About us
Our mission and origins
Some years ago, a group of fun-loving friends spent their free evenings at the Bulgarian Cultural Centre. Mostly of Bulgarian origin, they loved listening to music from the Balkans and teaching each other some basic Bulgarian folk dance steps. In 1996 the group decided to form a professional dance group and promote Bulgarian culture among a larger audience. Belonging to the Jantra community brings joy to an increasing number of young people ever since - may they be dancers, spectators or friends.
The dance group was named after Jantra, a river in northern Bulgaria, beginning in the Balkans and joining the Danube. Most of Bulgarian horticulturist families come from this region. They migrated to Hungary in several waves during the 19th and 20th century, representing the greater part of Bulgarian minority living in Hungary. Members of this community still cultivate a close relationship with the region. Our dance group visits our ancestors' villages on a regular basis.
Dancso Muszev leads our group of more than 35–40 people aged between 15 and 40.
Seasonal chores
Bulgarian Folk Dance Group, Jantra is one of the most acclaimed performers in Bulgarians' cultural life in Budapest. They are continuously giving shows in the capital as well as in the countryside. On a regular basis, they have been invited to events organized by Bulgarian ethnic municipalities, Balkan Voice, Folklore Nationalities Meeting in Ráckeve, Gisella-days in Veszprém.
The dance group always ensures high level performances through continuous professional trainings. Our dancers take part in several folklore seminars each year. These trainings take place either in folk dance residencies or in a series of concentrated rehearsal sessions. Bulgarian guest choreographers teach them new suites or help refine their steps through useful exercises.