Even after the end-of-year final exams, the fifth-year students did not take a break. Their last guest performance of the school year took place across the border, in Lendava, Slovenia. The invitation was the result of a professional collaboration that began at the start of this academic year.
With the arrival of Lendava-born Brina Gerebic, a strong professional connection developed between her former teacher, Vanessa Kreslin, and the year’s class teacher, Eszter Pataki-Tóth, who also accompanied the students to this prestigious performance. Thanks to this cooperation, the class was invited to the Ballet under the Stars gala evening held on June 24.
The performance was part of the official celebration held on the occasion of Slovenia’s Statehood Day, which this year marked the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence. The event took place on the outdoor stage of the Theatre and Concert Hall in Lendava.
On the far left of the picture is the senior and grade leader ballet master, Eszter Kazinczy
Speeches were given by Igor Bavčar, former Minister of the Interior of Slovenia, and János Magyar, Mayor of Lendava. Gertrúd Kelemen, Hungary’s Consul General in Lendava, also attended the celebration.
“The class performed a programme of nearly 50 minutes. In the end, 11 girls presented a total of 16 different dances, meaning we were able to bring almost our entire yearly repertoire to the stage. Managing such a large programme smoothly was a serious challenge, as several students performed in up to five different dances. Behind the scenes, just as much teamwork and coordination took place as on stage. They helped and supported each other during costume changes, often having only four or five minutes to prepare. This was a huge learning experience for them, and I can confidently say that the group is becoming more mature and better prepared in every way,” said Eszter Pataki-Tóth.
At the end of the guest performance, Mayor János Magyar invited the class to next year’s gala programme as well. This is a great honour for the Hungarian Dance University and also gives Brina the opportunity to experience the event next year, after missing it this year due to illness.
The local coordinator of the Lendava guest performance, Sanja Bogdan Horvath, provided outstanding support and care throughout every stage of the organisation. The organisers welcomed the students warmly and ensured that all the necessary conditions were provided for them during their entire stay.
The festive evening concluded with a standing reception, where students from the Hungarian Dance University had the opportunity to meet the invited guests. It was a great honour for them to represent their institution and Hungarian ballet in the cultural program of such a prestigious national celebration.
“The day following the guest performance was also filled with memorable experiences. The class visited the Vinarium lookout tower in Lendava, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape. The programme was crowned by a truly special experience: together with the students, we also tried the Vinarium zipline course, where, after so much hard work, they could finally relax and unwind in a carefree way. This had a very positive and strengthening effect on the entire community. It was a fitting conclusion to the end of the school year: the shared experiences, the moments of joy and the challenges we faced together provided a worthy closing chapter to a successful year. One could say that, symbolically speaking, we ‘slid’ right into summer.” – said Eszter Pataki-Tóth.
