The Hungarian American Athletic Club Folk Dance Group was founded in 1992 by Mária Sárközi. In recent years you may have heard them called Mákvirág, which translates to Poppy. Watch the video to hear how to pronounce Mákvirág.
Our mission is to preserve Hungarian folk culture by teaching traditional folk dance and music. Each year our children are introduced to a new Hungarian region, with dances, songs, folk art and customs specific to that region. Frequently our performances are accompanied by live music provided by local young musicians.
Hungarian folk songs and rhymes are a perfect way to enhance our children’s language skills. Teaching them about Hungarian customs and dances provides opportunities to develop their interest in Hungarian folk arts, regardless of their age.
Drawing from our own experiences, as leaders of the group, we believe that it is important for children to know their heritage, to learn to appreciate and communicate this knowledge to all those interested, through dances, songs, music and traditional costumes.
Over the years, our dance group has grown significantly. Children are grouped into three divisions, based on their age and dance skill level. They advance from one division to the next as their skills develop. Classes are led by teachers with several years of teaching and performing experience. Children, who regularly participate in our practices, continuously learn new dances and successfully perform in public at least five times a year at Hungarian community events and local cultural events.
Supporting our endeavors are: the Hungarian American Athletic Club and the Middlesex County Office of Arts & History *.
We invite all children interested in learning Hungarian folk dances to join our group. If you would like more information on joining, or if you are interested in having us perform at an event, please contact us via e-mail at: HAACtanc@gmail.com.
Group | Practices |
Small | Saturday 1:15pm to 2:30pm |
Middle group | Saturday 1:15pm to 3:00pm |
Upper group | Saturday 1:15pm to 3:00pm |
Youth group | Saturday 11:00am to 1:00pm |
Every year, starting in September, through May we are working to showcase our children’s talents in the best possible way at the annual Hungarian Festival. Come and cheer for us at the Festival, on Somerset Street in New Brunswick on the first Saturday of June!
Our Sponsors:
Click HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7f_DsYSScM&list=PLr-h6FbYvPrY_l579mrfl03KyCVMOh1Z1&index=1) to see several short videos about the HAAC dance group (performances, dance practices and folk dance events). This playlist was compiled for a virtual event during the pandemic period. You may click on any videos on the playlist (on the right column on Youtube).
Follow us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/302387570210745