Kengugró Australian–Hungarian Folk Dance Ensemble and the Transylvaniacs Band
Who we are
The Kengugró Australian–Hungarian Folk Dance Ensemble is dedicated to Hungarian folk dance accompanied by live folk music in collaboration with the Transylvaniacs band. The ensemble is based in Sydney, Australia.
Kengugró was founded in 1986, and since then at least one or two members have returned to Hungary each year or spent extended periods there. These visits have also inspired the ensemble and the Transylvaniacs to invite teachers and performers from Hungary to Australia in order to further expand their dance and musical knowledge. Through numerous trips to Hungary and Transylvania, Kengugró dancers have drawn inspiration from the passion, knowledge, and emotional richness of village dancers and musicians.
The members of Kengugró include both people of Hungarian and non-Hungarian heritage. Regular connections with Hungary, Transylvania, and Slovakia ensure that the culture, music, and dance continue to thrive in Australia, offering meaningful engagement and cultural enrichment for all.
We also regularly organize dance house events (táncház) at various venues across Sydney with the participation of the Transylvaniacs, where everyone is encouraged to join in the shared dancing and experience. The táncház method was inscribed in November 2011 on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
The ensemble and the band are frequent performers and contributors at Hungarian events in Australia, as well as celebrations organized by other Hungarian organizations. Kengugró and the Transylvaniacs have performed successfully at numerous events both in Australia and internationally. Some highlights from past decades include:
– New Zealand 1994, 2024, 2025, 2026
– Eurofest 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017
– Sydney Olympic Games 2000
– Taste of Hungary Festival 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
– National Folk Festival, Canberra 1992, 2000, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2022, 2024, 2026
Leadership of the Kengugró Australian–Hungarian Folk Dance Ensemble:
Attila Turcsányi and Michelle Turcsányi – Artistic Directors
Michelle Turcsányi – President, Sára Dezsényi – Vice President
Susanna Kemp – Treasurer
Contact: kengugro@hotmail.com
For more information, please go to their website: https://www.kengugro.org/