The History of the Kodály Ensemble of Toronto: Masters-pupils-results

Type of Abstract (select): Paper presentation

Abstract (max. 250 words):
My research is about the formation of the Kodály Ensemble and its history during the decades, masters, members, results, group formation. I would like to introduce when and how the idea of forming a Hungarian folk dance ensemble in Toronto came from. Who were the first members, and what changes did the formation cause in the Hungarian community of Toronto? After introducing the beginnings I will speak about each of the dance masters who had been working for the Ensemble. The focus will be on the technical methods they used during their periods and the effects of these methods both on the community of the Ensemble and the dance knowledge of the members. During the past few decades, there were many changes in the profession of folk dance teaching in Hungary; these changes must have influenced the work of folk dance masters in Toronto as well. I would like to summarize this improvement and its effects. Through my research, I will gain information about the forming and changing of the groups inside the Ensemble, because it can reflect on one hand how attractive the methods of the masters were from the pupils’ point of view and, on the other hand how the Hungarian community of Toronto changed during the years.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Tímea Bettina Rideg, was born in Budapest. She completed the Tour Guide department of the Budapesti Vendéglátóipari és Humán Bkszc. Gundel Károly Szakképző Iskola, and the Dancer department in Fóti Népművészeti Szakgimnázium, Gimnázium és Technikum. In 2023 she graduated as a Folk Dance Specialist in the Dancer and Coach University Level program (BA) of the Hungarian Dance University. Since October 2023 she has been working as a dance teacher for the Kodály Ensemble of Toronto and the Rozmaring Folk Dance Ensemble of Hamilton.