Mission

The Sayat Nova Dance Company's mission is to preserve and promote the Armenian culture through the art of dance. It seeks to foster an atmosphere of friendship among individuals sharing the pride and indomitable spirit of the Armenian people, as well as further educate and elevate multicultural awareness within all ethnic communities worldwide.

The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston (SNDC) was formed in January 1986 as an independent, non-profit dance ensemble under the direction of Apo Ashjian. With his leadership and the efforts of a handful of dedicated individuals, the Company began its journey of bringing young, talented individuals together from all ages and backgrounds to join in bringing Armenian folk dance to life.

The Company takes its name from the famous 18th century troubadour, Sayat Nova, whose beautiful music and poetry captures the essence of the Armenian soul and spirit.

As part of a rich culture, Armenian folk dancing is a reflection of the life and legacy of the Armenian people. Each dance symbolizes the livelihood, the aspirations, the legends, the celebration of life and appreciation of beauty.

The Company aims to preserve and promote Armenian culture through the art of dance. With this in mind, the group performs extensively throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in Armenia. Since its first trip to the homeland in 1995 and then again in 2006 and 2016, SNDC has presented over twenty performances throughout the country to rave reviews, including in the capital city of Yerevan and in Stepanakert, the capital city of Artsakh.

The ensemble’s most recent trip in July 2016 included participation in the "Im Hayastan" (My Armenia) festival in Yerevan. The two week visit culminated in a private performance for the Armenian Military at the Baronian Theater in Yerevan and a sold-out performance at Yerevan's famous Opera House, the most prestigious theater in Armenia.

Apo Ashjian

Founder/Director

Apo Ashjian has been active in Armenian dance for more than 40 years and has performed extensively with Armenian dance ensembles as well as with the internationally renowned Mandala Folk Ensemble. In 1982, Ashjian directed his first production, "Tribute to Armenian Heritage," in Medford, MA.

He was the director of the Erebouni Dance Ensemble of the Boston Chapter of Hamazkain (1980) and the Daron Dance Ensemble of the Greater Boston Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (1981-1985). He founded the Sayat Nova Dance Company in January 1986 and directed its premiere performance that November to a sold-out audience.

In October 1987, Ashjian traveled and studied with various dance ensembles throughout Armenia. He returned to Armenia in January 1990 and September 1992 to continue his training. He studied extensively with renowned choreographer and expert ethnographer Artousha Karapetian. In 1994, he received his certification as an Armenian dance Director and Choreographer from the Dance Department of the Khatchadour Apovian School for the Performing Arts in Armenia.

Ashjian journeyed again to Armenia in August 1995, taking with him the entire Sayat Nova Dance Company for their premiere performance in the homeland. In 2006 and 2016, SNDC returned to Armenia to celebrate its 20th and 30th anniversaries.

Ashjian is the founder of the Abaka Armenian School for the Performing Arts and the Abaka Dance Academy, serving children ages 3-16.

Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, Ashjian immigrated to the United States in 1970. He majored in Physical Education at Northeastern University in Boston, MA.

Ashjian and his wife, Arlet, have three children and live in Waltham, MA.

Shaghig Palanjian

Founder/Assistant Director

- In Memorium -

Shaghig Palanjian has been involved in Armenian dance for over 30 years, studying under dance director Flora Kaloustian. She was an instructor for the Erebouni Dance Ensemble of the Boston chapter of Hamazkain, and an Assistant Director of the Daron Dance Ensemble of the Greater Boston Chapter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

Born in Lebanon, Palanjian immigrated to the United States in 1976. As the granddaughter of Armenian composer Parsegh Ganachian, she grew up surrounded with music and art, which encouraged her to pursue drama and ballet at Northeastern University. As one of the founding members of the Sayat Nova Dance Company, she is a valuable asset to the Company and its director.

Dearest Shaghig, we promise to continue your legacy and dance harder than ever to honor you and your vision for SNDC. You will be missed forever but your memory will live on in our hearts and every life you touched.

Rest in peace. Asdvadz hokit loosavoreh.

Hagop Ashjian

Assistant Director

Hagop Ashjian has been involved in Armenian dance from a very young age. Born in Lebanon, he immigrated to the United States at the age of six. Influenced by his brother Apo’s love of dancing, he became involved in Armenian dance first, as a student at the Holy Trinity Armenian School in Cambridge, and then as a member of the AGBU Daron Dance Ensemble in Boston. His stage debut came in 1975 as a child dancer in the Armenian folk ballet Anoush, under choreographer Sarkis Paskalian at the Citi Performing Arts Center in Boston.

He first began his teaching career as an instructor for the AGBU Daron Dance Ensemble in 1981. Hagop became Assistant Director of SNDC shortly after its formation in 1986. His energy and motivation are an inspiration to the entire troupe.

Hagop lives in Watertown, Massachusetts with his wife and two children.