Artyom Sargsyan’s Artistic Journey: Inspiring Youth Through Dance and Theater

COAF SMART Center’s dance instructor Artyom Sargsyan visited for the first time out of curiosity and has been lingering back at the center ever since.

“I found out about the SMART Center’s opening from my friends. At the time, I was working a few jobs alongside my studies, but I decided to come and get to know the center and its programs. I couldn’t decline the offer for work with a flexible schedule,” recalls Artyom, who only took a break from the SMART Center because “he had to graduate from university.”

What motivates Artyom the most is that he is a tangible part of the Center’s mission, imparting opportunity along with education to children living in rural communities.

“The format of the dance program at the SMART Center allows me to uncover many layers in my profession and present them to the students in different ways,” says the instructor. Artyom quickly adds that the best part is when he learns things from the students, things like how it’s possible to present dance as a product using modern technologies.

Artyom doesn’t limit himself to dance; from time to time you can find him on stage across theaters in Vanadzor, where his performances combine dance and acting.

The SMART Center’s dance program allows students to discover different styles, which, according to Artyom will help them in case they decide to pursue dance in the future.

A quick masterclass on doing the splits from the little ones' dance group.

Artyom has been a part of Vanadzor’s “Horovel” dance troupe for 10 years. Now, he only takes “the stage” with his students.

With the example of his own journey, Artyom encourages young boys to try their hand at contemporary dance.

His first big role in theater. Artyom played a taxi driver in Tatul Bastanchyan’s production of “Airport or Morgue“ (based on Ray Cooney’s “Funny Money”).

Tatul, the SMART Center’s theater instructor as well as the director and lead actor of the production, describes the subtle art of screaming on stage to Artyom.

For Artyom, working with professional actors is an invaluable masterclass in performing arts.

‍