Hungary
The Czardas
March 2006, Budapest
Image: The Czardas
Greetings from Hungary! Hungary is found in central Europe and we are currently staying in the capital of the country, Budapest. We feel really lucky as our apartment is just on the banks of the River Danube that runs right through the centre of the city. It is so beautiful here.
The city is rehearsing for its spring annual music, dance and folk festival. Hungary’s national dance - The Czardas will be performed and we are really looking forward to seeing it. Maybe you have danced it before in one of your Character dance lessons? The Czardas was first danced by the Magyar and Roma gypsy communities over seven centuries ago. It’s a really fun dance that starts off quite slowly and calmly and then ends in an exciting finale of jumps, claps and turns. If you have seen the ballet Swan Lake (Act 3) or Coppélia (Act 1) then you might have seen the dancers perform a Czardas in one of those.
The male dancers have to have very strong leg muscles as their part involves a lot of squats and knee bends. The females wear really pretty dress which flare out when the man spins the woman around. It exaggerates the movements and makes them look even more impressive.
We managed to find a little time yesterday so we took a trip to one of the city’s many thermal baths. They have been there since the 1500s and are known for their healing qualities. They were so warm and peaceful and it is definitely my new favourite way to relax! Hope you are all well.
Take care
