Welcome to the Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney
Dance Ensemble
Celebrating the rich tradition of Armenian culture and dance.
Celebrating the rich tradition of Armenian culture and dance.
The Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney Dance Company (ASDC) was founded in July 2000 by combining the Sasoon dance group of the Hamazkaine Shant chapter, and the Nairi dance group of the Hamazkaine Ararat and Nairi chapter. Enthusiastic young Armenians gathered to learn, embody and pursue the dance of their ancestors through this newly formed organisation. Every year the dancers, from the age of four, graced the stage with their performances, translating their year’s dedication of classes to an entertaining and evocative concert.
2001 – October – ASDC’s debut performance at the Hills Centre in Castle Hill with guest instructors from
Armenia, Albert Kiziryan and Jasmine Avedisyan
2002 - Hills Centre in Castle Hill
2003 – Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the great Armenian composer, Aram Khatchadourian’s
birth at NIDA. Performance accompanied by the Armenian String Ensemble and the Hamazkaine Arshak and
Sophie Galstaun College Nanor Choir. Special guest instructor Hrachya Badalyan
2004 – NIDA - Hamazkaine Sevan Chapter joins. Performance commemorating the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide and celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian Alphabet
2005 – NIDA
2007 – Hills Centre in Castle Hill – Performance accompanied by esteemed local and international guest
musicians including folk bands from Armenia. Community enjoyed the beautiful sounds of traditional
instruments including the duduk, kanoon, zurna and the dhol.
2008 – Hills Centre and the Yerevan Opera House. 32 dancers from our 18+ group performed in Armenia
gaining wide media coverage throughout Armenia and Australia. Special guest instructor Petros
Gharibian
2009 – NIDA – A unique presentation of traditional folk dance, modern up-tempo routines, solo
instrumentals, vocal presentations and DVD previews of past events.
The Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney Dance Company (ASDC) was founded in July 2000 by combining the Sasoon dance group of the Hamazkaine Shant chapter, and the Nairi dance group of the Hamazkaine Ararat and Nairi chapter. Enthusiastic young Armenians gathered to learn, embody and pursue the dance of their ancestors through this newly formed organisation. Every year the dancers, from the age of four, graced the stage with their performances, translating their year’s dedication of classes to an entertaining and evocative concert.
The Hamazkaine Armenian Sydney Dance Company (ASDC) comprises of a devoted group of individuals who
love and support their heritage. Each member is striving towards continuing the common goal of the
preservation and facilitation of traditional Armenian music and dance, respecting the principles and
quality upheld by ASDC.
Our belief is in our culture and instilling a sense of belonging and pride in our youth. We aim to
provide a positive environment for our youth and community to ensure that in the years to come our
future generations can continue to enjoy our culture through dance and music.
The hard work provided by our members is supported by the financial backing of our sponsors with
which the tuition fees remain affordable and the costumes, venues and production of our events
remain of a professional calibre.
The ASDC has been further sustained through the efforts of several hard-working and dedicated
members of the Sydney and wider Armenian community. These people have invested their precious time
into ensuring the success of this organisation, forming logistical crucial subcommittees. They have
co-ordinated our 250 dance members, and taken on a multitude of roles such as costume co-ordination,
ensuring our dancers have a hall to practice in and managing these sessions, organising local and
international tours, directing the production of our events, and overseeing our logistical duties
under their wings.
