Movement of the People: Hungarian Folk Dance, Populism, and Citizenship

Thousands of Hungarians have vacationed at summer camps in Romania since 1990, participating in folk tourism and the revival of folk dance. Mary N. Taylor's book "Movement of the People" explores the folk revival movement known as "dancehouse" (táncház), its emergence in socialist institutions, transformation through the postsocialist period, and recent recognition by UNESCO as a best practice of heritage preservation. It examines the practices, relationships, institutional contexts, and ideologies that contribute to Hungary's future and past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2021
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Since 1990, thousands of Hungarians have flocked to summer camps nestled in the picturesque Transylvanian villages of neighboring Romania, where they immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Hungarian folk dance. This folk tourism, intertwined with the everyday practices of folk dance revival, unfolds against the backdrop of an increasingly nationalist political climate in Hungary.

In her captivating book, "Movement of the People," Mary N. Taylor delves deep into the heart of the folk revival movement known as dancehouse (táncház). Through this lens, Taylor offers readers a unique and immersive experience, taking them inside the myriad events where folk dance takes center stage and is passionately championed by international enthusiasts and UNESCO.

Contextualizing táncház within a broader history of populism and nationalism, Taylor explores the movement's origins in the socialist institutions of the 1970s, its transformative journey through the postsocialist period, and its recent recognition by UNESCO as a best practice in heritage preservation. By examining the populist and popular practices of folk revival as a form of national cultivation, "Movement of the People" poses thought-provoking questions about the everyday practices, relationships, institutional contexts, and ideologies that shape Hungary's future and its rich past.

Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Taylor weaves together a tapestry of insights that shed light on the enduring power of folk dance to unite people, preserve cultural heritage, and shape the collective identity of a nation. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, politics, and social movements, offering a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics that shape contemporary Hungary.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253057839