Director: Monique Legare Assistant Director: Christine Weisel-McNaull

Dr. Morley Leyton founded the Janosik Polish Dance Ensemble in 1971 with the expressed intent of the preservat ion and dissemination of Polish dance, song, customs, and culture. The ensemble is currently under the directorship of Monique Legare with Assistant Director, Christine Weisel-McNaull. In this country, Janosik dancers are widely known for their spectacular performances, their adherence to the authentic tradition of Polish folklore, their excellent dance technique, as well as their vast costume collection, which includes sets of costume from Lowicz, Opoczno, Bilgoraj, Wielkopolska, Cieszyn, Zywiec, Podhale, Rzeszow, Lublin, Stara Warszawska, and Szlachte. Their repertoire consists of dances from each of the aforementioned regions as well as all of the national dances: the Polonez, Mazur, Oberek, Kujawiak, and Krakowiak. Janosik’s past performances have taken place at such events as the Presidential inauguration in 1973, the Statue of Liberty Centennial celebration in 1986, the Alice Tully Hall Theatre of Lincoln Center for a PFDAA joint concert in 1994, The Bethlehem MusikFest in 2003, 2005, and 2006, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in 2001, 2003, and 2004. In the summer of 1993 the group received a special invitation to spend ten days in Philadelphia’s sister city, Torun to work with the city’s own dance company, the Torunciacy. With their hosts, they presented several joint concerts, exchanged choreographies, and in general, spread good will and promoted relations between Poland and Philadelphia. Janosik is a non-profit and tax-exempt corporation devoted to the performance of Polish song and dance. Dancers and singers from all backgrounds are invited to learn about authentic Polish song and dance. For additional information, please visit our website at www.janosikdancers.org. Inquiries regarding the group and potential performances may be directed to the Business Manager, Ann Louise Pyzik-Colduvell at 215-295-9330.

Monique Legare Ann Louise Pizik-Colduvell

JANOSIK Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

POLISH FOLK DANCE COMPANY Brooklyn, New York, USA

Executive Director: Margaret Pawelkiewicz Mariusz Bernatowicz

Artistic Director: Ryszard Sudol

For over 70 years, the Polish American Folk Dance Company, Inc. (PAFDC) of Brooklyn, NY, has proudly presented authentic and energetic performances to both the Polish and American communities. PAFDC’s strength emerges from the body of members who consistently lend their time, energy, and unending talents to realize the vision our founder had set forth: to preserve and perpetuate the spirited songs and dances of Poland in the melting-pot of America. PAFDC’s performance history is diverse and prolific. The Company has attended, most recently in 2002, nine World Festivals of Polish Folk Song and Dance in Rzeszow, Poland. The Company has presented exclusive dance compositions at banquets for such distinguished guests of honor as Pope John Paul II, Princess Grace of Monaco, Zbigniew Brzezinski, Henryk Gorecki and President Lech Walesa among many others. Currently, PAFDC has a repertoire in excess of 25 folk dance suites from different regions of Poland and owns over 600 individual costumes. PAFDC was one of the founding members of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas in 1983 and since then, the Company has been a frequent participant in the association festivals. In 2003 the Company hosted the 13th Festival of the PFDAA at Columbia University in New York City, which culminated with a sold-out Gala Concert at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. The Company celebrated its 70th Anniversary in 2008 at a sold-out concert at Symphony Space in Mahattan that featured a medley of festive songs and dances replete with traditional folk motifs. This anniversary performance showcased the Company’s splendid history and highlighted new featured dances. Three generations of dancers and musicians were included in concert: a children’s group, a junior group, a chorus, an adult group and Kapela Ludowa.

Website: www.pafdc.org

John Czaplinski Emilie Dabrowski Tamara Gubernat Weronika Gumieniak Barbara Kazimierczuk Natalia Rusinek Marta Statucka

Conrad Więcek

Choreographer / Artistic Director: Acting Director:

Founded in 1965, the Lechici Dancers is the oldest Polish Folk Dance ensemble in the Chicagoland area. The ensemble’s name derives from the legend of Lech, Czech and Rus. According to legend, Lech discovered the territory now known as Poland. His warriors were Lechici, thus the ensemble adopted the name to represent the youth and vitality of Poland’s first warriors, although they conquer only through song and dance. Lechici is the representative ensemble of the Polish Scouting Organization in the USA, a division of Polish Scouting abroad (Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego pgK), with its world headquarters in London, England. Though many of Lechici’s members were born outside of Poland, they take great pride in continuing the traditions of their forefathers through participating in the Polish Scouting movement and in Lechici. The ensemble’s repertoire consists of the five national dances of Poland, as well as songs and dances from twelve regions of Poland. The ensemble places great value in preserving the authenticity of Polish folk culture, including its songs, dances and other folk traditions. Lechici performs approximately twenty five times annually at various civic, cultural and social events within the Polish and American communities and has traveled throughout North America, Poland and Belgium. In 1982, Lechici had the honor of participating in a private audience with Pope John Paul II at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Lechici has participated in the ACPC-sponsored Festivals in: Detroit, MI (1978 and 1979); Philadelphia, PA (1981); and Chicago, IL (1982) and in PFDAA-sponsored Festivals in: Baltimore, MD (1984); San Francisco, CA (1985); Boston, MA (1987); Montreal, QUE (1992); Los Angeles (1997); Milwaukee (2000); and Chicago, IL (2007).

LECHINI Chicago, Illinois, USA,

POLONIA POLISH FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Choreographer & Artistic Director: Stan Slopek

The roots of the Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble date back to the 1930’s when a social club was formed for husbands and wives who had recent ly immigrated to Canada from Poland. However, dancing soon became an important way to preserve the Polish culture in Regina and area. The Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble officially began in 1970 and is proud to be celebrating its 40th

anniversary this weekend! At present, Polonia is comprised of 38 dancers, which range in age from 5 to 50. The junior and intermediate dancers are under the leadership of Ms Tamara Scrimbit. Mr. Stan Slopek is the current director and choreographer of the senior and adult groups. The last decade has been filled with many highlights. A particular highlight was a trip to Poland in 2005. Polonia’s senior dancers were invited to take part in the international Polish folk dance festival in Rzeszow, Poland, and also participated in a PFDAA sponsored pre-tour of southern Poland. The Rzeszow Festival renewed Polonia’s knowledge and enthusiasm for Polish folk dancing. In addition to travelling to Poland, Polonia has traveled several times to Milwaukee for Polish Fest. Numerous invitations in Western Canada have led to performances in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. Within its home province of Saskatchewan, Polonia has been delighted to perform recently in Saskatoon, North Battleford and Prince Albert. Polonia was especially honored to perform for His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, during his visit to Canada in 2001. All of Polonia’s groups performed for Prince Charles at Regina City Hall where the directors and dancers had the opportunity to speak with His Royal Highness. Since its establishment 40 years ago, Polonia has enjoyed its many performances within Canada and internationally. Polonia’s love of sharing Polish folk dance has always been a constant. With its vast array of colourful authentic costumes and a repertoire of 24 dances, the Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble is proud to perform so that audiences may learn and enjoy Polish culture.

(For more information, check our website www.poloniaregina.com)

Lisa Abrahamowicz Ashley Bezo Sandra Celis Rachel Celis Cheryl Duke Martin Fidler Jakub Fidler Oleg Fidler

Scottie Findura John Findura Erika Godbold Leisha Grebinski Krysta Grieve Jonathan Lorenc Ola Lorenc Ken McCrystal

Josh Nurkowski Karen Nurkowski Ben Nurkowski Bron Nurkowski Leona Read Roger Read Tamara Scrimbit Iryna Sidarevich

Jessica Slopek Daniel Smela Tracey Smela Kurtis Thurston Alicia Uleryk Aggie Uleryk Davey Uleryk Patti Walczykowski

Bartosz Walczykowski Mika Walczykowski Hania Walczykowski Zibignew Walczykowski

Choreographer: Tom Skurski

Artistic Director: Donna Skurski

Celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2005, Wawel has proud ly performed the music and dances of their forefathers since the Ensemble’s founding in 1965 as the first adult Polish performing troupe in the Detroit area. The group’s name was inspired by the Wawel Castle in Krakow, Poland’s former capital. The Ensemble’s performances are many and varied - from featured full-length concerts to special appearances with full symphony in concerts of Polish classical music. Wawel has performed for some of the Detroit area’s most prestigious organizations, and at several Governors’ inaugurations, for Pope John Paul’s visit, and was honored to perform at a special luncheon for former President Ronald Reagan. In July of 2008 the Ensemble participated in their 7th International Folk Festival, which was held in Rzeszow, Poland. As in years past, the troupe attained worldwide recognition when they performed in Poland, receiving awards, and touring various Polish cities. In 1980 the Ensemble was presented with the Oskar Kolberg Award for strengthening the ties between Polonia and Poland. As charter members of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas, the group has participated in each of the U.S. festivals to date. Tom Skurski, is serving once again as the President of the Association In the past, Donna has also served on the PFDAA Board of Directors as their Secretary for 3 years and Treasurer for 9 years Wawel’s former director/choreographer and co-founder Marcia Lewandowski, has been an inspiring force of the preservation of their Polish heritage. The ensemble’s current leadership, Tom Skurski - Director and Donna Skurski - Artistic Director brings with them over 30 years of experience in ballet and Polish folk dancing. They with the other members of the ensemble strive to keep their Polish heritage alive.

WAWEL FOLK ENSEMBLE Detroit, Michigan, USA

Barbara Grabas Nicholas Nowakowski David Porzondek Tom Skurski Donna Skurski Jessica Wendt

ISKRY Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Artistic Director/Choreographer: Krystyna Kovach

Assistant Instructor: Robert Langtry

Iskry was founded in 1967 by Mr. Henryk Lorenc to mark the Cen tenn ia l o f Canad ian Confederation. Iskry, when translated into English means “sparks”, is a perfect descriptor for the world-traveled group whose fiery performances are marked by phenomenal leaps, dives and beautiful folk dance. In addition to performing at the

Warsaw-Poland Pavilion during Folklorama, Iskry has thrilled and captivated audiences across North America and Europe with a repertoire rich in depth, ranging from the romantic Kujawiak/Oberek to the exciting and dynamic Goralski. Iskry is known not only for its award-winning choreography, but also for its diversity of vibrantly coloured, hand-crafted costumes, many of which were imported from Poland. Presently, Iskry’s wardrobe boasts over 15 different costumes depicting the numerous regions of Poland. The ensemble was under the artistic direction and choreography of Mr. Sandro Barbosa (who also went on to work with the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ tour) from 1999 to 2006. Under the choreography of Barbosa, Iskry became world champions after winning the Mazur Dance Competition in Rzeszow, Poland in 2002. For their success the ensemble was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award from the city of Winnipeg by Mayor Glen Murray. The group has also had the privilege participating in the 2003 Levee for the former Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, the Honourable Peter M. Liba, CM., O.M. Currently, the ensemble is under the direction of Krysia Kovach and assisted by Robert Langtry. Additional highlights of Iskry’s career include performing at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Quebec and participating in the prestigious World Festival of Polish Folk Dance and Song in Rzeszow, Poland.

Krzysiu Czajka Lisa Dasiewicz Kasia Dolna Krzysiu Dynowski Jessica Jarmasz

Alex Karpyza Alexis Karsnicki Krysia Kovach* Liz Krupa Joasia Krzyzelewski

Robert Langtry Marcin Ratajczyk David Rucinski Ania Skubisz Kelsey Weshenowski

Artistic Director: Anetta Malczewski Director: Joanna Dumicz

(On September 13, 1965 Mr. Michal Jedrasik, President of the Parent Advisory Committee at the Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish Saturday School, initiated the formation of a Polish dance group to be affiliated with the school. As a result of the reorganization of the group in 1971, the dance ensemble became independent from the Saturday School, taking on the name The Young Polish Canadian Dancers and Singers of Edmonton Society. On March 18, 1986 , the organization became registered. On June 1, 1988 changed its name and became known as Mazur Polish Canadian Dancers of Edmonton Society. Mazur Polish Canadian Dancers of Edmonton Society was established for the purpose of providing a creative and enticing learning environment for children and youth, so that they may learn Polish folklore dances and music from various regions of Poland. Learning various traditional dances enhances children's understanding and appreciation for Polish culture, and provides them with the opportunity to share their culture with audiences from Edmonton, Alberta, USA and Poland. Despite obstacles that have come their ways during the last 45 years, the group still remains till this day and consists 35 dancers in two age groups. It is thanks to the motivation and dedication of its many dancers, parents, volunteers, and instructors (presently Mrs.Aneta Malczewska and Mrs.Joanna Dumicz), without whom it would not exist.

MAZUR Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Klara Biernacki Kasia Garbowska Karina Jozwiak Maryja Jurczuk

Anita Lewandowski Kamilia Lukowski Melissa Napierala Victoria Rudolf

Julia Rudolf Daria Szwedowicz Joanna Wasaznik

Artistic Director and Choreographer: Ms. Ela Kapica

The Lowicz Polish Folklore Ensemble was created in E d m o n t o n , A l b e r t a i n 1999. Lowicz was formed to allow children, youth and adults to maintain their Polish heritage and retain their cultural ties. The dancers are mostly from Polish decent and are attempting to learn or strengthen their Polish roots through dance, music and stories while living in Canada's multi-cultural society.

The Artistic Director and Choreographer, Ms. Ela Kapica, inspires the children and youth to pursue the art of Polish Folklore dance and to be passionate about the Polish Culture while creating friendships and enjoying activities while discovering their culture and traditions. In addition, Ms. Kapica's training allows for Lowicz to deliver the traditional Polish dance at the highest standards of technique, authenticity, creativity and professionalism. Lowicz has performed at major international festivals in Rzeszow, Poland and Chicago, USA along with performing locally at many different multicultural events, local hospitals, senior residences, Church festivities, as well as weddings and anniversaries. Lowicz Polish Folklore Ensemble's mission is to promote our Polish and Catholic customs, through Polish folk dance and music and to foster pride in Polish heritage. With our performances locally and abroad, the group has the ability to bring our culture to those who have immigrated many years ago and allow them to still enjoy their Polish culture.

LOWICZ Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Michal Borowka Darek Cebula Mike Cedro Basia Chodorski Agata Garbowska Michal Gozdzik

Agnieszka Grajoszek Ela Kapica* Natalie Klawitter Paulina Kosicki Arthur Lewandowski Marcin Misiewicz

Dave Myszkiewicz Joanna Ostapowicz Anna Szczerba Robert Zygadlo Margaret Zygadlo

Choreographer / Artistic Director: Eva Piorko

Acting Director: Kasia Stevens Po lan ie i s a non -p ro f i t organization with a mission to teach and present the richness of Polish folklore with a stylized artistic flare. Our unique style and vibrant dances have been seen by thousands of audiences at various annual multicultural events such as, the Calgary Winter Olympics, the World Police & Fire Games, Grey Cup Finale, Canada Day, Heritage Day, the Queen’s visit in 2005, Spruce Meadows, and many other holidays and celebrations. Polanie Polish Song & Dance Association was formed in Calgary in 1977. The aim of the ensemble was and still remains to present the richness of Polish folklore in a stylized artistic adaptation. Polanie’s ever growing repertoire includes suites of folk dances and music from different regions of Poland. Since its outset, the ensemble has developed and established a unique style within Polish dance, which has become a recognized landmark both in Canada and abroad. Today, the organization has grown to include three groups: Polanie Senior (18 and up), Polanie Junior (14-18) and the children’s group Krakusy (ages 11-15). Polanie’s special program has been tailored to develop high standards of technical skills and artistic merit, to provide the dancers and audiences with a better understanding of Polish culture, and to explore different interpretations of the Polish dance form.

POLANIE POLISH SONG AND DANCE ASSOCIATION

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Adam Broniewski Filip Chrostek Julia Daun Adam Drzewiecki Joasia Dziech Bartosz Grochowski

Przemyslaw Iwaniec Christopher Jeromski Monika Korczewski Bartosz Kornacki Sylvia Kozlowski Arthur Kozlowski

Natalia Kulaga Magdalena Mazur Joanna Skrainy Mateusz Sliwon Kasia Swacha Patrick Wegrzynski

Jesse Wilms Aleksandra Witukiewicz Adam Wojcicki Anna Zborowska Zofia Zdonczyk Sylvester Zdonczyk

Artistic Directors : Joanna Rudz and Jerry

Pomorze, one of Nova Scotia's two Polish Folkdance Ensembles, was born in 1983. During its past incarnation, Pomorze grew from a small group of enthusiasts to a well-organized company with a full repertoire. During that time Pomorze gave over one hundred fifty performances at occasions such as the PFDAA Festivals in both Boston and

Montreal, the Canadian Polish Dance Festival in Toronto, the Seventh and Eighth International Festival of Polish Folkdance Ensembles in Rzeszow, Poland, Canada Games Festivities in Cape Breton, the visit of His Holiness Pope John-Paul II in Halifax, The Nova Scotia International Tattoo, the first annual 'A Day in Poland' celebrations, and many multicultural events and celebrations. Pomorze's costume collection is one of the finest of its kind in Canada with six complete colourful sets of eight men's and women's costumes for many of the dances in the repertoire. All the costumes are authentic folk costumes, for the most part made in their respective regions of Poland. The collection also includes smaller numbers of costumes from other regions. The original music to which the dances are performed was scored for eight instruments and recorded by Nova Scotian musicians. Their dances include a rich and ever growing repertoire of exciting and original choreography's for some of the most intriguing of Polish regional and national dances. Following a hiatus of several years the Pomorze Polish Folkdance Ensemble was sparked back into existence in 2003 by several members of Halifax's Polish community, a few dancers from the original "Pomorze", and a very enthusiastic Polish pastor at Dartmouth's St. Anthony's Parish and St. Faustina's Polish Mission and is now beginning its eighth year in its new "incarnation". The group consists of a body of 14 - 20 dancers, both Polish Canadians and Canadians of other ethnic origins, of varying experience, skills and abilities, ranging in age from 13 to 69. Since its re-establishment, Pomorze has participated in numerous events and performances throughout Nova Scotia including Red Boot Black Boot: An evening of Polish and Ukrainian Folkdance with Regina's Tavria Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble, a full length fundraising performance at the Imperial Theatre in Windsor, several Breakfast Television appearances, many "Zabawa" dinner dances, the 2009 International Canoe Races Opening Ceremony and annual Nova Scotia Multicultural Festivals and Polish Heritage Festivals, at which in 2009, Pomorze was Proud to host Toronto's Biały Orzeł. The ensemble has also appeared at Moncton's Multicultural Festival, the Roncesvalles Polish Festival and the XIII World Festival of Polish Folkdance Ensembles in Rzeszow, Poland. Pomorze has an active children's contingent, currently 18 youngsters strong ("Pomorskie Krasnoludki" ages 3 - 6 and "Małe Pomorze" ages 7-12). Joanna Rudz and Jerry Kowalski have recently taken over artistic leadership of Pomorze from Kersti Tacreiter, who continues to direct the children's ensemble with assistance from David Wells and Iwona Borycz.

POMORZE Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sophia Avignon Patricia Miller

David Wells Nick Bentley

Choreographer / Artistic Director: Eva Piorko

Acting Director: Kasia Stevens Po lan ie i s a non -p ro f i t organization with a mission to teach and present the richness of Polish folklore with a stylized artistic flare. Our unique style and vibrant dances have been seen by thousands of audiences at various annual multicultural events such as, the Calgary Winter Olympics, the World Police & Fire Games, Grey Cup Finale, Canada Day, Heritage Day, the Queen’s visit in 2005, Spruce Meadows, and many other holidays and celebrations. Polanie Polish Song & Dance Association was formed in Calgary in 1977. The aim of the ensemble was and still remains to present the richness of Polish folklore in a stylized artistic adaptation. Polanie’s ever growing repertoire includes suites of folk dances and music from different regions of Poland. Since its outset, the ensemble has developed and established a unique style within Polish dance, which has become a recognized landmark both in Canada and abroad. Today, the organization has grown to include three groups: Polanie Senior (18 and up), Polanie Junior (14-18) and the children’s group Krakusy (ages 11-15). Polanie’s special program has been tailored to develop high standards of technical skills and artistic merit, to provide the dancers and audiences with a better understanding of Polish culture, and to explore different interpretations of the Polish dance form.

POLANIE POLISH SONG AND DANCE ASSOCIATION

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Adam Broniewski Filip Chrostek Julia Daun Adam Drzewiecki Joasia Dziech Bartosz Grochowski

Przemyslaw Iwaniec Christopher Jeromski Monika Korczewski Bartosz Kornacki Sylvia Kozlowski Arthur Kozlowski

Natalia Kulaga Magdalena Mazur Joanna Skrainy Mateusz Sliwon Kasia Swacha Patrick Wegrzynski

Jesse Wilms Aleksandra Witukiewicz Adam Wojcicki Anna Zborowska Zofia Zdonczyk Sylvester Zdonczyk