Scottish Country Dancing may be a quintessentially Scottish tradition, but it has found a passionate advocate in Gabor Turi, a Budapest native who has dedicated much of his life to introducing and cultivating the cultural activity in Hungary.

“I do not have any Scottish roots or family relations,” shares the 50-something via email with Celtic Life International.” Born and raised in Budapest, his first encounter with Scottish dance came in 1982 at a college Christmas party. “My English teacher had recently visited Scotland and taught us two ceilidh dances,” he recalls.

The Scottish dance scene in Hungary during the 1980s was sparse, relying on sporadic exposure from travelers and enthusiasts. “In 1988, a band called MÉZ, playing mostly Irish pub music, became a point of attraction,” Turi explains. During concert breaks, attendees would attempt Irish jigs and reels. By 1990, these gatherings had evolved into weekly events, providing Turi with a foundation to explore and eventually teach Scottish dancing.

The turning point came in 1992 when he and his fellow dance teachers acquired a publication and cassette from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society which inspired a core part of the club’s repertoire, and introducing them to the intricacies of ‘strathspey’ – a uniquely Scottish form of dance.

The inception of authentic Scottish techniques sparked a pivotal debate within the Hungarian Scottish Country Dance community, however; some wanted to continue blending Hungarian and Scottish folk styles, while others, including Turi, sought to embrace the “proper Scottish way.” The group eventually split, and Turi became the leader of those interested in learning traditional techniques.

“I spent many weekends, and even weeks, in various European countries to learn and practice,” he notes. His dedication paid off when he became the first Hungarian to attend the prestigious RSCDS Summer School in St. Andrews, Scotland. “Eventually we became an official association, affiliated with the RSCDS, and started to organize European trips for Hungarian dancers, to gain experience and make new friendships.”

The official club in Hungary now boasts 80 members and a robust training program.

For Turi, Scottish Country Dancing is more than mere movement – it is a celebration of music, culture, and community.

“Scottish dance is successful because of its communal nature. The set dances, the excellent music, the changing partners, and the intricate formations require teamwork, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.”

The cultural exchange facilitated by SCD has been transformative for many participants.

“At first, you just join the dances. Then you realize how incredible traditional Scottish music is. Eventually, you start visiting Scotland, wanting to see the places mentioned in the dance titles.” Turi now spends his holidays in Scotland, developing deeper ties to the culture.

SCD has also become a family tradition for him. “I met my wife through Scottish Country Dancing,” he shares. Their daughter, now in her early 20s, is following in their footsteps and has begun training to become an RSCDS-certified teacher. Together, the family participates in demonstration teams and international events, showcasing the activity’s appeal across generations.

Despite concerns about youth engagement, Turi is optimistic about SCD’s prospects in Hungary, highlighting the success of “dance houses” and formal Scottish Balls, which provide opportunities for young people to socialize. “These events are like an alternative to online dating,” he jokes, adding that they have played a role in maintaining the vibrancy of the SCD community which he remains dedicated to maintaining. He is presently organizing Hungary’s 14th International SCD weekend – a biennial event that attracts dancers from across Europe – which is scheduled for this coming October.

Turi’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Scroll of Honour by the RSCDS for his pioneering efforts and is a dedicated teacher inspiring others to achieve their own certification while consistently emphasizing the transformative power of Scottish Country Dancing.

“Dancing Scottish is the perfect way to get closer to Scottish culture. It starts with the dances and music but grows into lifelong friendships. We are committed to fostering connections and celebrating this beautiful tradition.”