Traditional Hungarian folk dance types – VIDEOS

Like many other nations, Hungarians have always been very proud of their traditional folk dance. Every year, there are folk dance festivals organised all over the country to keep the tradition alive and celebrate those fantastic dance groups who practice the oldest forms of folk dance today. Let us take a look at the most well-known types of Hungarian folk dance.

Hungarian folk dance types can be divided into two major groups: the old style Hungarian dances and the new style Hungarian dances.

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Old style Hungarian dances

Karikázó (the maiden’s round dance)

Karikázó is a really special type of folk dance, most popular in the southern and northern regions of the country. It is performed by women only, who form a circle and dance while being accompanied by the singing of folk songs.

In the past, this dance was often combined with children’s games, differentiating it from the chain dances of the Balkans. Karikázó was the main form of dancing in the Middle Ages in Europe. However, more modern pair or couple dances soon took the place of karikázó. Today, one can also see women doing the karikázó on rare, special occasions like national holidays or small town festivals.

Pásztortánc (Herdsmen’s Dances) and botoló (stick dance)

Both pásztortánc and botoló are (and used to be) performed by men. While men danced the pásztortánc, they were accompanied by bagpipes, shawms, fiddles, and drums.

The Botoló (Stick Dance) is a wild hajdú dance of the old times which used to be performed with the help of a stick. However, recreational folk dances are usually not done with a stick.

Legényes and ugrós (Lad’s and Leaping Dances)

The Legényes and the ugrós are men’s solo dances, very typical of the Kalotaszeg region of Transylvania. These types of dances are usually performed by young men, but older men can dance them as well. These are freestyle, solo dances usually performed in front of a band.