Debrecen4U February 19, 2026

Epreskert Primary School Now Hosts Senior Dance Classes as Part of “Move, Debrecen!”

Details were presented at a press conference by Deputy Mayor Széles Diána, “Move, Debrecen!” leader Csaba Papp, principal Csilla Gondáné Fórián, city councillor Zoltán Piros, and senior joy dance and zumba instructor Angelika Toronyai, in the gymnasium of Epreskert Primary School on February 18, 2026.

Diána Széles emphasized that, making its wonderful gymnasium available, the Epreskert Primary School participates in the school program of “Move, Debrecen!” and also hosts indoor exercise programs for adults. Special thanks are due to the head of the institution – who was previously an active athlete herself – as well as to the staff of the school, as they are taking on additional responsibilities. This institution is a key location for the communities of Epreskert and Tégláskert, which is why it is important that residents of these neighborhoods can also take part in the programs of the “Move, Debrecen!” initiative here. The value of these programs lies not only in physical activity, but also in the communities they create: participants seek each other’s company and pay attention to one another. According to Diána Széles, the citizens of Debrecen like to live in a community where people care about each other. The essence of the “Move, Debrecen!” movement is precisely this connection and sense of belonging, which determines whether people enjoy living in a city. As she stressed, the municipality would like the people of Debrecen to be happy city residents. The “Move, Debrecen!” movement currently has 21 indoor exercise venues in 21 districts of the city. This venue at Epreskert Primary School has existed since early June 2024, and now its offerings are expanding with a new form of exercise: senior joy dance. Senior joy dance is typically a program people attend not only for the love of movement, but also because they truly value each other’s company; they are happy to get out of their homes and to feel a little more cheerful and happier. That is why it is very important that senior joy dance be included in the program in as many locations as possible, including here. Exercising together – and even singing together during the sessions – rejuvenates older adults. Thanks are due to all those who participate in these occasions, enjoy themselves, and spread the word.

Csaba Papp, professional leader of the “Move, Debrecen!” movement, was happy to note that 21 indoor program venues are already operating in the city, and that more than 280,000 people have participated in the programs at least once since the movement began nearly five years ago. According to Csaba Papp, the great value of this movement is that people get started and actively do something for their health, while forming friendly communities. He cited an example from his personal environment of someone who was drawn into the “Move, Debrecen!” exercise programs by friends, even though that person had previously received information about them but had not been convinced of the benefits of joining. Friends – and their opinions – made the difference. Csaba Papp also spoke about why senior joy dance is so good and so popular among many people. It is because health is the unity of body and soul, and senior joy dance serves both at the same time. He also encouraged active, working women to participate in the “Move, Debrecen!” exercise programs, even if they currently feel they cannot do so due to their busy schedules. However, everyone needs personal time.

Zoltán Piros, city councillor for the residential area, recalled the time in 2024 when the gymnasium of Epreskert Primary School was inaugurated not only as a “school gym,” but also as a community space. It was originally designed and built according to a concept that it would serve not only the school’s students, but also residents of the southern part of the city – Epreskert, Tégláskert, Kerekestelep, and even Homokkert or Boldogfalvi kert. The “Move, Debrecen!” movement has already taken possession of the space and is expanding within it, thus realizing the concept of creating a community space where every age group can find its place. The strength of Debrecen lies in its communities. Here, human relationships and friendships can be formed, and many people’s mental and physical health can develop. The representative trusts that more and more citizens of Debrecen will take advantage of the opportunities provided by the gymnasium.

Csilla Gondáné Fórián, principal of Epreskerti Primary School, said that soon after the inauguration of the gymnasium, the organizers of the “Move, Debrecen!” movement approached the school with the request to launch a program here as well. At that time, she did not think the initiative would become such a success. As for the school program of the movement, it has also become incredibly popular here: even those students who otherwise regularly play sports and attend training sessions gladly participate in these activities. The appeal of these sessions among children is enormous; almost every time, the programs in the gymnasium are fully booked. Moreover, the “Move, Debrecen!” programs for adults also motivate students, since if a child sees that their mother, father, or perhaps grandmother or grandfather is exercising, they will be more willing to exercise as well. Even senior joy dance has a motivating effect, as children also enjoy moving to music, and rhythm has a positive effect on their souls. It is also clearly visible that the “Move, Debrecen!” programs have a community-building power, because after the sessions many people stay for a pleasant chat. And if people feel good here and see that the gymnasium is beautiful, it also enhances the reputation of the school.

Angelika Toronyai, senior joy dance and zumba instructor drew attention to the fact that senior joy dance not only has positive physical and emotional effects on participants, but also mental benefits, as this form of movement is also a kind of brain exercise. Senior joy dance is also suitable for showing that dance is not only for the young: it can be practiced at any age. The sessions are always very cheerful, with lots of laughter – and for that alone it is worth coming once a week to this program.

Currently, in the gymnasium of Epreskert Primary School (80 Epreskert Street), spine exercises take place on Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; body-shaping aerobics is held on Mondays and, in response to growing demand, now also on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Wednesdays and Fridays, participants are welcome to attend zumba classes from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., while on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. there is a yoga class. From now on, senior joy dance joins the schedule on Mondays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Details about the programs of the Move, Debrecen! movement are available at https://mozduljdebrecen.hu/ and https://gondoskodovaros.hu/.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu