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.”
“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.
