Folk Dance's Renewed Power: An Interview with Mihályi Gábor on Tradition and Theater

Mihályi Gábor, a celebrated artist in Hungarian folk dance, reflects on his long association with the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, where he began dancing in 1996. Initially a chorus dancer, he progressed to lead roles, often performing with Böské Timár, wife of the renowned Sándor Timár. After Sándor Timár retired in 1996, Gábor took on responsibility for the ensemble, initially collaborating with Ferivel Sebő before leading it independently.

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The tradition is capable of expressing deeper, more complex ideas as well.

His experience as a solo dancer significantly influenced his choreographic work, demanding a deep understanding of performance and partnership. Gábor also credits his master's teaching methodology, noting that his early works bore Sándor Timár's imprint. However, he soon sought his own artistic path, moving towards theater and believing folk dance held potential for expressing more complex, contemporary ideas beyond mere historical reenactments or showcasing traditional customs.

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I was always interested not only in the dance but also in the level of emotions and senses.

This led to the creation of thematic performances, though Gábor always maintained a connection to traditional dances, viewing them as a cultural language to be revisited. He integrated theatrical elements even into traditional shows, focusing on emotions and sensory experiences. Gábor pioneered the use of visual elements like sets and projections, and empowered musicians by giving them microphones and integrating them into the performance, moving them from the sidelines to become active participants in the scenes.

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I gave the musicians microphones and they could move, they became part of the scenes.