Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Caitlin Tiftick
Staff Writer
At the early age of six, Tom Bozigian began learning Armenian dances at the old St. Paul Armenian Church in downtown Fresno, California. Now, for the fifth time at Fresno State, he will pass down the tradition of Armenian dance in a one-unit course on Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3, 2007.
The Armenian Studies Program offers the dance course, which is the only such course offered for credit at a university in the United States. Students of all majors are welcome to register for the weekend and members of the community may participate as well for a small fee of $75.
Instructor Tom Bozigian has a wealth of knowledge in the area of Armenian dancing. He brings a mix of dances from different regions of Armenia: on his mother’s side dances from the region of Kharpert and on his father’s side from the region of Shirag. Even at a young age, Bozigian was fascinated by the style and movements of the first immigrants. By the time he reached 15, Bozigian had learned many dances, representing six regions of both Western and Eastern Armenia.
After attending the University of Pacific Stockton International Folk Dance Camp, Bozigian started teaching Armenian dance and traveled the world performing Armenian dances both through Armenian and non-Armenian folk dance organizations.
Later, Bozigian danced competitively between 1972 and 1975, while studying dance at the State Choreographic Academy in Armenia. He performed for an Amateur Ensemble and competed in various festivals.
Currently, Bozigian continues to spread Armenian art through both dance and music. He resides in Los Angeles where he is the director of an Armenian Folk Orchestra, which plays in the Southern California area and at various functions. He also teaches twelve-week dance courses throughout the year.
Students will learn about and dance some ten dances over the two-day course. The dances will come from a variety of regions including Kharpert, Van, Shirag, and others. Most of the music for the course has been recorded by Bozigian.
The Armenian dance course is a great way to expose students to the traditions of the Armenian culture both artistically and musically. By taking the course, students will be able to participate at local Armenian festivals, weddings, and other events. All of the course participants will be able to take home knowledge of the song and dance history of the Armenian people.
Bozigian teaches Armenian dance because he feels it is important to continue the cultural tradition by educating and teaching future generations.
“I am rewarded by the legacy I hope to leave, just like my teachers have been rewarded – my father, grandfather, and uncle left songs and dances with rich ethnographical and anthropological data that are our duty to retain and pass on,” said Bozigian.
So gather up your family and friends and spend the weekend of February 2nd and 3rd at Fresno State learning Armenian dance from the world-renowned instructor Tom Bozigian.
For more information on the Armenian Dance course and how to enroll, call the Armenian Studies Program at 559- 278-2669.
For more information on Tom Bozigian, please visit www.bozigian.com