This past weekend was flurry of excitement. Berecz Pityu and Soma Salamon were coming to town. New Jersey, New York and Boston were some of their planned stops for a number of events and programs.
A táncház in New Brunwick kicked off the weekend. Ablaze with the sights and sounds of Pityu, Soma, Fészer Banda and some very happy feet, the mood was festive and the dancing was tremendous.
The next day New York’s Hungarian Consulate, through Dr. Csenge Palotai’s leadership, hosted the Március 15 Celebrations. Thanks to the amazing vision of Berecz, a full program came together in a matter of five hours that included folk dancing by Leó Demeter Qualls, Stella Kemecsei, Emma Turcanu (who also sang beautifully), and Isabel Németh. Music was provided by Fészer, Salamon, and Ildikó Nagy. Additional music and prose was performed by the Déryné Program. Three KCSP fellows supported the production – Lili Balogh (New Jersey), István Molnár (New Jersey), and Bence Hajdu (Maryland).
“It was uplifting to be able to commemorate one of the most beautiful Hungarian celebrations – the birth of Hungarian freedom – with my young Hungarian compatriots born in the USA! Dance and music are transformative because they connect our spirits across continents and oceans! Respect to these young people for sustaining our common heritage in America through music and dance with such faith and dedication,” says Berecz.
From here, Berecz had plans to teach a master class, then head to Massachusetts for more celebrations.
(Photos/Videos by Panni De Cheke Qualls)
