Hungarian folk dances

The origins of our folk dances date back to the ancient times, when they served as parts of some rituals. They might have also been martial dances according to their masculine character, so that it is full of men�s improvisations: “the men free their partners when, and for so long as, they feel inclined. Thus their hands are free and they can again take hold of their partner when they wish…” (Viski, 1937).

The dance itself can be described as one which communicates strength, but also playfulness, its unique moves without transition and the atmosphere it generates make the dancer feel obsessed. This obsession also gave reason to some negative judgement in the past, so that the dances were named the devil�s craft, and became prohibited for some time in the XII. century.

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Ball in folk costumes

The dance moves become unique based on the actual person dancing, and the types of dances change from region to region. Most of the time the dances are closely associated with specific music, and they are important elements of community life, which means they are performed with a purpose (Czompo, 2006). The shapes of the playful dances lead to the former presence of a central fire, and the usage of sticks in some types of dances remembers the fights of history (representing swords and other weapons).

According to Gy�rgy Martin, a prominent folklore expert, Hungarian dances can be divided in two categories. The first refers to dances performed in the middle ages, while the second relates to the 18th and 19th century (Czompo, 2006). The systematisation of these colourful dances is almost impossible and its knowledge comes by inheritance from father to son. Divided by geographical regions we can distinguish between:

Western Region:
From the Austrian border to the Danube River, which is essentially all of Western Hungary. Mostly new style dances are found here. Obviously this was the area that was most influenced by Western musical and dance fashions.

Tisza Region:
From the Danube River travelling East to the Romanian border, both sides of the Tisza River. This area preserved many old style dances, but new style forms are also abundant. The Szatm�r (North- Eastern) Region may exhibit the �most characteristic� form of Cs�rd�s.

Transylvanian Region:
Politically this area constitutes the Western part of Romania at this time, but we can find the most versatile and beautiful, often archaic folk dances which were preserved here due to the political and geographical isolation from western influences. All forms of dances may be found here, but they are specific to small geographic areas or even specific villages. The uneven development of music and folk dance is most interesting and exciting in this region (Czompo, 2006).

The most popular dances are:

  • �Ugr�s� (Jumping dances): Old style dances dating back to the Middle Ages.
    Solo or couple dances accompanied by old style music, shepherd and other solo man’s dances from Transylvania, and marching dances along with remnants of medieval weapon dances belong in this group.
  • �Karik�z�: A circle dance performed by women only accompanied by singing of folksongs.
  • �Cs�rd�s�: New style dances developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also the Hungarian name for the national dances, with Hungarian embroidered costumes and energetic music. From the men’s intricate boot slapping dances to the ancient women’s circle dances, Cs�rd�s demonstrates the infectious exuberance of the Hungarian folk dancing still celebrated in the villages.
  • �Verbunkos�: A solo man’s dance evolved from the recruiting performances of the Austro-Hungarian army.
  • �Leg�nyes�: Is a men’s solo dance done by the ethnic Hungarian people living in the Kalotaszeg region of�Transylvania. Although usually danced by young men, it can be also danced by older men. The dance is performed freestyle usually by one dancer at a time in front of the band. Women participate in the dance by standing in lines to the side and sing/shout verses while the men dance. Each lad does a number of points (dance phrases) typically 4 to 8 without repetition. Each point consists of 4 parts, each lasting 4 counts. The first part is usually the same for everyone, there are only a few variations (Czompo, 2006).
Preparing
Preparing for lesson at “Fon� Budai Zeneh�z”

To see a dance performance captured by me –>�Click Here. It�was a Transylvanian Szekler form of Cs�rd�s. Lessons take place more times a week in communal spaces where people gather to share their joy for culture. The actual one I visited is located in Buda (Western part of Budapest), called �Fon�. They are popular for their folk nights, concerts and festivals.

You can check their programs here: http://www.fono.hu/en
Their YouTube channel gives you a better sight of folk dances and music performed nowadays in Budapest:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL70922517D9A1CF4A


Sources:

  • Czompo, A. (2006), Introduction to Hungarian Dances, http://hungaria.org/hal/folklor/index.php?halid=3&menuid=55, downloaded: 28.02.2016.
  • Viski, K. (1937), Hungarian Dances, Dr. George Vajna & Co. Budapest, p. 34
  • Kiszely, I. (2001): A magyar n�p �st�rt�nete. Publisher �Magyar H�z Kiad�, Budapest, p. 294.
    Intangible
  • Fon�,�https://www.facebook.com/fonobudaizenehaz/?fref=ts

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