By Vartan Esenyan
The Opera-Ballet Studio in Alexandropol-Leninakan (now Gyumri) became a vibrant hub for the arts from 1923-1926. It attracted distinguished artists such as Sharar Talyan, Haykanush Danielyan, Alexander Melik-Pashaev, and Levon Isakyan. This period saw the staging of world-renowned classical operas and operettas, including Bizet’s “Carmen,” Gounod’s “Faust,” and Kalman’s “Silva,” alongside numerous children’s operas.
The first Armenian ballet production, “Gayane,” written in 1939 by Aram Khachaturian, premiered in 1942. It’s famous for its “Sabre Dance.”
Aram Khachaturian’s “Spartacus,” winner of the Lenin Prize for composition, is another significant work that has been performed internationally and remains a vital part of the Armenian ballet repertoire.
Fast forward to today, and the legacy of ballet in Gyumri, Armenia continues to flourish, thanks to the efforts of the Varduhi Art school, a vibrant cultural center that contributes to the city’s community. Today, the school is cultivating the next generation of young Armenian artists.
“We teach music, ballet, sculpture and painting to Gyumri’s 200 children,” says Nvard Yeghoyan, organizer of the Educational Process at the Varduhi Art School.
The school offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of ballet, from classical techniques to contemporary dance forms. It is renowned for its rigorous training programs, which are designed to develop the technical proficiency and artistic expression of its students.
“The school provides a safe haven to Gyumri’s children and our goal is to educate our next generation to be successful, appreciate and enjoy the best of life.” says Levon Lachikyan, an art critic, illustrator and academician who also teaches art history at the Varduhi Art school.
Aida Suvareyan, head of the Classical Dance Department at the school, emphasizes the importance of performance experience, providing students with opportunities to showcase their skills in local, national, and international competitions.
One of the school’s notable achievements is the success of the Gyumri ballet ensemble. This group, composed of the school’s top dancers that includes one refugee from Artsakh, has gained significant recognition in the country. The ensemble has performed in various prestigious events around the world, earning accolades for their artistry and skill.
Armenian ballet uniquely incorporates traditional Armenian dance movements and motifs combined with Russian techniques into classical ballet form, creating a hybrid style that is both graceful and dynamic. The choreography often incorporates themes from Armenian history, literature, and folklore, contributing to a distinct narrative style in performances.
Other key institutions outside Gyumri play crucial roles in training dancers and preserving Armenian Ballet’s unique style. Yerevan Choreographic College and the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet are among them. While not exclusively a ballet school, the State Dance Ensemble of Armenia offers training and performance opportunities in various dance styles, including ballet. It plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Armenian dance heritage.
Vartan Esenyan is an Armenian Volunteer Corps intern at CivilNet.
