Element Band‘s unique signature embodies the essence of World Music. The band’s distinctive arrangements preserve and popularize traditional Armenian songs by infusing each piece with large-bodied vocals and a cool blend of instrumentals. Led by Ara Dabandjian, the band’s multifaceted music comes to life through the use of contemporary and traditional instruments. Element Band’s success is underpinned by the warm and passionate sounds of the Mediterranean and the vibrant, rich, and uplifting notes are woven through their music. The band’s most recent album e` was released in 2018; a new album set to be later released this year.
Amirian Ballet Academy (Hasmik Amirian, Founder & Teacher): Hasmik, a native of Armenia, began her studies at the age of seven at the Armenian Choreography Ballet School. She was taught by such notable teachers as Anahit Ter-Gabrielian, Maxim Martirosyan, Ludimila Sakharova, Feya Balabina (pupil of Agrippina Vaganova), and more. At the age of 18, Hasmik joined the esteemed Armenian National Opera Balletwhere she rose quickly through the ranks and was promoted Soloist. In 1992 Hasmik immigrated to the United States. Hasmik is a Master Ballet Teacher and has been teaching in Los Angeles since 1996. Through the years, Hasmik’s students have received invitations to top ballet schools and prestigious companies around the world. Hasmik is passionate about continuing to instill proper technique and appreciation of this creative art form in dancers of all ages. She currently is teaching select students around Los Angeles.
Shushan Dance Studio (Shushan Poghosyan): A graduate of the Yerevan State Ballet Academy, Shushan Poghosyan has extensive experience in advanced classes in ballet dance and the Vaganova method. Noticed as a fine dancer during her student years, she has toured around the world including Lebanon, Russia, France, Germany, and Spain. However, she didn’t stop there! She continued her dance education and studied ballroom and cultural dances which she selflessly teaches to all her students.
Simakey School (Klara Simonyan, Founder): One of the main goals of Simakey School is to inspire all people around us to start living a healthy lifestyle, by taking care of our bodies which also leads people to protect their emotional stability. We believe that’s how you start building a high quality life. Our team is ready to advise in every situation and start helping you in your journey. We welcome from 4 to 16 years old girls and boys to join our training; it will help them start growing their muscle structure in a proper way and soon they will not only have a nice body structure but also a good standing and walking posture which is a serious problem among many people.
Barekamutiun Dance Studio (Lusine Gevorgyan): Lusine opened her first dance studio in Los Angeles in 2000 and is its artistic director. Lusine is teaching dance to the younger generation of Armenian American dancers who proudly represent Armenian dance and culture in L.A. In 1995, Lusine graduated from Yerevan’s Dancing Art State College. She also graduated from Yerevan’s Pedagogical University with Masters of Dance. Currently, Lusine Gevorgyan has a studio in North Hollywood.
Hayastan Dance Center (Tigran Vardanyan, Leader): Arman and Naira were prior dancers and today are instructors/choreographers, had aspirations of owning their own dance studio for a long time. Since they enjoy the presence of children, they decided to dedicate their life working with American-born Armenian children of all ages teaching them what they are most passionate about – dance. Their main goal is to teach their students about Armenian culture and heritage through dance and arts. As parents themselves, they are dedicated not only to teaching dance but also assisting in children’s development and becoming strong and well-based human beings. Now their son, Tigran Vardanyan, is leading the studio and himself is a choreographer.