Our Man in Hong Kong

Only few phrases. There is no need for it because everyone speaks English. By the way, the Europeans who work here, mostly Americans, do not receive a warm welcome, but because I am Armenian, the attitude towards me is very pleasant, although few people know about the Armenians.

Although one of the most prominent figures in the history of Hong Kong, was the Armenian state figure and philanthropist Khachik Astvatsatoorian, aka Paul Chater, who made a great contribution to his development…

Yes, there is a small Armenian community here. I have met with them once, although there is no connection, and in general, my time in Hong Kong is very busy and full. We work even during weekends. And despite my very busy schedule, I feel very good here. I love my job and I really enjoy working with children. As I have mentioned, I am also working in the area of ​​cultural management and I have a great desire to present Armenian ballet art in this region.

Yes, it seems that the first steps are being carried out. Last year, our ballet band traveled to Malaysia. How do you evaluate their performances?

Geographically being so close to Malaysia, I went there, especially taking into consideration the fact that my teacher Armen Grigoryan and his son and my good friend, the Zurich-based dancer Arman Grigoryan, were there. Our ballet band was invited to present first of all Aram Khachaturian’s ballets. For the first time in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, divertimentos from the “Gayane” and “Spartacus” ballets, as well as the “Swan Lake” and “Marduk-Jarduk” ballets were shown. Since Malaysia is an Islamic state, the concerts were governmental. The princess of Malaysia was present at our performance. I personally witnessed that there were many people  present during four evenings, and our performances were very well received.

Years ago, when our artists presented “Spartacus” in another Islamic country, in Qatar, the ballerinas were forced to cover their legs and arms. Did the same thing happen in Malaysia?

Fortunately no, there is not much severity there.

Where do you teach now?

Last year, while in Yerevan, I suggested my services and cooperation in ballet education to the Ministry of Culture of Armenia, but finding no interest, I came back to Hong Kong. Recently I met Angela Ho and Peter Kjaer, big ballet lovers, who invited me to work in their newly opened Ho Ballet school as dance director. This is a beginning of a new project, so I hope my activity in upcoming years will be connected to this school.