The New York community was in attendance at a sold-out program of nearly 250 Armenians at St Sarkis on Sunday November 3rd to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Nor Yeraz dance ensemble under the auspices of Hamazkayin NY.
Hamazkayin NY has had over a half century footprint in our community as the stellar Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, with the Nor Yeraz dance ensemble representing the second iteration from the original Yeraz dance group from a generation ago.
Nor Yeraz honored its second year by hosting this Cultural Showcase reception for the broad swath of community members of all ages, from toddlers to grandparents, from all the sister organizations to affiliates, and from the impressive roster of parents and executive committee members that are dedicated to ensuring the success of this 50+ member troupe of young Armenian dancers, most of whom are NY Hyortik AYF members.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Maria Bechirian who is the dance instructor for Nor Yeraz and daughter of the original Yeraz dance founder Karnig Nercessian, followed by the Armenian and Artsakh national anthems sung by Hooshere Bezdikian, and Tonee Marino who served as the program emcee. Der Nareg Terterian spoke about St Sarkis’ partnership with Nor Yeraz in providing the hall for the weekly dance practices and blessed the refreshments table at the culmination of the cultural showcase.
The afternoon included performances in Armenian traditional dance, myriad musical renditions with individuals singing and playing instrumental selections in both Armenian and English, renowned Armenian poetry, and culminated in the spirited fusion of the recently recorded and viral Armenian American video HAYASDAN by Tonee Marino, to a standing ovation by all attendees.
Raffles were held with fantastic offerings, artwork of select dancers were displayed, and the abundant table of assorted food generously donated by the Nor Yeraz parents that was enjoyed by everyone.
The dancers exemplify the best of our nation with their enthusiasm, dedication, and love of Armenian culture. This program showcased Nor Yeraz as a source of cultural pride and a vibrant community asset, flourishing the rich Armenian heritage through the art of dance from the past to the present and into the future.