April 29, 2009
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Antranig Dance Ensemble Announces Major Event at Lincoln Center in November to Mark 40th Anniversary

  • AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble performs one of its signature d
    AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble performs one of its signature dances.

The AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2009 and, to mark the milestone year, the group will present a new program during a special night of celebration at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, November 28, 2009.

Known for its many years of first-class Armenian dance performances, the AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble has found a way to stay true to the origins of Armenian folk dance while also exploring variations of the art form and always updating its repertoire for contemporary audiences.

Established in 1969, the Antranig Ensemble was initially under the direction of Sarkis Paskalian and later Ohan Armoudian, who for the first time brought traditional Armenian dance to the stage for Armenian-American audiences. In the 1980s, under the leadership of Randy Sapah-Gulian, the group moved to themed productions, experimenting with the art form of folk-ballet in such shows as "The Wedding of Antranig" and one of their classics, "The Eternal Flame."

The 1990s and early 2000s have been marked by the direct influence of contemporary dance from Armenia through the choreography and training of Gagik Karapetian. A leading Armenian dance artist and choreographer, Karapetian annually trains the Ensemble and has helped Artistic Director Joyce Tamesian-Shenloogian create the group's past five stage productions.

This year's new production will be no different. While keeping elements of true native Armenian dance from a variety of historic regions, the show promises to include many of the high-energy, deeply emotional and intricately choreographed pieces Antranig audiences have come to expect from the New Jersey-based Ensemble.

The group will make a number of New York-area appearances throughout 2009 and expects to announce its tour plans later this year.

For forty years, the AGBU Antranig Dance Ensemble (www.antranig.org) has dazzled audiences around the world with its full-length productions, exemplifying the rich Armenian dance culture. Through a variety of folk dances from different regions in Armenia, vibrant costumes and exceptional choreography, the Ensemble continues to perpetuate the Armenian heritage in support of AGBU's mission.

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