Hungarian-American Music and Dance Event in Seattle 2020: Journey of a Project (Accepted)

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
I engaged Molnár Viktor, composer and pianist, graduate of Liszt Ferenc
Zeneművészeti Egyetem, to write a piano piece for dance. As the choreographer,
I requested a blend of traditional Hungarian Folkdance music and music
reflecting contemporary artistic trends in Hungary. Through my dance
interpretation of this unique and beautiful music composition, I aim to enlighten
American audience members about Hungarian artistic traditions and transitions.
The project's music and dance themes deal with human beings' sense of place
and displacement. This is an exploration of the role that folk music and dance
play in connecting people across generations, cultures, trends, and nations. As
lives move forward through time and space, traditions must not only be
remembered, they must be carried along for the ride.
From concept to inception to completion of the project, nearly a year and a half
will have passed. Many supporters, artistic and logistic, have eagerly jumped on
board to help me realize this project. The composer will perform with dancers on
stage, and he will give a separate piano concert for the Hungarian American
Association of Washington in April and May 2020.
This paper will chronicle the process, production, and reflections of the artists,
planners, and supporters in Hungary and the U.S. It will demonstrate the power
of art to create greater understanding and build relationships across cultures and
generations.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Claudia Lawrey Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Arts Educator. MFA, MA, University of Arizona;
BA in Dance, Point Park University. Extensive choreography in Opera, Musical
Theatre, Concert Dance. Dance History scholar. Taught Jazz Dance at The
Academy of The Hungarian State Ballet. Professor of Dance: The University of
Tennessee, La Roche College, Penn State University, Point Park University,
Montgomery College, Bellevue College. Co-author of book: From Paris to
Pittsburgh, My Life in Dance. Presented paper at Hawaii International
Conference on The Arts and Humanities: "Dances at the Wedding of Lucrezia
Borgia and Alfonzo d'Este". Performance collaborations with poets, composers,
cinematographers.