Zoltán Zsuráfszki
(Artistic Director / Choreographer)
A Brief Biography of Achievements
Zoltán Zsuráfszki is one of Europe’s most talented choreographers. His extensive field research in remote villages of the Carpathian Basin makes him unique among currently active artistic directors of professional folk ensembles.
In 1991 Zsuráfszki became the leader of the Budapest Ensemble of Hungary. In Spring of 1993, the Ensemble performed two new chamber works which was the debut of Zsuráfszki as the new Artistic Director. In his choreographies, he continued to develop his puritan and sharp creative style. In his folk inspried works, he preserves the authenticity of Hungarian folk dances.
Education and Experience:
– Honors Graduate (1975) of the Hungarian State Ballet School/Folkdance Department. He was a member of the first graduating class.
– Graduate of the Budapest Teacher’s College, majored in education and pedagogy (1985).
– A performer, solo artist, and later dance director and choreographer of the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble until 1983.
– Artistic director and choreographer for several folk ensembles in Hungary and Tanchaz instructor.
– Founding director (1984), choreographer and solo performer of the famous Kodaly Ensemble which became one of the most important professional folk ensembles in Central Europe until its dissolution, due to lack of funding (1991). The Ensemble under Zsuráfszki toured North America with significant critical acclaim.
– Artistic director, choreographer and later general director of the Budapest Ensemble (1991); he revitalized one of the most prestigious professional folk ensembles in Hungary.
Training and Research:
– Studied with the best folk and modern dance instructors in Hungary.
– Innumerable field and research tours to Transylvania, Slovakia, Poland.
– Extensive research and study of dances of nations living in the Carpathian Basin, including Hungarians, Slovaks, Romanians, Croatians and Gypsies.
Awards:
– Honor Student at the Hungarian State Ballet School (1975)
– “Young Artists Recognition” (1977)
– “Dancer of the Year” (1985)
– Prize for Culture from Heves County (1986)
– Award “Excellence in Hungarian Art” (1989)
– “Gyula Harangozo Prize” (1993) (It is the highest recognition for a dancer in Hungary)
– Numerous choreographic awards
Teaching & Touring:
– Canada; Germany; Slovakia; ; Switzerland; Romania; Russia; France; Finland; Italy; Japan; South America