of Armenia became the site of regeneration in the face of disaster. This dichotomy of struggle and resilience pervades Armenian art and culture, a culture which has transcended two millennia.

The 40 skilled Armenian-Australian dancers virtually transported the audience from their seats at The Concourse in Chatswood, Sydney, all the way to Armenia. Those watching this breathtaking performance travelled across the country’s great rocky terrain, swam through Lake Sevan, climbed Mount Ararat, heard the bells of Sourp Etchmiadzin Cathedral, and explored the streets and alleys of Yerevan and Dilijan.

The costumes worn by the ASDC dancers were exquisite, as each garment embodied the multi-millennia old story and heritage of Armenia, complementing the dances and bringing the tales of their motherland and ancestors to life.

As well as the array of breathtaking dances, Armenia – Beyond Noah’s Land featured various talented international Armenian and Australian-Armenian performers, including Kamo Seyranyan, a widely popular traditional duduk player who graced the stage all the way from Armenia., whisking the audience away to the mountains of Armenia with his traditional Armenian melodies.

Also performing was Armenian-Australian soprano Natalie Aroyan, who is currently part of the Sydney Opera ensemble. Accompanying her was fellow renowned Armenian-Australian pianist Christopher Nazarian. Mher Balian, another member of the Sydney Armenian community graced the stage with his upbeat vocals, making the audience tap their feet and even clap and sing along.

The Austral Armenian Chamber Ensemble also performed an enjoyable blend of classical Armenian folk music and up-tempo beats.

The ASDC’s dedicated and talented choreographers made the audience’s enriching journey to Armenia a reality. The love and passion that they uphold for their culture was unveiled through the dances they bestowed, illuminating the stage with stories of Armenia and unravelling the landscape and scenery through their graceful and traditional dances . Anita Kherlopian, who has been part of the ASDC for 14 years, Angineh Karabedian and Gigo Giragosian were the choreographers.

As teachers of traditional Armenian dance, these choreographers play a huge role in carrying through the Armenian heritage, as this art form is a paramount gateway into the preservation of the Armenian heritage and legacy for future generations.