The Armenian National Dance Ensemble ROCKS (as my Kiwi friend would say). I just saw their performance at the Opera and boy were they incredible. I had seen them once before in �99 but this time they were unbelievable and Gohar I was thinking of you all night, I know how much you would have enjoyed their performance had you been here. The costumes, the talent, the choreography, so much passion exuded from those performers. Did you know that there�s actually a live band performing in the background rather than a playing a CD? They performed songs by Ara Gevorkian, Sayat Nova and Aram Khachaturian and the Director danced a little at the end too, what a character.

Vartan, you came to mind too when they performed the Georgian Dance with all the shimmies that they do. There was also a lady who was called on stage, she�s originally from Iran but now lives in Switzerland, but I didn�t catch her name. She exhibited costumes designed by herself for all the regions of Armenia from Zangezour to Artsakh to Van. Of course when the costume from Marash was exhibited, I got all teary thinking of my Dad who was born in Marash, I know pathetic. The best part was when the dancers in training came out and showed off their skills, they have a bright future ahead. Although I was also told that the performers earn $8 a month and that�s only when there�s an upcoming concert. Regardless, we were in such a good mood that Alex and I came out dancing, wanting to join dance lessons immediately.

When I got home, my neighbour told me that there�s now an Armenian staying with her from California who can�t speak Armenian. So I�ll be meeting him tomorrow morning and doing my usual translation for my neighbour.