Dance

Elma N. Navasartian was born in Tehran ,Iran . At the age of 5 , she started taking dance classes in kindergarten and later on in the elementary school, she participated in after school dance program on a regular basis . When she was 8, she joined Djanbazian Dance Academy as a beginner student in classical ballet department where she had the serious training as a performer and also a teacher. She graduated from the academy in 1983 as “The Djanbazian Company dancer “ and “ Dance Instructor’’ with a diploma and a certificate.

Elma started her teaching career in Djanbazian Dance Academy, under Ms. Anna Djanbazian’s supervision, with 23 students in age group of 7 through 10 , and after one year, extended the more classes and students. In 1984 she formed her own dance school of “ Ani Dance Academy”. Love of teaching and care for children, earned Elma several opportunities to expand her experience. She was the dance instructor in “Kooshesh” and “ Zeytoon’’ and “Aharonian’’ Pre schools for 3 years (1983 - 1986), full of beautiful and unforgettable memories from those years of teaching . In 1986 growing number of students left no other choice for Elma to resign from other schools and dedicate her full time effort to her own school , Ani Dance Group, which she was supported by her family. In 1994 , Ani Dance Academy” celebrated 10th anniversary at “Ararat’’community hall in Tehran with more than 120 students.

Elma has staged many successful performances on various stages such as “Chaharmahal’’, “Soukerian’’ and “Vana’’ community centers with a variety Armenian traditional dances as well classical such as “ The Sleeping Beauty’’, “The Little Red Riding Hood’’ ballets on stage with 150 dancers , ages 3 to 26 .

Due to unforeseen circumstances after fourteen years of hard work, Elma and her family moved to United States in 1997 and reside in Glendale California and continued teaching in different dance studios and schools , such as “ Karavan Dance Studio” , “Homenetmen Ararat Chapter”, “Armenian Society of Los Angeles”, “ Holy Martyrs Ashkhen Pilavjian Pre school” and “ Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Elementary school, “ Davidian/ Mariamian Educational Foundation and “Adena” Theatrical group activities as a Dance Instructor. She remains as a member of “Djanbazian Dance Company” for life time. Elma joined “Homenetmen Ararat Chapter’’ and is teaching the dance group.

Elma has served Armenian communities both in Iran and United States for many years and has unique talent in introducing the art of dance specially to younger children of 3+.

Dance Classes:
Instructor: Elma Navasartian
The participants have to be a member of the organization
Friday 5:00-7:00pm
New students are welcome