Activities of the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group During the 2025/2026 School Year
Implemented Through Funding Awarded Under the Csoóri Sándor Program
Use of the Funding
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the National Cultural Support Management Agency announced a call for applications within the framework of the Csoóri Sándor Program. The Bethlen Gábor Foundation was awarded funding through this program, whose objective is to support community-building forms of folk culture.
Our foundation received a grant of 1,300,000 HUF, which was used to support the operation of the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group. During the 2025/2026 school year, the group utilized the funding for a variety of purposes. Below, we present the activities carried out with the support of this grant and explain how they contributed to the development and successful operation of the group.
I. Payment of the honorarium for the group leader and instructor
One of the key elements of the funding was the payment of the honorarium for the group leader and instructor. This support ensured that the leader could carry out high-quality professional work, which is essential for the continuous development of the dance group and for helping its members acquire a high level of folk dance knowledge and skills.
The honorarium contributed to maintaining a consistent and professional training process, enabling the group to preserve and pass on the values of folk dance culture while continuously improving its artistic standards.
II. Purchase of Technical Equipment
The funding also enabled the purchase of essential technical equipment and accessories that were previously missing. These items significantly facilitated and accelerated the technical preparation of rehearsals and performances, thereby increasing the group’s efficiency and enhancing the overall quality of its events.
The newly acquired equipment contributed to smoother operations and better working conditions, helping the group deliver performances at a consistently high standard.
III. Expansion of the Folk Costume Collection with Missing Garments
The funding made it possible to acquire several missing costume pieces for the male dancers, including traditional white folk shirts, black wool vests, and blue wool vests that are part of the traditional folk costume of Szék (Sic).
This development contributes to making our performances more authentic and visually impressive, while helping to preserve and accurately represent the rich traditions of Hungarian folk culture.
IV. Purchase of Furniture for Storing Folk Costumes
The funding also enabled the purchase of furniture intended for the proper storage and organization of the group’s folk costumes. These storage units help preserve the condition of the costumes, ensure their safe keeping, and facilitate the efficient management of the costume collection.
V. Production of Promotional Videos and Development of Visual Identity
The grant also provided an opportunity to produce promotional videos and develop a visual identity for the group. These marketing activities contributed to increasing the group’s visibility, attracting new members, and reaching a broader audience.
The completed videos and the newly designed visual identity gave the group a more professional appearance and positively influenced its public image. As a result, the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group has been able to present itself more effectively and strengthen its presence within the community and beyond.
Here you can watch the promotional video of the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group of Bethlen Gábor College, which was produced as the closing project of our folk dance activities for the 2025/2026 school year.
Presentation of Activities
Dance rehearsals were held on a weekly basis throughout the school year, during which choreographies for upcoming performances were prepared and refined. The group participated in numerous performances at local and county-level events, and even had opportunities to perform beyond the country’s borders.
The first performance of the school year took place on October 23, during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Bethlen Gábor Foundation. As a talent development group operating under the foundation, the ensemble delivered a wonderful performance that made the celebration even more memorable and festive.
At the beginning of January, the dancers participated in intensive folk dance rehearsals at the college, working hard in preparation for the upcoming performances. During the weekend training sessions, both beginner and advanced dancers made remarkable progress, developing into skilled performers who took the stage with enthusiasm, dedication, and the knowledge necessary to deliver outstanding performances.
On January 20, the group also performed at the celebration organized on the occasion of the Day of Hungarian Culture in the ceremonial hall of Bethlen Gábor College, creating a cheerful and energetic atmosphere that perfectly suited the spirit of the event.
The folk dance group delighted the audience at the “Tavaszi Szél Vizet Áraszt” Folk Dance Festival in Küküllővár with a beautiful performance of traditional dances from the Kalotaszeg region.
The final performance of the school year took place as part of the Fehér Megyei Magyar Napok (Hungarian Days of Alba County).
Summary
Thanks to the funding received, the Fügevirág Folk Dance Group achieved significant professional and technical development during the 2025/2026 school year. The payment of honorariums, the purchase of technical equipment, the acquisition of missing folk costume pieces, the procurement of storage cabinets for the costume collection, and the production of promotional videos all contributed to the group’s ability to carry out its activities at a high professional standard and to perform successfully at various events and festivals.
We are grateful for this support, which made these achievements possible and enabled the continued growth and success of the group.
