DANCE | Táncház

Forrószegi Táncház (Szék) 1967 • photo: P Korniss

Táncház (dance-house) is a Hungarian tradition bringing together the youth of the community through music and dance. The term was adopted from a custom in the Transylvanian village of Szék where dances were held at individual's homes. In the early 1970s a Hungarian roots revival brought Táncház to the mainstream in Budapest where dancers could learn from knowledgeable instructors in a party-like setting with live music. These events expanded to dance halls throughout Hungary allowing for larger numbers to attend. The Táncház movement has since grown beyond the borders of Hungary experienced by folk enthusiasts the world over. At a Forrás Banda Táncház you can learn dances, songs, the music, drink and eat Hungarian wine and food; or just sit, listen and enjoy. All are welcome.

Molnár utca Táncház (Budapest) circa 1991 • photo: I Dér

"The dancing is complemented by singing instruction, handicraft activities and ethnographic presentations ... Anyone regardless of age, competence or prior exposure can become an active participant".

- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) 

Join Forrás Banda and celebrate 50 years of the Hungarian Táncház movement in Calgary AB (April 23), Vancouver BC (May 7), Belmont CA (May 14), West Kelowna BC (May 21) and back in Vancouver at the Western Canadian Hungarian Folk Festival (Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend).

Contact Forrás Banda for more information or help hosting your own Táncház.

Forrás Banda Táncház (Vancouver) 2016 • photo: G Csiszár