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NEWS.am STYLE Exclusive: Armenian dancer Vard Margaryan on his performance at America’s Got Talent with 96-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch

11:00, November 16

The world was shocked when young Armenian dancer Vard Margaryan rocked the America’s Got Talent stage with his dance partner, 96-year-old Tao Porchon-Lynch.

The dancers impressed not only the famous judges of the show (Howie Mandel, Howard Stern, Mel B, Heidi Klum), but also every single TV viewer.

NEWS.am STYLE continues to represent interviews with world famous talented Armenians. Here is our exclusive interview with Vard Margaryan.

-Vard, how your passion towards dancing appeared?

-It’s all my mom’s mistake that I'm dancing until now. When I was 5 years old my mom took me to Armenian folk dancing in city of Echmiadzin, where I was born. After 1 year of dancing I got tired of it, because my teacher used to say that we are going to have performance every month (because I love to perform on the stage), but never happened, so I started to get bored and told my mom I want to move to different place. That time ballroom was very popular in Armenia, specially in city of Echmiadzin in "Zvartnots" club. My mom took me to there and that's where my ballroom dancing career starts till now.

-Is there anyone in the family from whom you have inherited this talent?

-Nobody was dancing or dancing in my family now that I took the talent from. I got the art side only from my grandfather who past away when my dad was 8 years old( he used to play duduk and my father gave his father’s name Vard to me). I never saw my grandfather, but I have very strong feeling and respect towards him that I have his name on me and I feel very responsible for it.

-How did you get to know Tao Porchon-Lynch, your partner during America’s Got Talent?

-I know Tao Porchon-Lynch for 7 years, when she walked in to the Fred Astaire Hartsdale Dance Studio in New York. From the day I saw her I got very inspired from her. She opened the door and jumped towards me with the big smile on her face and so much positive energy I felt at the moment. Then I said I have a long way to go with this lady.

-And how you decided to take part in America’s Got Talent?

-We got an invitation from NBC to do a special performance. Tao called me and asked if I can perform with her. After our beautiful conversation I said, “Yes I can do it”. So I did a choreography and I went to NY. We had only 3 hours of practice before we went to perform. Still I was very shocked how fast and quick she learned and performed in year of 97.

-What gave you the participation to the contest?

-Participation gave me some good reviews and the most beautiful part was when people were talking about that how gentle and carrying I was with her. And everybody was thankful to me that we dancers can change and make a difference in people's life.

-Vard, all the judges said “Yes” to your performance. But which judge’s opinion was the most important for you?

-Actually from all of them was good to hear.

-Where do you stay right now and what are you working at in present moment?

-I live in Palos Verdes, California right now and I work in Fred Astaire Redondo Beach. I've been in a company for 7 years. I'm dancing professionally and teaching, coaching, judging and doing professional shows all over the world. I have the title of 10 times Fred Astaire national & world champion, 2 times United Stated National finalist, 2011 world mambo champion, over 25 champion title in east coast & west coast DanceSport championships. Top 50 in so you think you can dance in season 9.

-Do you follow Armenian dancing industry? Can you name any favorite Armenian dancers?

-Yes, I always follow the developments of Armenian dancing industry. I don’t want to mention any dancers name. I highly appreciate those dancers who try to carry Armenia’s name proudly in front of the world.

With one of my best friends, Eduard Sargsyan we are going to work on a project. We plan to create a dancing studio in LA. Eduard was one of the leading dancers in Armenian ballet. Thus school is going to provide professional dancing skills for Armenians and everyone who wants to learn dancing. We want to teach our students to Armenian dancing, Hip-Hop, ballet, ballroom and Latin dances. So, we are looking for any sponsors who would be willing to cooperate with us.

Syune Arakelyan

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