Vernissage – “DANCE & REVERIES” by Roudolf Kharatian at Hotel Nelligan

“MONTREAL, APRIL 27, 2009 – Hotel Nelligan is pleased to invite you to the exhibition « Dance & Reveries », revealing the recent work of artist, dancer and choreographer Roudolf Kharatian. The premiere of this unique exhibit will take place Tuesday, May 5th, at 5 p.m. in the Art-trium of the Nelligan Hotel, located at 106, St-Paul Street West, in the heart of Old Montreal. The exhibit will continue until May 31st, 2009.

Born in Armenia, Roudolf Kharatian studied painting, sculpture and music until age 12, when he was transferred – against his wishes – by the Soviets to start studying dance because of his strong physical aptitude. The following years were dedicated to becoming a classical ballet dancer, training in Yerevan, Armenia and St-Petersburg, Russia. After graduating alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov from the world-famous Vaganova Academy in St. Petersburg, where he studied under the renowned Alexander Pushkin, he became principal dancer with the National Ballet of Armenia.

A growing passion for choreography led him to pursue a Master’s Degree in Choreography and Stage Production from Moscow’s prestigious Institute of Theatre Arts. Developing a unique sense of technique, Kharatian also began teaching. In 1986, he was invited to Montreal to work with Les Ballets Classiques de Montréal, travelling back and forth for a few months at a time. He retired from the stage in 1991, after 25 years as a principal dancer.. He was invited to join the faculty of the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington DC. These changes afforded him the chance to further develop his teaching methodology and to continue to explore the infinite possibilities of his choreographic creations, He also resumed painting, in earnest, at last able to pursue his two passions simultaneously. His sources of inspiration for painting are multiple: ancient rituals and dances, mythology, spiritual and esoteric teachings about energy, colour, balance and harmony, the martial arts, his Armenian heritage and Christian faith. The similarity between his choreographies and his paintings can be seen in the structure and the technique of his creations.”

To continue reading the press release…

To view the Facebook page of the event…

To visit the artist’s website…

To visit the hotel’s website…

(Source: Azad Chichmanian, organizer)