2024-09-09
Melinda Barath was born in New York, USA, and recently graduated from St. Lawrence University with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She studied Hungarian dances in a summer university course, which was available for the first time through the Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship. Currently, she is seeking to further her studies in Hungary, particularly in Szeged.
Tell us about your Hungarian roots.
My mom is from Jászberény, Hungary, and my dad is Hungarian-American, much like myself, being born in New York. My maternal grandparents are still living in Hungary, as well as the maternal side of my family, while my paternal grandparents emigrated from Hungary, with my uncle and his family in Cleveland, Ohio.
What is your connection with Hungary? Do you visit the country regularly or was this your first time?
I grew up as a Hungarian scout with the Hungarian Scouts in Exteris program, following in the footsteps of my dad, with the New York scouting group. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to visit Hungary more or less every summer since I was born, specifically coming to Jászberény to visit family. In fact, in 2018, 2019, 2022 and just recently this summer, I have been volunteering at the local Csángó Fesztivál to connect with the locals and my Hungarian heritage.
What was the main reason to apply for a summer course?
After spending the past four years studying in the US, I thought it would greatly benefit my life to experience studying in Hungary. As I mentioned, I love to volunteer at the local Csángó Fesztivál, which I grew up going to and watching the beautiful traditional dances, and when I saw there was an opportunity to study the intricacies of the dances, I thought it was meant to be. I personally don’t dance, nor did I study dance, but I think it is important to diversify my life by going out of my comfort zone, as well as by pursuing an interest of mine.
How did you hear about this opportunity?
One of the Hungarian scouting families went to Hungary with the Diaspora Scholarship and encouraged me to apply, which was something I was excited to sign up for!
What did you learn about dance and music and yourself during the course?
During my time volunteering at the Csángó Fesztivál, I was able to be introduced to different types of Hungarian dances and the movements associated with them. Since I am not a dancer myself, this summer course at SZTE allowed me to learn about the significance of the dances, especially regarding the cultural aspect, and how the knowledge was passed on from generation to generation.
We learned about the táncház movement and how ethnographers went to different Transylvanian towns to video the types of dances, which were brought back to Hungary and dispersed throughout the country. Besides the physical material, I learned about being more independent by travelling from the collegium to the city centre where the classes were located, as well as collaborating with classmates during classes.
Tell us your favourite memory of the summer course!
While it is difficult for me to choose just one memory, I would say when Dr. Sándor Varga was the professor, we danced around in the classroom a bit to demonstrate the importance of rhythm. We moved all the tables and chairs and partnered up, then did different rhythm exercises to get a feel for the beat, and then danced, specifically focusing on if you were the “male”, then you would be the leader. I just remember how much fun we all had, how we were smiling and laughing, which makes it a fond memory.
Would you recommend the summer course to others? If yes why should they apply for?
During this summer course, I got to learn more about traditional Hungarian dances and the cultural impact of this part of our heritage, live in a new city in Hungary, as well as meet so many new people. It was a wonderful experience that I can only encourage others to apply for in order to see Hungary, maybe in a new light, or for the first time. It was fascinating to combine learning about the dances with practically dancing them, so I think it would stand to benefit anyone, especially those who study dance and folklore or are interested in it.
