CSARDAS DANCE COMPANY BOOK RELEASE EVENT GREAT SUCCESS!

On Saturday, April 9, 2016, Csardas Dance Company hosted a book release event entitled "Retrospective of Csardas Dance Company" hosted by the Hungarian Heritage Museum located at the Galleria at Erieview in downtown Cleveland.  This event commemorated the 20 year anniversary of the dance company and the recent release of its book entitled "Csardas Dance Company: A History".  In attendance was author and Csardas founder, Richard Graber, who delivered a captivating talk accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation on the 20-year history of the dance company.  Along with the presentation, Richard gave his summary of the rich 20-year history of Csardas and explained the reasons for the dance company ceasing operations in 2014.  The standing-room only crowd reveled in the talk, asked questions following the presentation and then immensely enjoyed a cameo dance performance by Csardas Dance Company dancers. Directly following was a book-signing, raffle, Csardas grab-bag give-away to all attendees (which included a complimentary book), and wine and cheese reception.  

Csardas was happy to provide this FREE event to the general public of northeast Ohio to thank them for 20 wonderful years of support.  Many special thanks to Eva Szabo and the Hungarian Heritage Museum for hosting this wonderful commemorative event!  

Here are a few photos from the event - check out our web site and Facebook for more!

 

Csárdás Dance Company Announces Book Release Event at Cleveland's Hungarian Museum!

For more details see our web site at 

csardasdance.com or email info@csardasdance.com

Csárdás Dance Company Performance at Severance Hall February 26, 2016

Csárdás Dance Company had the wonderful opportunity of performing at Severance Hall Friday, February 26, 2016 in conjunction with The Cleveland Orchestra's "Gotta Dance" program. 

Csárdás performed in the beautifully ornate rotunda to a captivated audience who greatly enjoyed our dances.  Our dancers then offered simple Hungarian dance lessons which many children and adults participated in.  Dancers conversed with audience members which consisted largely of children for this Family Concert event. 

The Company then had the honor of performing on stage with the renowned Cleveland Orchestra.  Dancers performed intricate Hungarian dance steps, choreographed by Richard Graber, and instructed by Stuart Meyer and Judith Horvath, to Dvořák Slavonic Dance No. 1 in C Major.

Watch for more photos of this event!

Csárdas Dance Company to Perform at Severance Hall with The Cleveland Orchestra!

TICKETS CAN BE ORDERED HERE...

New Book ‘Csárdás Dance Company’ Celebrates Hungarian Culture Through Passion of Dance

 

Author Richard Graber chronicles history of dance company, shares insights on running nonprofit.

In 1994, author Richard Graber founded the Csárdás Dance Company, which would serve as the conduit for him to share his cultural heritage through the art of dance. With “Csárdás Dance Company: A History” (published by Lulu), Graber presents a 20-year retrospective on the story of how an ethnic dance company served as a vehicle for preserving his cultural heritage through dance.

The book was made possible through a grant from the Hungary Initiatives Foundation. “Initially we were going to make a scrapbook full of pictures but thought our work is worthy of more,” Graber explains. “The highlights are preserved, pictures are scattered throughout and the work of the company is captured with integrity and in such a way that I feel is much more meaningful.”

Through this project, the son of Hungarian immigrants further preserves his culture in the narrative of his life story. Based on his personal experiences, Graber’s journey is intended to be both a means of celebrating his own heritage and to inspire readers to pursue the same. Graber also provides his insights and philosophies on running a nonprofit organization.

Ultimately, the author hopes readers will come away knowing “Hungarian culture is amazingly rich and diverse” and understand “nonprofit organizations do not need to live forever and suspending of operations is not necessarily a sign of failure but on the contrary, can be a smart move – dedication and tenacity pay off.”

READ MORE AND ORDER ONLINE HERE

“Csárdás Dance Company”
By Richard Graber
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 116 pages | ISBN 9781483439471
E-Book | 116 pages | ISBN 9781483439464

About the Author
Richard Graber hails from Cleveland, Ohio, and is the son of Hungarian immigrants. Graduating from the Ohio State University Department of Dance and founder of the Csárdás Dance Company, he now lives in Houston and serves as director of grants, programs and services at the Houston Arts Alliance.

 

CSARDAS DANCE COMPANY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 20-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE BOOK!

ORDER PAPERBACK BOOK HERE!

ORDER E-BOOK HERE!

Csárdás Dance Company Winds Down Operations After 20 Years - Focuses on Retrospective with Support from The Hungary Initiatives Foundation

Csárdás Dance Company Performs for 9th Year in a Row at Cleveland Oktoberfest

The Cleveland Oktoberfest has been an annual performance tradition for Csárdás Dance Company, being personally invited to perform each year by Bob Haas – Executive Director & Event Entertainment.  

Each year we have performed at least twice during the 4-day festival, both in the International Tent and Main Stage.  Our crowds have been enthusiastic and we have received many accolades over the years including at the 2012 performance when Congressman Dennis Kucinich, who has supported us in the past including at our 15th Anniversary Performance in 2009, gave us a warm welcome to the Main Stage.

Our thanks and appreciation to the staff of the Cleveland Oktoberfest! 

 

Csárdás Performs for Hungarian Business and Tradesman Club 90th Anniversary Celebration!

Csárdás Dance Company was honored to be invited to perform for the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the Hungarian Business and Tradesmans Club located at 15805 Libby Road in Maple Hts., Ohio.  The celebration took place on Saturday October 19, 2013 and was attended by a sell-out crowd who reveled in the artistic dance performance of Csárdás.

The crowd was awed by the graceful dances set to Brahms Hungarian Dances 5 and 6, the skillful bottle dance by the ladies in the dance company and amazed by the men's boot-slapping techniques.  The company ended the performance with its signature dance from Szatmar with the full company giving all they had to end this tremendous performance.

Many kudos to performance instructors, Stuart Meyer and Judith Horvath, and all the dancers who performed for this most special occasion.

See video below photo of our final dance, Szatmar.

New Address-Phone Number for Csardas!

Please make note of our new address and phone number...

Csárdás Dance Company

P.O. Box 770641

Cleveland, OH 44107

www.csardasdance.com
info@csardasdance.com

440-668-6500

Csárdás will continue to provide the joy of Hungarian dance to 

northeast Ohio and beyond! 

 

Csárdás Workshop in Hungarian Dance at Hungarian Museum

On Saturday, March 10, 2012 Csárdás Dance Company offered a Hungarian Folk Dance Workshop for the general public at the Hungarian Museum at the Gallaria Mall in downtown Cleveland.  The workshop included a narrated performance by the Company, musical slideshow on Hungarian landscapes, and step-by-step instruction for all ages on Hungarian dance!  A great time was had by all as evidenced by the photos!  

Csardas Performs with Hurdy Gurdy Player from Hungary!

Csárdás Dance Company was delighted to perform with renowned hurdy gurdy designer, maker and player from Hungary, BALÁZS NAGY. He has played with the Táltos Ensemble as well as the Bourdon Trio and has authored the "The Hurdy Gurdy Handbook". Special guest was Katalin Esztergomine Benno. The performance took place on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 3:00 pm at the TOLEDO HUNGARIAN CLUB which is located at 224 Paine Avenue in Toledo.

Enjoy photos from this event!

Csardas Dance Company 15th Anniversary Performance

Csárdás Dance Company was delighted to celebrate it’s 15th Anniversary in 2009. The organization was founded in 1994 by Richard Graber and Christopher Smith. Over the last 15 years, Csárdás Dance Company has enriched the lives of thousands of people with colorful main-stage performances, educational presentations in schools, and with a myriad of community outreach initiatives. This special event was celebrated with a Gala Dinner/Dance on August 1, 2009 at the West Side Hungarian Reformed Church on Puritas Avenue in Cleveland. The audience was treated to a delicious chicken paprikas dinner, champagne toast, and a spectacular dance performance by Csárdás Dance Company.

Guests of Honor included the Honorary Consulate General of Cleveland, Laszlo Bojtos, who delivered a memorable commendation to our company and Congressman and Chairman of the Hungarian-American Congressional Caucus Dennis Kucinich who offered a 15th anniversary toast. Author Charlotte Marky (“Journey To Freedom”) was also present. The gala performance consisted of current Youth Ensemble members and alumni dancers. The audience was treated to the Shepherd’s Stick Dance by Christopher Smith as well as a special grand finale performance of Szatmár with all company and alumni dancers including Richard Graber and Christopher Smith. The company members have proclaimed this as their best performance yet! A Silent Auction with many generous donations from individuals was included in the events as well as a fun and energetic "tancház" (dance party) directly following the performance.

We wish to thank The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel, the W. W. Grainger Company and the law firm of Lesiak, Hensal & Hathcock, as well as individual supporters, for their generous donations.

Photographic services were provided by InMotion Photography and videography was provided by Beating Hart Productions. Pastor Zoltan Kelemen and the staff of West Side Hungarian Reformed Church Calvin Center did a wonderful job at executing the details of the event.

15th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
Program courtesy of dlg design, inc.

Click on each album to view photos!

Photos courtesy of InMotion Photography - http://www.inmotion-photo.com/

Proclamation from Congressman Dennis Kucinich - Congressional Record

Proclamation from Governor George Strickland and the State of Ohio

Proclamation from Mayor Frank G. Jackson and the City of Cleveland


END TOPIC

Csárdás Dance Company Performs at Cleveland's City Hall and Meets Mayor Jackson

Csárdás Dance Company had the distinct pleasure and honor of performing at Cleveland's City Hall on Thursday, June 18, 2009 during the lunch hour as part of the Mayor's "Art in the Rotunda" series, a part of the Mayor's "Arts in Everything"initiative. Csárdás Youth Ensemble performed in the beautiful City Hall rotunda while audience members from City Hall and neighboring offices watched the performance. Here is a photo of our dancers with Mayor Frank G. Jackson.

Csárdás Dance Company Performs With The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall

Csárdás Dance Company's Youth Ensemble had the honor of performing on stage with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall in April 2008 during the orchestra's "Dancing With Dvorák" concert. An educational performance for schools was on Friday, April 18 and on Saturday, April 19 two performances were in conjunction with The Family Concert Series sponsored by The Musical Arts Association.

Csárdás founder and former Executive Director, Richard Graber, and former Artistic Director, Christopher Smith, choreographed two works to Brahms Hungarian Dances 5 and 6. Graber, Smith and Csárdás Rehearsal Instructor, Stuart Meyer, choreographed a work to Dvorák Slavonic Dance No. 1. Assistant Rehearsal Instructor, Judith Horvath, assisted with rehearsals. This was the first time the Company had performed to classical music.

The Company received accolades from Cleveland Orchestra members and the conductor, Tito Muñoz .

Please enjoy our photos from this event!

Csárdás Youth Ensemble Visit Hungary in July 2007!

Csárdás Dance Company's Youth Ensemble had the wonderful opportunity to visit the land of their heritage this summer - Hungary! Eleven members of the dance company visited Hungary for two weeks in July.

Their first stop was Budapest and outlying towns and villages. While there, they toured Budapest (both Buda and Pest!), visited with Csárdás' costume designer, Rita Nánási, visited Kalocsa where one of their dances and costumes is from, saw the shop where material for their blue-dyed skirts are from, purchased hand-made leather dance shoes from a village shoe maker, and visited a horse farm where they saw a wonderful equestrian performance.

They witnessed 3 dance performances while in the Budapest area - the famed Bartók Ensemble , a group of 8 ladies from Kalocsa who performed in a beautiful restaurant on the shores of the Danube River, and Csillagszemű (Starry Eyed) Dance Company (whom they would join the next week in a dance camp!). In Kalocsa our dancers had the memorable opportunity to perform a karikazo on stage - the performance truly touched the ladies from Kalocsa to see young American dancers upholding their heritage.

The second week they traveled to the southern shores of Lake Balaton to join nearly 100 dancers from Csillagszemű (Starry Eyed) Dance Company of Budapest. This professional and highly acclaimed dance company of more than 300 youth ages 3 - 22 is directed by Sándor Timár. Master Timár is the former artistic director of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble.

While at the dance camp, our dancers learned new and vibrant dance techniques and steps to bring back to Cleveland. Our youth ensemble also performed twice at the dance camp - our performances included dances from Sárköz, Moldva, and a modern Transdanubian dance. Our performances were well received with robust rounds of applause and positive remarks from all who viewed.

Our youth ensemble will be in rehearsals this winter with Founder, Richard Graber, and Rehearsal Instuctors, Stuart Meyer and Judith Horvath, to present our new material in 2008.

Csárdás would like to thank all who supported our involvement with the dance camp including the The Cleveland Hungarian Development Panel, William Penn Association, WCPN-Kapossy Radio and individual supporters.

In the meantime, enjoy our photos and our short 6-minute movie from Hungary!