Activities of the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group in the 2023/2024 School Year
Use of the Grant
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the National Agency for the Financing of Culture launched a call for proposals under the Csoóri Sándor Program. The Bethlen Gábor Foundation received a grant to support the genres of folk culture that contribute to community strengthening.
Our foundation was awarded a grant of 1,250,000 HUF, which was used to support the operations of the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group. The Fügevirág Folk Dance Group utilized the grant for various purposes during the 2023/2024 academic year. Below, we describe the activities carried out with the support of the grant and how they contributed to the development and success of the group.
- Dance Instruction
An important element of the funding was the payment of the group leader’s and tutor’s fees. This funding ensured that the group leader could carry out a high-level professional activity, which is essential for the ongoing development of the dance group and for the acquisition of advanced folk dance skills by its members.
2. Acquisition of Live Folk Music Services
The grant enabled us to purchase five live folk music services. These occasions mainly consisted of performances and dance-hall style rehearsals, where the members had the opportunity to practice and perform with the accompaniment of authentic folk music. A recording studio was also used to record the dance rehearsals, allowing the sessions to be accompanied by high-quality audio material. Live music contributed to deepening the dance experience and preserving authentic folk culture.
3. Travel Expense Coverage
The support covered the travel costs for the Nagyenyed-Soltvadkert route, during which the group participated in the Soltvadkert Harvest Festival. Renting a 20-seat minibus allowed the group to travel comfortably and safely to the festival venue, where they were able to present a high-quality performance.
- Purchase of Speakers and Technical Equipment
The support was used to purchase two sets of active speakers along with the necessary accessories. These pieces of equipment significantly facilitated and accelerated the technical preparation of rehearsals and performances, thereby increasing the group’s efficiency and the quality of events.
- Promotional Video Production and Branding
The support also provided the opportunity to produce promotional videos and branding materials. These marketing activities helped raise the group’s profile, recruit new members, and reach a wider audience. The videos and new branding gave the group a professional image and positively influenced our public perception.
Here you can watch the promotional video of the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group of the Bethlen Gábor College, which was created as a conclusion to our folk dance sessions for the 2023/24 school year.
Presentation of Activities
Dance rehearsals took place weekly throughout the school year, during which choreographies for performances were prepared. The group held performances at the local level, at the county level, and even abroad.
The first performance of the school year took place between September 15-17 in Soltvadkert, where the folk dance group participated in the Harvest Festival. Our dancers enriched the festival program with dances from Szilágyság.
In October, they performed at the Village Days in Lopadea Nouă.
Between January 12-14, they participated in intensive folk dance rehearsals at the college, working hard for the upcoming performances. Over the weekend, they managed to transform from beginner or advanced dancers into professional performers, taking the stage with enthusiasm, dedication, and the right skills to make a significant impact.
On January 20, they also performed at the celebration of Hungarian Culture Day in the ceremony hall of the Bethlen Gábor College, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere fitting for the event.The folk dance group delighted the audience with two dance performances at the Tavaszi Szél Vizet Áraszt Festival in Lopadea Nouă.
The Fügevirág Folk Dance Group of the college performed in Gyomaendrőd as part of the International Cheese and Curd Festival held in the twin town.
The college hosted the Örökségünk Őrei – Adopt a Monument contest. During the event, the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group of the college performed under the leadership of Róbert Szilágyi.
The last performance of the school year took place during the Hungarian Days in Alba County.
Conclusion
Thanks to the support received, the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group made significant professional and technical progress during the 2023/2024 academic year. The payment of fees, the use of live folk music services, travel expenses, the purchase of technical equipment, and the production of promotional videos all contributed to the high quality of the group’s work and its success at various events. We are grateful for the support that made these achievements possible.
