More than Just Dance

By Tara Ekmekci
Tara.ekmekci.49@my.csun.edu

The dictionary says that passion is a strong and barely controllable emotion. Others would have a difficult time describing such a powerful word in just one sentence. Passion is the careful stroke of an artist’s brush while drawing. Passion is the look on a runner’s face while crossing the finish line, and the adrenaline running through a basketball player’s body while shooting the winning buzzer beater.

Passion is the look on a mother’s face when their child is on stage. Passion is the gentle movement of a dancer’s arm while performing. Passion is the look on an audience’s face while watching that dancer, as well as the expression on the dancer’s face moving gracefully to the rhythm of the music.

The Hamazkayin Nayiri Dance Ensemble is a group of highly enthusiastic and spirited Armenian individuals, teachers, and volunteers who dedicate their extra time and energy in putting together a dynamic dance performance every year. The key element in organizing such an event is passion. Eliminate the passion and hard work of every single dancer or participant, and such a lively performance would never present itself.

Passion for Armenian dance comes from the heart. All Armenians dancing to Armenian folk music feel a rush of Armenian pride. That pride, mixed with the zeal for dancing cultural dances in front of an audience, results in an incredible performance. Much heartfelt thanks goes out to Catherine Hairabedian and Ari Libaridian for their fervor in instructing and continuing to be a part of the Nayiri Dance Ensemble. This kind of involvement demonstrates our unity at its peak. Let us all make it a simple duty to find a way to give back to our Armenian community with integrity!