Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
RUZAN ORKUSYAN – Staff Writer
For the third year in a row, Hasmik Harutyunyan, member of the world renowned Shoghaken Folk Ensemble, captivated and engaged her audience of young and old, Armenians and non-Armenians. The Saturday, February 1, “Song and Dance Workshop,” sponsored by the Armenian Studies Program and Armenian Students Organization offered an unforgettable afternoon of traditional Armenian music, dances, history, and wisdom. The Workshop was partially funded by the Associated Students, Inc. at Fresno State.
Participants experienced an outstanding variety of songs and dances representing various regions and cultures of historic Armenian communities such as Moush, Sassoun, Dickranagerd, Kessab, and beyond.
During the first hour of the workshop, Harutyunyan introduced and demonstrated enchanting lullabies such as “Ari, im sokhak” (Come, my nightingale) and upbeat songs such as “Hele, hele.” The afternoon culminated with a sampling of exciting folk dances including Kochari, Tamzara, and Gyovand.
Harutyunyan’s energy and enthusiasm, along with her stories and commentary, motivated the dancers to continue despite the seeming complexity and length of each succeeding song. Ani Grigoryan, veteran ASO member and third time participant in Harutyunyan’s workshop, was excited by the incorporation of “new songs and dances.” Specifically, she enjoyed the “Aghjikneri Par” (Girls’ Dance) that served as the grand finale of the afternoon.
ASO member Sosse Kendoyan, who participated and loved the workshop last year, returned again this year. “It was great! We need more people like Hasmik Harutyunyan,” commented Kendoyan. “Events like these serve as avenues for Armenians from different parts of the world to come together.”
Intriguingly, this year, Harutyunyan’s workshop attracted a large number of non-Armenian participants. Carlos Lopez, who was enrolled in an Armenian Studies class last semester, thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, stating it was “entertaining” and provided “a new perspective into a new world.”
Harutyunyan’s success stems not only from her excellent teaching and mastery of Armenian songs and dances, but also from her caring and passionate approach to each person and her love and pride of Armenian traditions, history, and customs. Perhaps most importantly, she artfully shares her passion and excitement for Armenia and life in general with those willing to listen and learn.
Shelby Jones, a geology major and member of the Fresno State Salsa Club, was fascinated by the Armenian culture as manifested through the songs and dances. Despite the language barriers, she immersed herself in the new culture stating “I wish my culture had something similar to bring everyone together.”
Goodbyes are always bittersweet. For three years, Harutyunyan has united the Fresno Armenian community and Fresno State students and ASO members have impatiently awaited her visits. Sadly, Harutyunyan announced that this would be her last workshop as she is permanently moving to Armenia. However, she will always have a place in our hearts and minds.
Hasmik Harutyunyan not only taught us to sing and dance, but also inspired us to love and take pride in our culture and traditions. After all, she said, who will if not us!
Although her workshops will be missed, Harutyunyan has provided students with the passion, tools, and knowledge necessary to continue her mission of making Armenian songs and dances accessible to the public.