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The House of Folk Dancing started operating in 2005 and was based on the activities of the Železiar ensemble. Its mission is to create a space for a wide range of folklore-related activities. Its dominant feature is the education of young people through music, singing and dancing, as well as the collection, recording, dissemination and promotion of various forms of traditional culture and the organization of cultural events. The founder of the House of Folk Dance in Košice, Mr. Vladimír Urban has had a connection with folk dance for more than 50 years. He started out in the folk ensemble Stavbár where he worked as an assistant choreographer, later becoming the head choreographer himself. After moving to Košice, he started working as a choreographer for the Železiar ensemble, founded several folklore associations and organizations, and finally a Private Elementary Arts School. He also worked as a choreographer abroad and released several music albums. Dozens of folklore festivals have been organized under his leadership. Mr. Urban believes in traditions and in the fact that people will, ultimately, find their way back to folklore, especially through dance.

Dancing is the joy of life. Today we don’t really think about it anymore, but in the past music was not an everyday thing. It could only be heard in those rare moments when someone was playing, that is either after work or during more festive times. And people really looked forward to those moments of music and dance. These days music is commonplace, but that moment when I stand up and start moving with the music, that can bring an amazing experience because of that movement, music, and the company I’m in.

A Harmony of Tones

Living stories