CSIPKE

The Csipke Ensemble was founded in 1998 by dancers from Toledo and Detroit. Our dancers come from different backgrounds: Hungarian, American, and Polish. 

In 2001 Salamon József, our artistic director, joined the group. “Sala” one of the founders of the Háromszék Ensemble from Sepsiszentgyörgy, as well as a professional dancer in the Maros Ensemble from Marosvásárhely, brought much-needed experience to Csipke.

Our goal is to preserve and spread Hungarian folk music and dance traditions.  First, by performing; and second, by promoting Hungarian  bands touring the United States.

Csipke regularly performs at cultural programs in Michigan and Ohio. Our repertoire includes dances from Hungary, Transylvania and Slovakia.

In 2004 Csipke spent 2 weeks in Transylvania, getting to know the local traditions, music and dance. We visited tiny villages, where the people still wear traditional dress, and where the local band still plays for the Saturday night dance party. It was an experience we’ll never forget.

Our dancers regularly go to dance camps to gain practical experience, and we also grab every opportunity to learn from teachers from Hungary and Transylvania.