To support the floor expansion, the Ministry of Culture and Innovation has provided 250 million HUF, while the Hungarian Dance University Foundation, which maintains the institution, has contributed 600 million HUF. The university itself has added nearly 1.2 billion HUF from its own funds to the project.

In addition, through the energy modernization component of the RRF 2.1.2-21-2022-00036 project titled “Modern Buildings and Innovative Education in the Service of Dance Art,” the institution will provide a significantly higher-quality learning environment for its students.

“The investment contributes to ensuring that the University can offer its students a high-standard educational and artistic environment that meets international expectations. The contracted amount of support for the project is nearly 1.5 billion HUF,” said Márta-Fodor Molnár, university professor and rector of the institution, in her welcome speech at the well-attended briefing.

The rector also emphasized that the university aims to remain a key institution for dance education in Central Europe by 2030.

“Our objective is clear and well-defined, and I believe we are making good progress toward achieving it. That is why it is important that our training facilities are being expanded with such new and modern spaces.”

The event was also attended by Anita Kiss-Hegyi, State Secretary for Cultural Relations at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and Dr. Péter Szilágyi, Deputy State Secretary for National Policy of Hungary.

Jolán Török, Harangozó Gyula Award-winning dancer and dance pedagogue, Péter Ertl, Director of the National Dance Theatre, Emese Gáspár, Chancellor of the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music and RRF project manager of the Hungarian Dance University, and, among others, Professor Tamás Kucsera, Rector of the Metropolitan University were also present at the ceremonial event.

In her speech, State Secretary Anita Kiss-Hegyi pointed out that supporting an educational institution of this caliber is not only a pleasure for the Ministry, but also a duty.

“I am particularly pleased about this investment because dance is close to my heart. Even more importantly, through this cooperation and support, we have been able to provide space for the development of future generations of dance artists, thereby contributing to the enrichment of Hungarian culture.”

János Kiss, National Artist of Hungary, Kossuth Prize-winning ballet dancer, and Chairman of the Board of the Foundation that maintains the University, emphasized that in these moments, the main focus is on gratitude.

“I want to thank my colleagues, the instructors, and the students for their patience and understanding, because I know that working and creating has been very challenging over the past months due to the construction. Thank you very much! But my thanks are not only for them; I also extend my gratitude to everyone who participated in this major project. This is our shared success, because now we stand here and can clearly see that our efforts were not in vain! In the past few moments, the talented young performers at today’s demonstration have danced in the new studio, and soon the masters and students of the Hungarian Dance University will be able to fully take possession of the new floor. I believe there is no greater joy than this.”

Photos by Hype

János Kiss personally thanked several of his colleagues, as well as the contractors and the designer, for their work. Interestingly, the wing of the Dance Training Institute—now named after Imre Dózsa—was originally designed in 2002 by Antal Lázár, DLA, Kossuth Prize-winning architect and MMA academician, who is also coordinating the current renovation and expansion. The master was present at the unveiling, and it was no surprise that several attendees took the opportunity to greet him personally.

With the expansion of the training program and the increase in student numbers, it became necessary to enhance the infrastructural capacity required for education, which has now been realized. The unveiling concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Attendees were able to take part in a truly wonderful and joyful event.

In the video shown here, viewers can see in a unique way how the expansion was carried out.

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Seiga Sato began his professional career with the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in Miami, where he performed a wide range of repertoire. During his time with the company, he also appeared as a guest artist at the Varna State Opera in Bulgaria, where he danced the role of the Jester in Swan Lake and performed the Grand Pas de Deux in Harlequinade. The Japanese ballet artist spoke about these and other interesting experiences in the following interview.

You graduated here in Budapest in 2022—how do you look back on your time at the Hungarian Dance University?

It was a very exciting period of my life. I remember the 8 a.m. classes were really tough, especially in winter. But those difficult days made me a stronger professional. The undergraduate program itself was also a serious challenge, as I didn’t speak English at first, but the great environment helped me learn the language very quickly. Most importantly, I built lifelong friendships! I’m still very close with my best Hungarian friend, Tamás Darai; whenever we can, we visit each other and take classes together. Since many graduates from here have become internationally recognized dancers, I can confidently say that anyone who studies here is in the best place and can experience true artistry.

What has happened to you since you graduated at the Hungarian Dance University?

After receiving my degree, I moved to the United States and danced for three years with the Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida in Miami. After that, I performed as a guest artist at the Varna State Opera in Bulgaria. I then toured across the United States with the World Ballet Company, followed by working in Japan as a freelance dancer and instructor. Currently, I am waiting for my European work visa so I can begin working at the Stara Zagora State Opera in Bulgaria.

Why would you recommend this university to others?

I believe the instructors have very strong professional experience, and the campus and new ballet studios are both spacious and beautiful. Most importantly, the Hungarian Dance University is the perfect place for anyone who wants to become a professional dancer.

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In recent years, many outstanding Japanese ballet artists have graduated from the Hungarian Dance University, spreading the institution’s reputation worldwide through their professional engagements and showcasing the excellence of Hungarian university-level dance education.

This highlighted the importance of the visit by His Excellency Mr Kimura Tetsuya, the Ambassador of Japan to Hungary, who was welcomed by the leadership of the Hungarian Dance University including Rector Professor Márta Fodor-Molnár, Vice-Rector Magdolna Salát, Head of Institute Szilárd Macher, DLA, and International Coordinator Nikolett Áder. The meeting was also attended by First Secretary and Head of the Cultural Department at the Embassy Takeshi Ozaki, and Assistant of the Cultural Department Sachiko Győri.

The university’s rector was pleased to inform the ambassador that over 20 Japanese students are currently enrolled at the institution. Mr Kimura Tetsuya toured the university and discussed various topics with the leadership, including the Budapest Ballet Grand Prix, an international ballet competition in which Japanese students have traditionally performed exceptionally well.

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The program is designed for those who already have experience in folk dance and wish to further develop their technical, pedagogical, and methodological skills, while exchanging ideas and inspiration with folk dancers from around the world.

The course is not just training, but a full experience: learning, collaborative thinking, and exploring the traditions of Hungarian folk dance in an international environment.

Dates: June 29 – July 10, 2026
Location: Hungarian Dance University, Budapest

Participation requirements: minimum age of 18 and a secondary school leaving certificate (high school diploma).

Course structure:

Week 1: Development of dance technique, practice of Hungarian folk dance repertoire, rhythm and endurance exercises.
Week 2: Pedagogical and methodological topics, small group sessions, micro-teaching, and professional experience exchange.

The program is bilingual (Hungarian and English).

Application includes submitting a short video, which helps tailor the training to each participant.

Participation fees:

• 1,000 EUR – full program including accommodation and meals 
• 750 EUR – for participants arranging their own accommodation (includes the course and meals) 

Application: Please submit your application via the following link.

Application deadline: April 30, 2026

For more information or any questions, feel free to contact: brum.alejandra@mte.eu

Join us for an inspiring summer in the world of Hungarian folk dance, for professional development and building international connections!

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The event focused on both classical ballet and contemporary dance, giving young performers the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of a prestigious international jury. The competition rounds on March 16 and 17 were closed to the public, but on March 18, a full house at the Janáček Theatre watched the finalists’ gala, featuring Míra Jászovics, Brina Gerebicc, and Bianca Guzu, three classical ballet students from the Hungarian Dance University.

Míra Jászovics (Photos by Arthur Abram / European Dance Competition Brno 2026)

Students of the Hungarian Dance University achieved podium finishes.

• Míra Jászovics (5th-year student, mentor: Eszter Pataki-Tóth) placed 3rd in Category 2A. 
• Brina Gerebic (5th-year student, mentor: Eszter Pataki-Tóth) earned 2nd place in Category 2A. 
• Bianca Guzu (7th-year student, mentor: Márta-Fodor Molnár) secured 2nd place in Category 3A.

The students were accompanied at the competition by Master Tamara Lane, who summarized the Brno experience as follows:

“The students participated in a high-level competition with a great atmosphere in Brno. Even during the warm-up session before the competition, led by Mario Radacovsky, Ballet Director of the Brno National Theatre, they were able to compare and assess their skills against other competitors and gain a lot of new information and experience. The results speak for themselves. Both in the semifinals and the finals, the girls strived to deliver their best performance, preparing day by day with determination and full concentration. Following the gala, the jury members and ballet instructors from other schools also spoke highly of the university’s students. Although I was not involved in their preparation process, I still feel proud to have been by their side in this important moment.”

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This program is designed for participants with prior dance experience who wish to strengthen their dance technique, pedagogical skills, and methodological knowledge, while sharing ideas and inspiration with dancers from around the world.

More than just a course, it’s an immersive experience of learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

• Dates: June 29 – July 10, 2026
  Location: Hungarian Dance University, Budapest

Eligibility:

• Minimun age: 18
• High school diploma

 Course structure:

Week 1: focus on dance technique, Hungarian folk dance repertoire, rhythm and stamina exercises.

Week 2: pedagogy and methodology, small-group sessions, micro-teaching, and professional experience sharing.

The program is bilingual (Hungarian–English).

Applicants are asked to submit a short video to help us customize the training.

Participation fees:

1,000 EUR – includes full course, accommodation, and meals

750 EUR – if arranging your own accommodation (includes course and meals)

Apply now: Please submit your application via this link: https://forms.office.com/e/6m7q43vmFb

Deadline: April 30, 2026

For more information or any questions, please contact: brum.alejandra@mte.eu

Join us for an inspiring summer of Hungarian folk dance, professional growth, and international connection!

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In recognition of their activities in promoting the interests of the nation and enriching universal human values, the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (Civil Division) was awarded, among others, to:

• Katalin-Borsa Sebestyén, Liszt Ferenc Prize-winning dancer, merited artist, professor emerita of the Hungarian Dance University, and former honorary principal dancer and ballet master of the Hungarian State Opera;
• Professor Márta-Fodor Molnár, Harangozó Gyula Prize-winning dancer and choreographer, Rector of the Hungarian Dance University.

In recognition of their activities in promoting the interests of the nation and enriching universal human values, the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary (Civil Division) was awarded, among others, to:

• Attila Kalmár, Harangozó Gyula Prize-winning dancer and choreographer, associate professor and head of department at the Hungarian Dance University; and
• Margit Reich, master instructor and honorary associate professor of the Piano Accompaniment Group at the Hungarian Dance University’s Imre Dózsa Institute for Dance Education.

In recognition of her high-quality work and exemplary professional activity, the Gold Cross of Merit of Hungary (Civil Division) was awarded, among others, to:

• Krisztina Dóka, associate professor and lecturer at the Folk Dance Department of the Hungarian Dance University.

In recognition of their high-quality work and exemplary professional activity, the Silver Cross of Merit of Hungary (Civil Division) was awarded, among others, to:

• Kitti Hajszán, dancer and artistic instructor at the Modern Dance and Theatre Dance Department of the Hungarian Dance University;
• Noémi Juhász-Hörcher, dancer and artistic instructor at the Modern Dance and Theatre Dance Department of the Hungarian Dance University;
• Eszter Pataki-Tóth, dancer, ballet master and artistic instructor at the Classical Ballet Department of the Hungarian Dance University.

In recognition of her high-quality work and exemplary professional activity, the Bronze Cross of Merit of Hungary (Civil Division) was awarded, among others, to:

• Renáta Gönczi, academic administrator at the Hungarian Dance University.

In recognition of his outstanding creative and performing achievements in the field of dance, the Harangozó Gyula Prize was awarded, among others, to:

• Sándor József Medvecz, ballet master and artistic instructor at the Hungarian Dance University.

We warmly congratulate the staff members of the university on receiving these honors and on the dedicated professional and creative work behind them.

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Altogether 16 participants attended the audition, including eight students from the Hungarian Dance University. Ballet master Balázs Krajczár was present throughout the audition; he himself was a member of Tulsa Ballet during the 2008/2009 season. Speaking about that period, the university’s ballet master said he encountered an exceptionally high artistic standard within a company that was international in every respect.

Tulsa Ballet’s Artistic Director has been Marcello Angelini since 1995. According to Balázs Krajczár, it has always been important to him that professional diversity should not appear on stage as a divisive force. This is despite the fact that Tulsa’s dancers consistently come from all over the world, and this diversity is enriching both culturally and professionally.

“I remember that extremely professional work was carried out within the company, with a very strict schedule. In every ballet class there was a fondu in the centre on demi-pointe, which is a very difficult exercise and is usually associated with training in schools. However, its effects could already be felt in the short term. It strengthened me and helped me gain better control over my body.”

The students faced these expectations when, during the audition, Marcello Angelini briefly addressed them. The renowned director emphasized the importance of preserving what they learn at school.

“If someone deteriorates over the years and loses their technique, they are unlikely to regain it. That is why you must work all the way through your ballet classes — and this is what I demand from my own dancers as well. Beautiful arm positions are important; let us not forget the épaulement, let us use our heads, and it is never, truly never enough to do an exercise just once. Seize the opportunity to repeat it, because that is how you truly improve,” said Marcello Angelini.

It is also worth knowing about Tulsa Ballet that the institution is financially stable and is currently expanding its infrastructure. It stages works by some of the most renowned choreographers, tours regularly, and trains a significant portion of its dancers within the company, planning for the long term with them. It was no coincidence that during the audition Balázs Krajczár said he had been happy to be a member of the company, because it was good to be its member.

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On February 22, at the National Dance Theatre, Clémence Rhode and Sámuel Gribovszki performed with great success among Europe’s leading soloists at the V4
International Ballet Gala. The gala also featured the Czech National Ballet, the Polish National Ballet, the Slovak National Ballet, as well as ballet students from the Hungarian Dance University. The evening’s repertoire consisted of outstanding solos and pas de deux from the classical ballet repertoire.

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