Cătălin Gabriel Oancea is an internationally renowned Romanian choreographer, cultural manager, and folklore researcher whose work spans not only his native Romania but also dozens of countries worldwide. His connection with dance and the stage began early in life—he debuted as a professional dancer with the “Doina Armatei” Artistic Ensemble in Bucharest and later performed as a ballet soloist at the “Al. Davila” Theatre in Pitești.
As a master choreographer, he has been deeply involved with the “Dorul” Folk Ensemble since 1996, leading its artistic direction and coordinating its activities. From 2008 onward, he held various leadership roles within the Arges County Center for the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture, contributing extensively to the development and promotion of regional and national folklore.
One of his most significant achievements is the long-term coordination of the International Folklore Festival “Carpați” (since 1996), certified by both F.I.D.A.F. and C.I.O.F.F. (under UNESCO). Since 2016, he has served as President for Europe within F.I.D.A.F., playing a key role in fostering international cultural exchange and promoting intangible heritage.
Cătălin is also a professional jury member for major international folk dance competitions across South Korea, Türkiye, Brazil, Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy, and Indonesia. The ensembles under his direction have earned numerous Grand Prizes and first-place awards at prestigious global folklore festivals.
As a folklore researcher, he has conducted extensive studies on the “Călușul” ritual, which was proclaimed and inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. His work also includes research into the dance typology of the Argeș–Mușcel region, as well as co-authoring publications that document and celebrate traditional Romanian dance.
