On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution, the Department of Art Theory and the Dance Research Centre of the Hungarian Dance University are organizing a symposium titled “The Impact of Historical Turning Points on Dance Art: 1956”.
Venue: Hungarian Dance University, Building D, Ground Floor, Room 2 (87–89 Columbus Street, District XIV, Budapest)
Date and time: October 16, 2026, at 3:00 pm
Organizing Committee of the Symposium include Professor Gábor Bolvári-Takács, Dr Márk Gara, Associate Professor (Chair), Rita H. Major, College Professor (Co-Chair), Dr Anita Lanszki, Associate Professor, Professor Katalin Lőrinc, Professor Szilárd Macher, Dr. Nóra Sebestyén, Associate Professor.
The 1956 Revolution and War of Independence left an enduring mark not only on history, but also on the arts. Its impact on dance art has remained a largely unexplored area in both national and international artistic discourse. The aim of the conference is to explore how the 1956 Revolution affected dance art, as well as to reveal the influences, layers of memory, interpretive possibilities, and traumas present within this art form.
PROGRAMME
- Opening and Introductory Remarks: Rita H. Major
- Thematic Presentations (Moderated by Rita H. Major)
- Márton Karczag: The Opera House in the Captivity of Politics
- Márk Gara: Mobility in Ballet Art Between 1944 and 1959
- Ágota Tongori: A Shattered Career, Recreated Identity – The Life Path of a 1956 Ballet Artist
- Gábor Bolvári-Takács: Data on the History of the Re-establishment of the Association of Hungarian Dance Artists (1957–1963)
- Emese M. Nagy: The Memory of the 1956 Revolution on the Folk Dance Stage
- Ildikó Sirató: 1956 and Its Memory on Stage: Theatrical Performances and Destinies Between 1956 and 2016
- Q&A and Brief Discussion
- Closing Remarks: Rita H. Major
Everyone interested is warmly invited to attend.
Information and registration: ledniczky.bea@mte.eu
Please note that photographs and video recordings will be taken during the event. By registering, you consent to appearing in these recordings and to the organizer using them for their own purposes and media coverage.
