Artistic Directors

Artistic Directors

Polanie has has a proud history of obtaining exceptionally talented Artistic Directors, and each of them have had a significant impact upon advancing Polanie's core objectives of attaining Polish dance excellence, promoting Canadian multiculturalism, and being ambassadors of Polish culture in Canada and representing the organization internationally.

Jesse Wilms

2021- Present

Jesse Wilms was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and was a long-time dancer with Polanie before moving into an instructional role in 2015. In July of 2019, she completed her studies of Polish folk dance instruction and choreography in Rzeszow, Poland. Her dance experience extends beyond Polish folk dance to ballet, jazz, and Ukrainian folk dance. As Artistic Director, Jesse aims to maintain the authenticity and integrity of Polish folklore while challenging Polanie’s members to grow as dancers. The goal is to showcase the culture while having fun.

Joanna Miedzwiecka

(2020 - 2021)


Patryk Jabłoński

(2019 - 2020)


Ewa Bielecka

(2018 - 2019)


Jesse Wilms

(2015 - 2017)


Bartosz Kornacki

(2015 - 2016)


Majka Kowalczyk

(2014 - 2015)


Sandro Barbosa

(2010 - 2014)


Ewa Piórko

(2009 - 2010)


Patti Czerski

(2005 - 2009)


Maya Skalińska

(1997 - 2004, 2009)


Marek Skaliński

(1985 - 1997)


Sr. Alojza (Krystyna Cichowicz)

(1977 - 1985)