From medieval times, despite the frowns of the Church, the Hungarian peasant has been an irrepressible, natural dancer. Country weddings, pig-killings, funerals, recruiting drives, all had their traditional dances, and there was even a special dance for levelling the earthen floor of a newly built barn. Today, as this book tells, the Hungarian love of dancing is still as strong as ever.
Dr. George Buday, until recently Director of the Hungarian Cultural Institute in London, has a wide reputation as an artist and as a student of Eastern Europe's folk lore and customs. His introductory essay conveys vividly his love of the traditional music and dances of his native land. He has himself illustrated his book with four plates in full colour showing typical peasant costumes; and simple step notations, side by side with the music, explain in detail four selected dances. Basic steps for the popular Csardas are also given.