TULIPAN HUNGARIAN DANCERS
The folk dance group has been in existence, in Ottawa, since 1983. Its main sponsor is the Hungarian - Ottawa Region, Churches, Community Centre, Ottawa Merchants and Relatives.
The purpose of the folk dance group is acquisition, preservations and popularization of the folk customs and folk dance heritage of Hungary. They regularly deal with the dances of the habitants in Hungary and those of the nations in the neighbouring countries.
Tulipan has been in firm connection with folk art right from its foundation, as members of the ensemble are aware that the only possible way to maintain the customs and the way of the "old country" is by preserving the past. This is the reason why members of the group travel the world, and attend several different camps, to study the traditional dances and ways of life of our ancestors.
The dance group is comprised of many dances of "Old" Hungary. They provide a realistic point of view of the folk art, dance, character, and customs of the Hungarian Ethnic Culture. Because of the want and the need for preservation, this group strives on acquiring perfection in dance dialects and traditions from different villages. They must be remarked for their efforts in learning the old techniques of improving while dancing. Tulipan performers in many places displaying their uniquely, selected, colourful wardrobe.
The dance group has performed in many different places: Canada: Ontario (Ottawa Region, Toronto, Kitchener, Brockville, Welland, Brampton, Kingston, Niagara Falls) Quebec(Hull, Montreal), Nova Scotia (Dartmouth), United States of America (Buffalo, Florida), China (Shanghai). Members of the Ottawa dance group strive on keeping the unity amongst the neighboring groups, this is done by creating "Tanc Haz" - Dance House. The atmosphere of a Village Party is captured in no time, and Canadians enjoy the innovative foot work of the Hungarians.
Tulipan has entertained people at several special events around the Nations Capital, and in other locations: Canada Day, Tulip festival, Carnival of Cultures, The Embassy of the Republic of Hungary, Homelands, Elementary and High School, Touch the Sky, Ottawa and Carleton University, Museums, Fairs, Sussex Basilica Christmas Party in the Parliament for MP's, Civic Centre, Congress Centre, CBC, CJOH, Rogers TV, Shopping Plazas, Nepean, Centre Point Theatre, Travel Show, Caravan, Ontario Place (Toronto), Cheo, Super EX, Andrew Hayden Park, just to name a few.
The Ensemble has participated in several occasions at the Central Canadian Hungarian Dance Competitions called Pontozo. Tulipan has been praised for their wide range of up kept traditional costumes, orderly fashion, their performing abilities, as well as choreographs.
The group consists mostly of high school and university students, most of whom are first generation Canadians or immigrants. The dancers were introduced at a young age to dancing. This unique hobby has created life long friendships and marriages. Through the closeness of the group, Tulipan pays attention to bringing up replacements. At the present moment there are four different groups, consisting of about 50 dancers, belonging to Tulipan: Eszterlanc (Prairie Flower), Gyongyvirag (Lily of the Vally), Tulipan, 50+ (O.T.Y.E.), By the family atmosphere, including several different stages in life, the group learns the meaning of foundation, rootedness, which can be passed on to the next generation in different shapes and forms.
