The Dance Teachers
We are very excited that Zoli (Varga Zoltán Laszló) and Kata (András Katalin Biborka) will be coming out for the találkozó. They are from Méra, Transylvania and teach mainly Kalotaszegi dances. We (Kengugró) have been learning from videos he posted on YouTube during covid. This is the material Kengugró has been working on all year.
Kata and Zoli are students at the Sapienta Performing Arts University in Kolosvár. Kata was born in Csíkszereda and from a young age worked with the Hargita State Székely Folk Ensemble. She now teaches many dance ensembles in the Kalotaszeg region and also recently performed with the Hungarian State Theatre of Kolosvár in The Young Barbarians. Zoltán was born and bred in Méra. He now teaches over 200 children and young people in the Kalotaszeg region. Under his direction in 2016, the Méra Cifra Dance Ensemble were finalists in the Fölszállott a páva tv competition and in 2017, winners in their category. In 2019-2020 Zoltán travelled to New Jersey, USA with Kőrösi Csóma Sándor program, teaching dance. He is also the founder and creator of the FolkOtthon media channel which is now known and loved around of the world.
The Dance Seminar
The idea we have for the dance teaching is based on the type of arrangement we had in Sydney in 2017. Where dancers (high school age and over) from all over Australia learnt a dance together then performed it at the closing concert. Who remembers this? https://youtu.be/xSgjA8q8nck Each day of the festival, we will have dance and singing classes taught by Zoli and Kata accompanied by live music by The Transylvaniacs. You don’t need to be part of a dance group to participate, everyone is welcome.
Casual Dancers
For those who are keen to join in the dance classes but do not wish to perform at the Gala, there will be an entry fee of $5 or $10 per day.
Performances
As you know, we will be meeting each day to learn Kalotaszegi from Zoli and Kata. At the end of the weekend, all seminar participants will perform together in the Sunday closing concert. According to the timetable we will have 5 classes.
If your group also wishes to perform individually in either the opening or closing concerts, please let Michelle know: mishnish2@gmail.com. It would be fantastic to have more dance numbers in the concerts.
Costumes
If you have a kalotaszegi costume, please bring it to wear for the closing concert. If not, please bring a mezöségi costume instead. Girls will need headscarves or párta.
Dance Classes
Please try to attend all of the dance classes - this will make it more enjoyable for everyone. Be respectful to the teachers by arriving on time and ready to dance. Each class will be accompanied by live music supplied by members of The Transylvaniacs (Mark, Sally, Tim, Jozsi, Sári and Theodore). Zoli and Kata will teach at the appropriate middle level so that everyone can keep up the pace. They will also lead some singing at the end of each practice. Teaching will be in Hungarian language with a local translating to English.
What to wear: Let's face it, even though the hall is air-conditioned, you are going to sweat. For ladies: exercise tights or bike tights with a t-shirt and lightweight skirt (you might want to remove the skirt for the slapping sequences. Men: t-shirts and shorts or lightweight pants. Footwear: Leather or hard-soled shoes, also bring some trainers for warm-ups. Bring two t-shirts so you can change halfway through - your dance partners will appreciate it. Bring a towel to dry off.
Evening Táncház & Mulatozás
Every evening we will be having a táncház/party to finish off the day. Zoli and Kata will teach some táncház including other regions like Szatmári, Bonchidai and Palatkai which will morph into a buli. Táncház in the main auditorium will finish at 11pm. We are currently searching for a late night party venue where we can play live music until 2am.
Dance Timetable
