In a paprika-hot swirl of sinuous Gypsy melodies and spangled colors, from Budapest comes one of the great folkloric companies of the world. Since 1951 the 50-member Hungarian State Folk Ensemble of both dancers and orchestral musicians has brought the proud traditions of its homeland to 44 countries throughout four continents. It's a living treasure house of authentic dances, music and costumes from across centuries of history, a spectacle and celebration performed with vigor and love.
Learn Hungarian folk dance from the dance directors of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble!
Péter Vargas and Szilvia Nemes will teach a dance from the village of Magyarbod on Saturday, February 10, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at the Olin Studio II, Women’s Building, Washington University. Open to all ages—no dance experience needed! Pre-registration is required. Contact Lauren Wilmore at 314.289.4114 or lwilmore@dancestlouis.org.
“It’s a very new view of the art.....traditional yet modern—a new approach to folklore....The ensemble puts the inherited material, which is like the mother tongue to the dancers, on stage in a wonderful new way—with modern theatrical techniques, special lighting effects and video projections."
– Maria Ferencz, managing director, Hungarian State Folk Ensemble
“The group rolled into town with a sensational show that loosened up the rules just enough to successfully combine the informality of real life folk art with the skill level needed for professional theater.”
– Laura Bleiberg, Orange County Register
More about the program
“Dancing for the people” – a review from the current U.S. tour
“Tradition unbound” – an interview with Mária Ferencz
Single Tickets: $25 - $43; students / seniors $22 - $40
This show is included in the Grand Plus and Grand Series season subscription packages.
FREE pre-performance Speaking of Dance talk featuring Mária Ferencz, managing director, Hungarian State Folk Ensemble 7:15 PM Terrace Lobby