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 sports hall of Epreskert Primary School on February 18, 2026.

Diána Széles emphasized that by making its excellent sports hall available, Epreskert Primary School plays an active role in the “Move, Debrecen!” school program and also hosts indoor exercise sessions for adults. She expressed special thanks to the head of the institution, a former competitive athlete, and to the school’s staff for taking on these additional responsibilities.

This school is a key community hub for residents of Epreskert and Tégláskert, which is why it is particularly important that people living in these neighborhoods can also participate in the “Move, Debrecen!” programs here. The value of these activities lies not only in physical exercise, but also in the communities they nurture: participants seek each other’s company and look out for one another. According to Diána Széles, the people of Debrecen appreciate living in a community where mutual care is part of everyday life. This sense of connection and belonging is at the heart of the “Move, Debrecen!” movement, and it greatly influences how people feel about living in a city. As she noted, the municipality’s goal is for the residents of Debrecen to feel happy and at home in their city.

The “Move, Debrecen!” initiative currently offers indoor exercise opportunities at 21 venues across 21 districts of the city. The Epreskert Primary School location has been operating since early June 2024, and its program is now expanding with a new activity: senior joy dance. This form of exercise typically attracts participants not only because they enjoy moving, but also because they genuinely value each other’s company; they are glad to leave their homes, feel uplifted, and experience more joy. For this reason, it is essential to include senior joy dance in as many locations as possible, including here. Exercising together – and even singing together during the sessions – has a rejuvenating effect on older adults.

Csaba Papp, leader of the “Move, Debrecen!” movement, was pleased to highlight that 21 indoor program venues are now operating across the city, and that more than 280,000 people have taken part in the activities at least once since the initiative began nearly five years ago. He emphasized that the true strength of the movement lies in motivating people to get moving, take action for their own health, and build supportive, friendly communities in the process.

He shared a personal example of someone in his own circle who had long been aware of the “Move, Debrecen!” programs but had not felt convinced to join—until friends encouraged them. It was the influence of friends, and the trust placed in their opinions, that ultimately made the difference.

He also spoke about why senior joy dance is so beneficial and so popular. Health, he noted, is the harmony of body and soul, and senior joy dance nurtures both at the same time. He encouraged active, working women to participate in the “Move, Debrecen!” exercise programs as well, even if they feel overwhelmed by their daily responsibilities. Everyone needs time for themselves, he reminded the audience.

Zoltán Piros, the city councillor representing the area, recalled the moment in 2024 when the sports hall of Epreskert Primary School was inaugurated not only as a “school gym,” but also as a true community space. From the outset, it was designed and built with the intention that it would serve not only the students of the school, but also the residents of the city’s southern neighborhoods—Epreskert, Tégláskert, Kerekestelep, and even Homokkert and Boldogfalvi kert.

He noted that the “Move, Debrecen!” movement has already made full use of this facility and continues to expand its presence there, thereby fulfilling the original vision of creating a community space where every age group can find meaningful opportunities. The strength of Debrecen lies in its communities: this is where human relationships and friendships are formed, and where many people’s mental and physical well‑being can improve. He expressed his hope that an increasing number of Debrecen residents will take advantage of the opportunities offered by the school.

Csilla Gondáné Fórián, principal of Epreskert Primary School, recalled that shortly after the sports hall was inaugurated, the organizers of the “Move, Debrecen!” movement approached the school with the idea of launching programs there as well. At the time, she did not expect the initiative to become such a success. The school program of the movement has also gained remarkable popularity: even students who regularly play sports and attend training sessions are eager to join these activities. The appeal among children is enormous; the gymnasium sessions are almost always fully booked.

She added that the adult “Move, Debrecen!” programs also have a motivating effect on students. When children see their parents—or even their grandparents—taking part in exercise, they themselves become more willing to move. Even senior joy dance can be inspiring, as children enjoy moving to music, and rhythm has a positive effect on their well‑being.

It is also clear that the “Move, Debrecen!” programs have strong community‑building power: many participants stay after the sessions to chat and spend time together. When people feel good here and see how beautiful the sports hall is, it also enhances the school’s reputation.

Angelika Toronyai, senior joy dance and zumba instructor, highlighted that senior joy dance offers not only physical and emotional benefits, but also important mental stimulation, as this form of movement functions as a kind of brain training. She emphasized that senior joy dance demonstrates beautifully that dance is not reserved for the young—people can enjoy it at any age. The sessions are always lively and filled with laughter, and for that reason alone it is worth coming once a week to take part in this program.

At the sports hall of Epreskert Primary School (80 Epreskert Street), spine‑strengthening classes are held 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 takes place on Mondays and—due to growing demand—now also on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Zumba sessions are offered on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., while yoga is held on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. From now on, senior joy dance will also be part of the schedule, taking place 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