Hungarian wedding

"Hungarian Wedding" is a dance in which traditional folk dance step patterns are given a modern application. Solemn ceremonial moments of an Hungarian wedding, adapted for theatre, are contrasted with joyful moments of celebration. The dance has four main sections. Section A depicts the assembly of the dancers who take part in the festivities. Traditionally this is under the guidance of the best man. It utilizes leg slapping and the double czardas often seen in Hungarian dances. Focus changes to preparation of the bride in which both single and double czardas are used. In Section B, Lyrical curves are predominant in a pillow dance done by the women. Pillows are traditional symbols of prosperity in Hungary. Following the pillow dance the bridegroom dances a farewell to bachelorhood using predominantly sharp movements with some folk dance material included. The solemn climax of the ceremony occurs in Section C performed only by the women. Changing the head dress of the bride is the symbolic core of the dance; a Hungarian woman is not considered truly married until the head dress is changed from a maiden's to one worn by a married woman. Men do not witness this significant event. Folk dance step material is abandoned to emphasize the changing of the head dress