About

ARAX Dance is an independent Armenian dance company, specializing in the art of traditional and contemporary movement. It was founded in 2003 under the leadership of former Artistic Director and Choreographer Noemi Araxi. Over the last two decades ARAX has gained recognition with performances throughout the Bay Area and beyond, representing Armenia in dance programs with an international focus. The company has  performed at the Palace of Fine Arts, Herbst Theater, Zellerbach Hall, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) Theater and San Francisco City Hall as part of the Rotunda Dance Series. In 2012 the company was invited to New York for a special tribute performance honoring the late editor and translator Aris Sevag. In 2015 ARAX Dance honored the centennial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide with a commemorative performance at San Francisco City Hall, featuring historically-inspired choreographies that paid tribute to Armenian heritage and culture.        

Mission

Our program is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Armenia through traditional dance while also exploring the evolution of Armenian dance and its various influences throughout modern history.  We strive to cultivate a deep connection to Armenian history, art, and identity by engaging students and the community with our performances and by leveraging dance as a powerful storytelling medium. Through education, performance, and cultural exchange, we aim to foster pride, unity, and a sense of belonging among all participants.

Objectives:

1. Dance preservation and training:

To bring the ARAX Dance method, a unique performance art form which combines traditional Armenian dance, character dancing,  lyrical dancing and ballet, to an entirely new generation.

2. Cultural Education:
   To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of Armenian dance, emphasizing its role in Armenian identity and heritage.
3. Community Building:
   To bring together individuals of all backgrounds who share a passion for Armenian culture, creating a supportive and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity through dance.
4. Performance and Outreach:
   To showcase the beauty and complexity of Armenian dance through local and regional performances, contributing to cultural awareness and exchange.
5. Artistic Growth:
   To foster the development of individual dancers through technical skill-building, creative expression, and personal connection to the art form.
6. Cultural Exchange:
   To engage with global folk dance communities and participate in collaborative efforts, showcasing Armenian dance on international stages while learning from other cultures.

The Team

Lena Dakessian Halteh - Artistic Director | Teacher - Level 2 & 3

Lena is a San Francisco-based writer and multidisciplinary artist.  She has been a soloist with ARAX Dance since the company made its start back in 2003.  From the age of 12, she had the privilege of training solely with ARAX Dance’s founder, former Artistic Director and Choreographer Noemi Araxi, a former Principal Dancer with the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Armenia.  Lena performed several lead roles in the company’s repertoire including Djermag Aghavni, Kisher yev Tsereg, Shalakho, Gypsy, Anoush Opera's “Harsi Bar,” Queen Nouard in Ara Geghetsig, Sayat Nova’s Tamam Ashkhar, and “Mother Armenia” in Hayastan.  In tandem with her dance training with ARAX, Lena earned a B.A. in English Literature and Art History from UC Berkeley and years later, a Master’s from UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism. Her art and storytelling are rooted in Armenian identity and experience, and are very much influenced by the two decades she spent performing with the company. She looks forward to passing on this unique performance art form to an entirely new generation of dancers.

Elizabeth Cresson - Director | Teacher -  Level 1 & 3

Elizabeth Cresson joined ARAX Dance in 2006 when she was just 8 years old. She grew with the program, eventually joining the company in 2012, performing roles in Cherry Blossom, Shalakho, and Hayastan, among others. In The River Arax, she was among three soloists who carried the Armenian flag down the steps of San Francisco City Hall during the Centennial commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.  Elizabeth attended Georgetown University to pursue a B.A. in Economics and Classical Studies. She currently works as a financial analyst for a fintech startup in San Francisco. She credits ARAX  for being a major thread that tethered her to Armenian heritage and identity.  

Noemi Araxi - Founder & Choreographer, Lead Instructor Level 3

Noemi Araxi Kelejian is an Armenian-American ballet and ice skating choreographer, master teacher and former Principal Dancer with the Armenian National Ballet. Identified at a young age for her talent and passion for dance, Noemi was invited to attend the National Choreographic Ballet College of Armenia in Yerevan. Her teachers were the most influential in the field of ballet from throughout the former Soviet Union. Upon graduation, Noemi joined the National Opera and Ballet Theater of Armenia (formerly the U.S.S.R. Opera and Ballet Theater of Armenia), and rapidly advanced to become one of its principal dancers. Her choreographers and teachers include her greatest mentor Maxim Martirosyan, along with the legendary Dudinskaya and her husband, Sergeyev, Balabina, Vinogradov, Preabrajinksy, Uri Kamaledenov, along with many others. During her tenure as Principal Dancer Noemi performed in countries throughout the former Soviet Union in both classical and character roles. She danced at the Bolshoi and Mariinsky (formerly Kirov) Theaters where she was presented with the prestigious “GRAMMATA AWARD,” in 1976. She later toured internationally throughout Europe, South America and North America, performing distinguished roles in Lorkiana, Antuni, Chopinana, Hamlet, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Laurencia, Gayanne, Spartacus, Giselle, Masquerade, Othello and Romeo and Juliet among many others.

In the early 1980s, Noemi moved to San Francisco and joined the faculty of San Francisco Ballet, where she taught higher level dance classes for eight years. She has also taught and choreographed throughout the Bay Area’s foremost ballet schools and companies. With her growing popularity as both a nurturing teacher and talented choreographer Noemi became highly sought after in the skating world. Her 32-year legacy teaching and choreographing for ice-skaters continues to this day. Among her many ice skating students, Noemi taught and choreographed for World Junior Champion Derrick Delmore in the 5 years leading up to his 1998 title, which he received performing her choreography.

In 2003, Noemi founded ARAX Dance. As the group’s Artistic Director and Choreographer she began developing a unique storytelling approach to cultural dance that instantly set her company apart. She choreographed  The Crane  for Armenian ballerina Victoria Ananyan as a tribute to legendary Armenian composer Komitas. Noemi’s future projects, dedicated to Armenia, are currently in development.

Class Descriptions

Level I (ages 4-6)

Students are introduced to basic Armenian dance and ballet positions, vocabulary and posture. They begin learning the foundational elements of traditional Armenian dance and explore Armenian music and movement in a fun, engaging way. The class will also devote some time to freestyle dance where students are encouraged to express themselves freely with their own movements.

Level II (age 6-9)

Students continue learning the foundational elements of traditional Armenian dancing. Within the year they begin ballet work at the barre, with center exercises under Armenian music and are introduced to character dancing. The class is designed to help build strength, technique and creative expression. Students are introduced to the foundational elements found in several of the company’s originally choreographed dances.

Level III (10+)

Students continue building upon their knowledge of traditional Armenian dance and begin exploring lyrical movements as well. The class is designed to increase strength and technique. Students progress towards mastering character barre and center movements and begin practicing company repertoire.  Emphasis is placed on elevated performance techniques such as conveying emotions through facial expressions and theatricality.

Schedule, Location & Rates

Location: Peninsula Ballet Theatre

1880 S Grant St, San Mateo, CA 94402

Hours:  Fridays

Level 1    (Age 4-6)  4:30-5:30 pm,  Studio 4B

Level 2    (Age 6-9)  4:30-5:30 pm,  Studio 4

Level 3    (Age 10+) 5:30-7 pm,  Studio 4

Tuition: (billed monthly)

 Level 1    $100

 Level 2    $120

 Level 3    $195

• ARAX Dance currently operates on a month-to-month payment schedule. Tuition payments will be due by the 25th of each month and can be purchased by subscription  via our website. Families who joined before 1/15/25 are permitted to have a billing date of the 30th of each month (except for February, which will fall on the 28th).
•  Tuition must be paid promptly and in full,  in order to hold your child’s spot in our program. Billing notices will be sent via email in advance.
• Tuition won't be refunded for a student’s missed classes due to illness, vacation, etc.  as instruction goes on despite an individual student's absence.

Attendance

• Please inform teachers of a student’s absence via email at: araxdancesf@gmail.com 
• For planned absences we kindly appreciate at least 24 hours notice.
• For absences due to illness, please let us know the day of or sooner.

• Symptoms: Dancers  should stay home if they exhibit symptoms of illness (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or gastrointestinal issues).
• Fever-Free Rule: Dancers  must be fever-free (without medication) for at least 24 hours before returning to the program.

• As  with any performance or athletic program, we ask that absences be kept to a minimum in order for your child to receive the most from our instruction. Repeated absences in advance of scheduled performances hinders the dancer’s individual performance readiness and impacts the group’s progress as a whole.

Dance Program Policy: Non-Performance with External Armenian Dance Groups

Our Armenian dance program fosters a cohesive, dedicated environment for dancers to grow and develop.  In order to uphold the standards, commitment, and focus necessary for the success of our program, and to maintain both the program’s integrity and identity, participants are not permitted to perform with external Armenian dance groups, studios, or organizations while enrolled with ARAX Dance.  Dancers are, however, welcome and encouraged to take external dance classes like ballet, jazz, lyrical/contemporary, tap, hip hop and musical theater as it only supplements and enriches their overall performance training and abilities.

Trial Classes

ARAX Dance offers free trial classes to new potential students. This allows the student to experience the class and allow the teacher to evaluate the student for the correct level. Trial classes are only offered once to new students.

If you or someone you know are interested in taking a trial class, please contact us at: araxdancesf@gmail.com 

Dress Code

Please refer to the link and descriptions below, though families may purchase their uniform items from wherever they choose.

https://shop.dancetheatreshop.com/collections/arax-dance-dress-code

Girls are required to wear the following during class:

Level 1

•   Pink Mirella Cotton Princess Seam Cami Leotard, or pink Mirella cap-sleeved  leotard

•   Pink leg tights (footed or transition)

•   Pink SoDanca “Bliss” canvas ballet slipper, or any pink full-sole ballet slipper

•   Pink Bloch Georgette Mock Wrap Skirt

•  Pink Ballet Wrap Sweater

Level 2

•   Red Mirella Cotton Princess Seam Cami Leotard, or red Mirella cap-sleeved  leotard

•   Pink transition leg tights

•   Pink SoDanca “Bliss” canvas ballet slipper

•   Red Bloch Georgette Mock Wrap Skirt

•   Black Ballet Wrap Sweater

Level 3

•   Black Mirella Cotton Princess Seam Cami Leotard (Adult Sizing available)

•   Pink convertible  leg tights and Black footless tights

•    Pink SoDanca “Bliss” canvas ballet slipper ;  * Black or Tan Character shoes may also be required later in the season for Level 3 only.

•   Red Bloch Adult Wrap Skirt

•   Black Ballet Wrap Sweater

•   Black or Pink Leg Warmers may be worn while entering the class and can be removed  after warm up routines.

Boys for Levels 1,2, and 3 are required to wear the following during class:

•   T-shirt (White for Levels 1& 2; Black for Level 3)

•   Black jazz pants, slim joggers, or  leggings

•   Black socks

 •  Black, full-soled ballet shoes for Level 1, Black jazz shoes for Level 2 & 3)

Hair

Dancers must have their hair sleek,  pulled back from their face and secured firmly in a bun. Hair nets to help secure the bun are helpful but not required during class. Short hair must be held back off the face with a wide hair band.

Dancers are discouraged to wear the following during class and performances:

•   Excess jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, dangling earrings)

•   Dark colored nail polish, especially during performances

Parent Viewing Day

As parents/guardians aren’t permitted to sit in the classroom,  designated viewing days will be announced to give families the opportunity to witness their dancers’ progress, while giving students a chance to perform for a small audience.  

Dance Class Photography Policy

1. Permission to Photograph:

• Photographs or videos may only be taken with the explicit permission of the instructor and the participants.
• A consent form will be provided to all students (or guardians, in the case of minors) prior to any planned photography or videography.

2. Instructor-Led Photos/Videos:

• The instructor may take photographs or videos for promotional purposes, including social media, websites, or advertising materials.
• Participants will be informed in advance if a session will be photographed or recorded.
• Families may opt-out and only students who have signed the consent form will appear in these materials.

3. Special Events/Performances:

• A separate policy may apply for photography during performances or showcases, which will be communicated in advance.

Performances

As this is the first year of our program relaunch, our immediate goal is to build a solid foundation for our students, while also having fun!  The school is committed to providing performance opportunities for dancers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. While certain opportunities may be skill-based, all dancers will have a chance to showcase their abilities in age-appropriate or level-appropriate performances/showcases.

• Recitals and Showcases: All students will have opportunities to perform in annual recitals or showcases.

• Parents will be invited into the studio for a viewing day in advance of winter break (details TBD).
• Students will have the opportunity to perform at our Spring Showcase towards the end of the season/academic year (details TBD).

• External Events: ARAX Dance  may be invited to perform at community or charity events. To maintain the integrity of our program, teachers will assess any external performance opportunities on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the students’ training and readiness.
• Fees and Costs:

• Costumes: Additional costume fees may apply for performance participation (details TBD).
• Travel Costs: If performances require travel, any associated costs (transportation, accommodation, etc.) will be the responsibility of the dancer or their guardians.

• Solo Eligibility

• Students in Levels 2 & 3 may be invited to train for a solo routine based on their skill level and readiness. Solo selections are made entirely at the discretion of our program instructors.
• Solos may require additional private lessons, with rehearsal time scheduled outside of regular group classes.
• Solo performances often involve extra costs, including choreography and  costume fees, which will be communicated to parents/guardians in advance.

• Families are welcome to decline a solo opportunity for their dancer, though we ask to be informed promptly as it gives our staff time to adjust plans and potentially offer the solo opportunity to another dancer.

Conclusion

We are thrilled to have you as part of our ARAX Dance family and look forward to supporting your child’s  growth as a dancer this year. This handbook has been designed to provide clear guidelines to ensure that every student’s experience is positive, safe, and enriching. Dance is a journey of self-expression, discipline, and creativity, and we are committed to fostering a nurturing environment where each dancer can thrive.

Thank you for being part of our program, and we can’t wait to see where your ARAX Dance  journey takes you!

For any questions, please contact us at:

araxdancesf@gmail.com