American Folk Dance Ensemble

From BYU to Budapest

The American Folk Dance Ensemble and Mountain Strings pose in front of the Buda Castle Cathedral.

On Wednesday, June 7, the BYU American Folk Dance Ensemble left Provo early in the morning and arrived in Budapest late the next day. After spending Friday settling in, the group attended the opening performance of the Danube Carnival, an event that celebrates cultures from around the world. The performance featured the Duna Art Ensemble, which is the most popular professional dance troupe in Hungary. On Saturday the group participated in many cultural experiences and filmed portions of future music videos in some of Budapest’s most iconic locations.

Sunday marked the beginning of the ensemble’s participation in the Danube Carnival. After a spiritual morning, the group led a flash mob in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, paraded down some of the main streets of the city with dance groups from several different countries, and performed for a packed crowd. It was a satisfying end to an exciting week.

Spencer Waddell and Clara Jamison perform a traditional Hungarian csárdás at the Danube Carnival international dance festival.

The American Folk Dance Ensemble performs a traditional American hoedown on the steps of the Hungarian National Museum.

Spencer Waddell and Clara Jamison perform a traditional Hungarian csárdás at the Danube Carnival international dance festival.

The American Folk Dance Ensemble performs a traditional American hoedown on the steps of the Hungarian National Museum.

Hannah Kooyman leads the American Folk Dance Ensemble in a parade through the streets of downtown Budapest to kick off the Danube Carnival.

Mountain Strings and the American Folk Dance Ensemble pose in front of St. Stephen's Basilica.

The American Folk Dance Ensemble poses with a Hungarian children's dance team after a joint performance at St. Stephen's Basilica.

Mountain Strings practices in front of the Buda Castle cathedral before filming a music video.

(From left) Spencer Waddell, Clara Jamison, Jade Madison, Hanna Storheim, and Makeila Morgan take a selfie at the Danube Carnival.