Not every dance troupe will have a show that has elements dating back to hundreds of years, but for the Gypsy Romance show that is coming to the River Campus, this is not the case. The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, a dance troupe hailing from Budapest that was started in 1951, is bringing their historical show to the River Campus. This troupe, which has performed for more than 7.5 million people throughout its history, is regarded as one of the top touring groups in the world, according to their management, Columbia Artists' website.

The ensemble bases its choreography on authentic dances, some of which are collected from villages in Hungary that have elements of dance that date back hundreds of years, according to their management's website. The music, costumes and dances all are rooted deeply in Hungarian history. The founding choreographer of the ensemble, Miklos Rabai, had a dream of combining modernism, Hungarian and European pride into a show, and that's what he used to bring to the stage. The ensemble still uses 14 of Rabai's works in the current production.

The ensemble have toured more than 44 countries spanning four continents over the past 60 years, with a multitude of dancers and two different orchestras, the Folk Orchestra and the Gipsy Orchestra. The Folk Orchestra performs with authentic, traditional instruments, while the Gipsy Orchestra not only does dance accompaniment for the ensemble but also performs alone.

One of the dances during the second act shows off a traditional instrument, a hammered dulcimer, which is a string instrument that is played by using small hammers to strike the strings. It is incorporated into the show to display off the uniqueness of the Hungarian dance and instruments.

The troupe's show contains 16 different dances, with each act containing eight dances. The main Hungarian composers' music used during the show are Franz Lizst, Bela Bartok and Zoltan Kodaly. Although the ensemble performs in it's touring show, the troupe also perform 90-100 shows annually in the Budai Vigado, located in the troupe's home of Budapest.

Hungary and Romania are both represented during the show, as the countries have very strong relationship together. According to River Campus box office manager Ellen Farrow, the name of the show, "Gypsy Romance," comes from historical gypsy people, who originated in Hungary and Romania. Gypsies are also related to the bohemian culture.

The music for the show is characterized by tumultuous rhythms, freedom of expression, strong emotion and impassioned surges of thought, according to Columbia Artists' Management's website. The music was inspired by traditional Hungarian folk music, but incorporates the troupe's own unique style as well. The first dance of the show, Overture: Dances of Szatmar, is supposed to be the most characteristic of Hungarian dance, showing off a couples' dance and a men's dance. One dance during Act I shows off the peace and harmony between the Hungarian, Romanian and Gypsy people.

Emily Messmer, a student at Southeast Missouri State University, said that she is excited to see what other dances the troupe will include with the traditional dances.

"I love watching them and their gypsy style," Messmer said.

Gypsy Romance featuring the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall at the River Campus, and the doors will open 30 minutes prior to showtime. Tickets range from $29 to $39 and can be purchased at the River Campus box office or online through rivercampusevents.com.