The Udvarhely Folk Dance Troupe draws its roots from PIPACSOK; which was formed in autumn 1987 as a school dance group in Székelykeresztúr - Central/Eastern Transylvania (central Romania).  Pipacsok became independent in 1991 and functioned as a self-funding cultural organisation until 1998.  At that point, it agreed with the local government of Székelyudvarhely (Odorheiu Secuiesc) to expand and form the basis of the Udvarhely Folk Dance Troupe.

The group serves the cultural life of the local region, fostering the area's famous and ancient folk music and dances.   Its members are young people living in Székelyudvarhely, Székelykeresztúr and the neighboring areas.

The group premieres new material each year.  It performs its own arrangements of folk dances in both traditional and dance-theatre formats.  Primarily, it is their direct contact with the authentic Hungarian folk dances and folk music of Transylvania, and also its own collections - as well as its large film and video archives - which help it in achieving its aims.  Its repertoire includes a number of both half-hour and hour long programmes.

The group cooperates with musicians and small groups playing Hungarian folk music of Transylvania.   Presently, the Troupe is augmented by the Csalóka ensemble from northern Yugoslavia.

To date, the Troupe has also performed abroad in Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, France and the United States of America.

contact: sebi@kabelkon.ro