Founded in 1977, the Eszterlánc Hungarian Folk Ensemble is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Hungary through traditional music, dance, and folk customs. Based in the Bay Area, Eszterlánc serves as a cultural bridge for Hungarian Americans and the wider community, offering regular dance classes, music workshops, and public performances that engage participants of all ages.
As the recipient of the 2025 Tulipán Cultural Connection Award, New Stage will present the U.S. premiere of The Bat, a play by acclaimed Hungarian playwright Krisztina Tóth, with support from the Tulipán Foundation. The performance will showcase choreographies learned throughout the year, with highlights including a special piece by their children’s group, Mazsola, based on the Hungarian folk tale Kis Gömböc, combining storytelling, music, and dance in a vibrant celebration of Hungarian folk traditions.
Joining them for the gala will be Gyanta Banda, a renowned Hungarian folk band from Canada, who will provide live music for the performance and the post-show Táncház—a traditional dance house event open to the public. Through events like this, Eszterlánc continues to nurture cultural pride, intergenerational connection, and the living legacy of Hungarian folk traditions in the United States.
