The 34th International Council of Kinetography Laban (ICKL) Conference, honoring the legacy of world-renowned Hungarian modern dancer and theorist Rudolf Lábán, was held from July 13–19, 2025, in Columbus and Gambier, Ohio, USA. Organized in close collaboration with the Laban/Bartenieff Institute for Movement Studies, this biennial event brought together experts from around the globe.
Hungary and the Hungarian Dance University (MTE) were represented by Henrik Kovács, who led a workshop on the notation depth of the gyimesi féloláhos dance, presented on Hungary’s current dance notation research programs, and paid tribute to the late Dr. János Fügedi by delivering his prepared study. Kovács was also honored with the role of chairing one of the conference sessions.
Following a review of his submitted materials, Kovács was awarded fellow membership, recognizing his academic and research contributions at MTE. He now joins former MTE professor Gábor Misi as one of only two Hungarian members in this elite group.
Over six intensive days, participants attended lectures, workshops, and problem-solving sessions on dance notation, alongside opportunities for networking and cultural exchange. Kovács also hosted a traditional Hungarian táncház (dance house), continuing a popular tradition at previous conferences.
After the conference, he visited the local Hungarian community, delivering a lecture and live demonstrations on Hungarian folk dance, followed by a táncház. He also appeared live on Cleveland’s Bocskai Radio, discussing the event’s successes.
Kovács expressed his gratitude to Márta Fodorné Molnár, MTE colleagues, and the National Research, Development, and Innovation Office for supporting the MEC_R_24 149622 grant, which made his participation possible.
Source: Hungarian Dance University (MTE)
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