Address by Mr. Gregoire Kaloust, Principal of Mesrobian School, on the Occasion of the "Shoushi" Dance Troupe Performance

July 11, 2026

Today, the Shoushi Dance Troupe offered us far more than a dance performance. It gave us an extraordinary artistic experience in which every dance became a living testimony to our people's history, memory, and resilience. From this stage echoed the heartbeat of the Lebanese-Armenian community, reflecting its unbreakable bond with its homeland and ancestral soil, its determination to overcome every hardship, to endure, to rise again, and to continue its journey while remaining faithful to its culture, identity, and values. Every movement expressed dedication, perseverance, faith, and love, creating a magnificent artistic masterpiece that proudly embodied the living and creative spirit of our people, their unwavering faith, profound love, dignity, and national pride.

This success is no coincidence. It is the result of many months of dedicated work, selfless effort, and unwavering commitment. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to our beloved artist, choreographer, and director, Mesrobian alumnus Avo Karakeshishian, whose talent, professional excellence, tireless work, and wholehearted dedication have united this remarkable family, nurtured the dancers' talents, and elevated the Shoushi Dance Troupe to such an outstanding artistic level.

My sincere thanks also go to all our students and alumni who make up this wonderful Shoushi Dance Troupe of 93 members. Through their dedication, discipline, hard work, and love for the art of dance, they brought tonight's beautiful performance to life. I also warmly thank their families, whose trust, encouragement, and unwavering support greatly contributed to making this achievement possible.

I express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Cynthia Taoukjian Foundation, which continues to provide steadfast support not only for this event but also for the many educational, cultural, scientific, and athletic programs of Mesrobian School, always placing the holistic development of our students at the heart of its mission.

My heartfelt thanks also go to the Parish of the Holy Savior Church, whose fraternal cooperation made this beautiful hall available to us throughout the year for our performances and rehearsals.

Special thanks are also due to the troupe's dedicated support team, under the leadership of Mrs. Seta Simidian, together with her colleagues, who stood faithfully beside our choreographer and young dancers every step of the way, working with meticulous care to ensure that every detail was beautifully organized and flawlessly executed. May they all be richly rewarded for their dedication.

A very special word of thanks goes to you, our dear audience. Your presence, your warm applause, and your sincere encouragement inspire our young performers with confidence and renewed strength.

Today, the Shoushi Dance Troupe has once again demonstrated that our new generation is filled with strength, creativity, and determination. Despite the many hardships we have endured and the numerous crises Lebanon continues to face, they remain deeply attached to their culture and their artistic heritage.

The title of this evening's production, "The Heartbeats of a Land," symbolized that no matter how deeply our two homelands, Armenia and Lebanon, may be wounded, their heartbeat lives on in our youth. Through their dance, their culture, and their faith, they continue to bring life and hope to our people.

Armenian culture remains alive because it lives within our young people. They are its worthy bearers, faithful guardians, and tomorrow's transmitters.

Mesrobian School will continue to remain fully committed to the holistic education and development of its students. We will continue to encourage the arts, culture, and every initiative that educates not only the mind but also the soul, because we firmly believe that true education forms the whole person.

Let us congratulate all our participants. May the Shoushi Dance Troupe continue its beautiful journey and achieve even greater success on stages everywhere.

Thank you all.