Hungarian Folk Dance in Japan – Thematic presentation, film screening and workshops on Hungarian folklore

The aim of the event is to showcase the rich traditions of Hungarian folk dance, music, and costumes, as well as the significant role of the Hungarian dance house movement in preserving centuries old cultural values. The lectures and workshops also focus on how the Hungarian dance house movement, which began in the 1970s, expanded to Japan yet during its first decade, and how the special interest and enthusiasm for Hungarian folk culture continue to thrive in Japan, a country located thousands of kilometers away from Hungary, up until our days.
This complex topic is presented by individuals who has been dedicating themselves to the high-level teaching and popularization of Hungarian folk culture—primarily folk dance— in Japan as part of their family legacy. Their parents, Sándor and Böske Timár, taught Hungarian folk dance at Japanese universities every year since 1979. Today, this work is carried on by their children and family. Over the past 46 years, with the help of the Timár Method, thousands of dancers across Japan have learned Hungarian folk dance culture. Sándor Timár’s work has been repeatedly recognized by the Japanese emperor, and the ensemble he founded was even invited to perform at the Tokyo Imperial Palace at the personal request of the Imperial couple.

Programme:
14:30–14:50 – Presentation by Mihály Timár, Artistic Director of the Timár Dance Ensemble, on the Hungarian folk dance house movement and its expansion to Japan
14:50–15:20 – Screening of the film Hungarian Folk Dance in Japan by Mátyás Timár
15:30–16:00 – Hungarian Folk Costume Presentation Workshop led by Mihály Timár, feat. members of the Timár Dance Ensemble
16:00–16:30 – Hungarian Folk Instrument Presentation Workshop led by Máté Vizeli and Attila Mihó, feat. Bálint Vizeli and His Band