Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Nyrie Karkazian
staff writer
Imagine Armenian dancing for 15 hours in two days. Fifty-six students at CSU, Fresno learned nine new dances during a weekend class offered by Tom Bozigian, of Los Angeles. The students were part of the very first Armenian Dance Class offered at a university, as a regular course for 1 unit of college credit, through the Armenian Studies Program.
Bozigian, a world-renowned Armenian Dance instructor, conducted a fast paced weekend class that students will cherish for many years. Although students were sore from head to toe the next day, the dances they learned are classics. The students in the class learned such dances as Tamzara, Kocharee (Halle), Ambee Dagits, JoJon, Beejo, and Khum Khuma.
The class was comprised of students from mixed dancing backgrounds, ranging from those who have been dancing since they were two, to those with two left feet! Armenian and non-Armenian students alike worked on perfecting the intricate steps of the dances. Bozigian taught dances which ranged in degree of difficulty. Along with learning the jumping, kicking, skipping and clapping parts of the dances, the students also were responsible for knowing where the dances originated from in historic Armenia.
Bozigian’s orchestra provided the class with the classic Armenian melodies. The CD Bozigian used, as well as a videotape of the class, was for sale during the class. Playing the CD and watching the video will help students carry on these dance traditions into future generations. Plus, these 56 students will be up to speed at Armenian weddings, dances and best of all, picnics!
As part of the cultural presentation, Bozigian showed a video of his dance research in Armenia. He displayed a wide array of dances from various regions of Armenia–Van, Erzerum, and Gumri.
Bozigian has traveled throughout the world teaching Armenian dances in countries such as Germany and Japan. He told his students that the people really want to learn Armenian dances because they are very interested in them. The students were excited that people from many different countries, not only Armenians, were interested in learning about these dances.
Bozigian’s enthusiastic and vivacious attitude made the class a wonderful experience for all of his students.
Student’s comments about the class included, “Amazing class. So glad I took it. I learned a lot!” “It was great fun and the dances were very creative,” and “The course was fun. I would take it again.” Comments about Tom Bozigian included, “He is very skilled, organized, and enthusiastic,” and “The instructor was great and had a lot of energy.”
I’m sure that everyone in the class would agree that Bozigian’s motivation and dedication to Armenian dance would always be welcome within the Armenian community of Fresno and elsewhere.