A few more days before the 17^th Hungarian Dance Festival begins! Meanwhile, in the middle of packing and preparing for my trip to Győr, I went through the programme and now I am sharing the reasons why I am looking forward to it so much.

1. This year three festivals to offer programmes for all generations

The Hungarian Dance Festival, held in Győr during the week of 13-19 June, does not only present the 7^th Children’s Dance Festival but, for the first time, also introduces the Ballet Company of Győr’s MiniFestival which is specifically designed for young audiences. Thus, the festival programme is richer and more colourful than ever, and it is not an overstatement to say that everyone aged 0-100 (and even beyond) can find something to enjoy.  

As always, the festival offers all forms of dance by presenting numerous Hungarian dance companies. The main programme, at the Győr National Theatre’s Main Stage and Kisfaludy Room, hosts 15 dance companies, the Children’s Dance Festival includes 4 shows, while the MiniFestival introduces 7 different productions. It is almost impossible to list the whole programme, I just hope I won’t miss out on anything in the festival’s bustle. For the whole programme and ticket info, click here: Magyar Táncfesztivál - Győri Balett (gyoribalett.hu), miniFesztivál - Győri Balett (gyoribalett.hu)

2. Everyone can dance

The little ones can take part in the MiniFestival’s ballet and WobbelYoga classes. Furthermore, it is almost certain that the live concerts of Vilmos Gryllus and Aranykapu (Golden Gate) band will also be an invitation for dance.

For us, grown-ups, the free open-air programmes will give an opportunity to dance. The stage, set up at II. János Pál tér (in front of the theatre) will offer different tunes and rhythms to move to throughout the week. There will be show dance, jazz, flamenco and traditional folk dance as well as concerts by the popular bands PASO and Budapest Bár.

3. Our minds can be moved too

The exhibitions may give us a chance for quietening or remembering, while the conferences and symposiums will introduce dance from a different angle.  

This year two exhibitions and three professional programmes are included in the festival. On Monday, 13^th June, at 10 am the exhibition ‘How Did Ballet Arrive in Hungary?’ will open at the Museum House, followed by a symposium on the same subject. On the same day at 6.30 pm another exhibition, '12 Years-12 Pictures' will open on the theatre’s Chandelier Floor, remembering the recently passed dancer and choreographer, Iván Markó. The professional programmes will continue on 14^th June with the conference called 'Art/ Theory', and on 17^th June with the presentation of the Hungarian Academy of Art’s scholarship holders. The accompanying programmes are available and free for all.

4. It is great to be in Győr

I love to keep going back as Győr is beautiful in every season. However, it is quite magical how the city transforms during the dance festival: it beats to a different rhythm as it fills up with music, dance and dancers. And it stays awake longer – along with us.