Romano World Music and Dance festival - Day 1

Dancer Zsuzsika and her dance group

At the age of 10, Dancer Zsuzsika began to engage more seriously with Roma dances from Hungary. She has now been practising the art of these dances for 20 years, now as a “Nagy Pávás” Folk Performing Artist. In her experience there is a great demand for the teaching of Roma folk dance, so she makes this accessible by launching courses all over the country. “Alongside dance instruction, I also offer insight into the very culture in which Hungarian Roma dances are rooted. As president of the ‘Learn and Dance’ Arts and Educational Association, my goal is to widely disseminate Hungarian Roma dances and their cultural value!”

Gyöngyszemek Tradition‑Preserving Roma Dance Ensemble

The Gyöngyszemek Tradition‑Preserving Roma Dance Ensemble operates as a volunteer group of the Vazdune Cherhaja – Rising Stars Roma Women’s Association, and its members actively participate in the association’s daily work as well. The ensemble is led by data‑provider, dance teacher and Fülöp Ferenc Prize‑winning dancer Szilvia Erős‑Balogh, who has been dancing for more than 30 years. In 2000 she first brought together children eager to dance, with whom she began teaching the basics of the Roma dance of Nagyecsed in small group sessions. During the lessons, the children not only became familiar with dance steps, but also worked with biblical stories and folk tales – thus dance became an experience and a community‑building force. Over time the initiative outgrew itself and developed into a real ensemble whose aim is to preserve and pass on the Roma culture and traditions of Nagyecsed. They consider the strengthening of identity particularly important, therefore, in addition to music and dance, they also support the re‑learning and use of the Romani language.

Somnakaj Gypsy Musical

The first gypsy musical, Somnakaj, was born through the serious preparatory work of well‑known Hungarian creators and performing artists, and was presented in April 2014 at the Palace of Arts within the framework of the Budapest Spring Festival. The production is a meeting of concert and theatre, dance and literature, traditional fine arts, heritage preservation and modern forms of expression. Somnakaj is a true crossover. A genuine celebration of music. The main goal of bringing the production to life was to present Roma culture as part of both national and European culture, and to provide a cultural experience of such high artistic quality that it could help trigger a change of attitude in society in the field of discrimination. The story is set in an existing village, Alsószentlélek. A Roma girl, Somnakaj, tells the story of her family and herself. The stages of her fate come to life, painting a realistic picture of Roma life. Against the opposition of her family, the girl sets out to try her luck in the capital. She sets an example that, while embracing one’s identity, it is still possible to break out through education. The piece explores questions of embracing identity and unfolding talent, while addressing universal human issues and, through individual destinies, seeks to highlight personal responsibility and the extent to which we can shape our own fate. It calls into question the prejudices and stereotypes that manifest themselves in generalisations.

A. Kovács and the Cigány Karaván

There is a kind of music that not only plays, but tells a story. It tells of life, passion, joy and pain. This is Roma music. A. Kovács and the Cigány Karaván present this world. The five‑member formation brings to life the traditions of authentic Roma music with fresh energy and modern dynamism. Virtuoso instrumental playing, emotionally charged singing and unmistakable Roma temperament – in every song. Classic Roma songs, arrangements and original compositions in a unique sound. The band is led by Máté A. Kovács, guitarist, singer and percussionist, whose charismatic performance style and musical sensitivity set the direction for the formation. The vocal front is strengthened by Gusztáv Balogh, who has for decades been one of the most defining male voices in the world of authentic Roma music. Brájen Balogh, singer, percussionist and guitarist, who despite his young age is a key member of Womex lifetime achievement and Kossuth Prize‑winner Mónika Lakatos and the band Romengo. One of the most important instruments of traditional Roma music, the violin, is played by Dávid Kovács, whose virtuoso playing reinforces the band’s sound. The solid foundations are provided by Bence Bese on bass guitar, giving the band a secure rhythmic and harmonic background. The members of the band also play in the country’s most outstanding Roma and non‑Roma ensembles; decades of experience come together at the concerts of A. Kovács and the Cigány Karaván.

ENIGMA ROMILOR

Bessarabia – a historical region on the territory of present‑day Moldova and southern Ukraine, where ethnicities and their cultures have intermixed. The musical influences of the Balkans, Romanian music and the songs of Russian Roma who roamed the vast steppes have created an unmistakable musical and dance style for the Roma living in Moldova. The legendary film Gypsies Are Found Near Heaven was shot in Moldova near the Dniester River, and several family members of the Enigma Romilor group appeared in it. ENIGMA ROMILOR is Moldova’s best professional Roma ensemble, made up of artists and soloists of the State Theatre in Chișinău. They present the culture, songs and customs of the Roma who have left an indelible mark on Moldova’s culture.

An event jointly organized by the Czinka Panna World Music and Dance Arts Association and the House of Music Hungary, supported by the State Secretariat for Social Opportunities and Roma Relations of the Ministry of Interior.