Hungarian Scouting
Banning of the scouting movement (based on Lord Robert Baden-Powell's
model) by the communist regime in Hungary after World War II caused
Hungarian scouts to reorganize in exile in other countries around
the globe. In the United States, Hungarian scout troops were first
organized in Cleveland in 1951. Since then, hundreds of local Hungarian
youths have taken the Scout Oath and have become members of the
worldwide Hungarian Scouts Association in Exteris. Presently, there are
four scout troops in Cleveland; a boy and girl scout troop meet on
Cleveland's west side and two Explorer posts on the east side, with a
combined total of more than 200 registered scouts.
The Beginning
The large group of young Hungarians in Cleveland gave András
and Magda Temesváry the inspiration in 1973 to organize a
group that deals exclusively with the study of Hungarian culture
in the "grass roots" sense of the word. The aim of the
group is to preserve dying folk arts of the Hungarians living in
the Carpathian basin; to search out the arts, make them their own,
and present them to their viewing audiences. Folk dance, folk music,
folk songs, folk costumes, folk art forms, ballads, instruments
and customs are areas explored in depth.
The Ensemble Members
The scout troops are the sole source of membership for the Hungarian
Scout Folk Ensemble. All members must be at least 14 years old;
capable of reading, writing, and speaking fluent Hungarian; and
active in their own troop's activities. Disciplined hard work is
the main entrée of the group. The Ensemble dances, makes
their own costumes, sings as a choir, hand-paints eggs for Easter,
and celebrates other holidays with traditional Hungarian customs.
Research, woodcarving, painting, and many performances during the
year round out highly active and rewarding experiences for each
member.
Where Has the Ensemble Performed?
Traveling has always been a favorite of the Ensemble. Two yearly
weekend workshop camps are held, one close to home and one in upstate
New York at the Sík Sándor Scout Camp, where new dances
and techniques from guest instructors and artists are taught to
the group. The Ensemble has performed in many places including Michigan,
New York, New Jersey, Ontario, Quebec, Hungary and Transylvania,
as well as having local performances at Cleveland State University,
Kent State University, Canton Civic Center, E.J. Thomas Hall, the
Palace Theater, and Blossom Music Center. Audiences have included
many dignitaries - mayors, governors, ambassadors, and even President
Ronald Reagan.
Milestones
During the summer of 2001, the Ensemble toured northern Hungary
and Transylvania (a part of Romania). The aim was to do ethnographic
research and for the members to see folk culture firsthand in the
villages. The members were required to prepare for the trip by researching
topics that were seen and heard while on tour. During the tour they
learned dances, songs, and other elements of folk culture from the
older people in the Hungarian villages.
In 2003 the Ensemble held its 30th anniversary performance
at the Lakewood Civic Center in Lakewood. The performance was a
great success on many levels. The members gained a wealth of new
knowledge about their heritage, while getting a glimpse into what
it is like to perform as a professional group. Parents also learned
about some nuances of their folk culture and reaffirmed for themselves
why they support their children in this hobby. Supporters saw firsthand
what their money and time was spent on.
Future Plans
The Ensemble will be giving a 35th Anniversary performance November 15th.
Preliminary work has already begun to ensure that
another great experience will be given to the Scouts, their parents
and the audience.
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