Who is Kengugró?

 
 

Kengugró Australian-Hungarian Folklore Ensemble presents Hungarian folk dance, music and song with The Transylvaniacs band and are based in Sydney, Australia.

We present an energetic and colourful display of dance, music and song inspired by the varied styles of ancient village dance music and culture.

We also hold regular táncház (dance-house) with The Transylvaniacs around Sydney where we encourage everybody to join in the fun. The táncház method of teaching traditional dancing was inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Heritage of Urgent Safeguarding in November 2011.

After many visits to Hungary and Transylvania, Kengugró dancers have been inspired by the passion, skill and emotion of the village dancers and musicians.

Kengugro was formed in 1986 and at least one or two members have travelled back to or lived in Hungary every year since. These trips have also inspired the invitation of teachers and performers to Australia by Kengugro & The Transylvaniacs.

Kengugro has members of both Hungarian and non-Hungarian background. Regular contact with Hungary, Transylvania and Slovakia ensure that the culture, music and dance live on in Australia for all to enjoy.

Performance history

Performances, workshops & táncház

  • Táncház roughly 4 times per year, various clubs around Sydney

  • Gizi's Kitchen 2018

  • Private Weddings 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2024

  • Hungarian Club annually

  • Croatian Club 2010

  • Austrian Club 2002, 2010, 2011, 2013

  • Eurofest 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017

  • Oktoberfest, Tempe 2006, 2007

  • Ashfield Council 2007, 2008, 2009

  • SBS television - In Siberia Tonight 2005

  • AFL Telstra Stadium 2003

  • Erskineville Festival 1999, 2000

  • Rocks Markets, Sydney, 1995, 1996, 2000 

  • Sydney Olympic Games 2000 

  • Darling Harbour 1996, 1999 

  • Australian Museum, Sydney, 1992 

  • Carnivale public performances and school shows, Bourke, 1990 

  • Sydney University Music Department, 1990 

Festivals 

  • Medieval Faire 2018

  • Ukrainian Independence Day 2018

  • Dubbo Multicultural Festival 2015

  • Gold Coast Hungaro Fest 2014, 2015

  • Taste of Hungary Festival 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

  • Woodford Folk Festival 90/91, 93/94, 94/95, 96/97, 97/98, 98/99, 00/01, 09/10, 13/14, 16/17

  • Illawarra Folk Festival 2013, 2015

  • National Folk Festival, Canberra 1992, 2000, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2022, 2024

  • Mudgee Show 2003 

  • Jamberoo Festival 2001 

  • National Folk Festival, Adelaide 1991 

  • Sydney Festival, 1990 

  • Port Fairy Folk Festival, 1988 

Theatre shows 

  • From Transylvania with Love 2002 

  • Fig Tree Theatre, 1991, 1994 & 1998 

  • Hungarian Club, Melbourne, 1992 

International 

  • New Zealand 1994, 2024 

  • St. Chartier Folk Festival, France, 1989 

  • Opening of the World Games, Germany, 1989 

  • Various festivals, Hungary, 1987, 1989