History
History
Beginning
Founded
"Polanie" Polish Song & Dance Association was founded in Calgary in 1977 under the intiative of Krystyna Cichowicz (Siostra Alojza). The aim of the group is to present the richness of Polish folklore in a stylized artistic adaptation. Since its outset, the ensemble has developed and established a unique style which has become a recognized landmark in Canada and Internationally.
From the start the group consisted of the senior and junior ensembles. The senior ensemble was considered the performing group, and attended most of the more prestigious performances. In contrast the junior ensemble was the training group that focused primarily on educating new dancers to the standards and skill level of the senior ensemble. The junior ensemble mostly performed at local and small community performances.
Milestones
Olympics
Opening Ceremonies
Polanie performed at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
The participation of Polanie in the openings ceremony of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary recognized their role as young ambassadors of Poland representing Canadians of Polish heritage. With the inscription "Poland" across their chest, Polanie proudly represented the country of their ancestors.
Polanie's 40th Anniversary
Celebrating 40 years as an organization, Polanie proudly presented a vibrant and dynamic program of multiple polish folk and national dances alongside Krakusy Polish Folk Dance Association, Edmonton's Lowicz Polish Folklore Ensemble, Gaiczek, Mlodzi Duchem, and Polanie Alumni. In addition, we were honoured to have been accompanied alongside famous Polish pianist Krzysztof Jablonski.
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International Events
World Festival of Polonia Folk Groups Rzeszów
Since its beginnings in 1969, The World Festival of Polonia Folk Groups in Rzeszów continues to unite Polish youth from around the world every three years. This festival is dedicated to supporting Polonia (Polish diaspora) coming together, celebrating their Polish heritage and passion for dance.
Polanie has attended the festival on numerous occasions: 1989, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, 2017 and 2019 . As an organization, we are very proud to be able to participate in such a long-lasting tradition and to represent our Polish heritage right in our home country.
Montecatini International Summer Festival "Meet the Tradition"
"Meet the Tradition"
At this annual festival situated in the heart of Tuscany, Italy, Polanie proudly represented Polish folk dance and culture on an international stage. During the festival period, the town of Montecatini Terme becomes vibrant with parades as well as showcases of traditional art forms from different cultures.
Summer Artistic School Koszęcin
Situated in the Palace of Koszęcin, seat of the Polish State Folk Dance Ensemble “Śląsk”, this ten-day summer intensive provides a unique opportunity for Polanie dancers to hone their technique under the guidance of distinguished teachers. The workshops on folk dance provide an in-depth education on the national and regional dances of Poland, and additional classes on other techniques including jazz and ballet equip our dancers with skills and capabilities essential to every dancer.
With each visit to Koszęcin, Polanie dancers leave enriched through dance education as well as opportunities to meet passionate dancers from Poland and abroad.
The Americas
Eurofest - Burnaby British Columbia
May 2015
Highlighting Canada's European heritage, this annual festival in Burnaby, British Columbia allows attendees to experience European cultures and traditions through dance, music and culinary specialties. Through Polanie's presence, viewers were able to catch a glimpse into the colourful world of Polish folk dance.
Taste of Polonia - Chicago
In 2018, Polanie headed to Chicago, USA for a Labour Day weekend filled with exciting events. A highlight of this trip was our performance in the Taste of Polonia Festival of Music and Food, the largest Polish festival in the USA. Memorable experiences include engaging in many joint activities and dance practices with Polonia Polish Song & Dance Ensemble, as well as going on a day-long tour of downtown Chicago.
Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA) Festival
Since 1983, the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA) was created to unite the Western world, currently having 35 ensembles from USA and Canada as members. The festivals that the PFDAA organize promote Polish folk music, dance, customs, and wardrobe through a combination of dance classes, social activities, and a gala concert. With this organization, Polanie has had the opportunity to visit:
1987 - Boston, Massachusetts
1997 - Los Angeles, California
1995 - San Francisco
2010 - Regina, Canada
1987 - Boston, Massachusetts
1995 - San Francisco
1997 - Los Angeles, California
2010 - Regina, Canada
Edmonton Heritage Festival
The Edmonton Heritage Festival celebrates Canada's multiculturalism by showcasing the tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of an abundant amount of countries and cultures. Polanie has the fantastic opportunity to partake in this festival in 2015.
Calgary Events
Canada Day Celebrations
Polanie takes great pride in being a part of the annual events celebrating the birthday of our nation. On a number of occasions over the years, Calgarians have been able to experience Polish dance live at the downtown celebrations at Eau Claire Market.
Lilac Festival
This annual street festival in Calgary had started out as a small neighbourhood celebration in 1989. Since then, it has become the biggest street festival in Calgary, boasting over 500 vendors and showcasing the talent of Calgary artists. Polanie has had the privilege to perform at the festival for many years, and we always look forward to this event as it marks the start of summertime festivities in our city.
Calgary Stampede
Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," the Calgary Stampede entertains Calgarians every July with its colourful parade, rodeo, exhibitions and concerts. On many occasions, Polanie has been able to march and perform in the Parade Prelude, representing our proud Polish heritage on live television and before crowds of excited spectators.
BRAVO! Concert 2020
BRAVO! is the vision of the Artistic Director of Vykrutas Ensemble & School of Ukrainian Dance, Vasyl Kanevets. This concert is set out to become an annual show of a professional calibre that puts the spotlight squarely on the next generation of Ukrainian ensemble dancers from across Canada. Polanie had the privilege of being included in this amazing show and was able to showcase a joint dance project with Vykrutas, Pan Hospodar. This performance allowed us to show our dance abilities alongside other Ukrainian dance ensembles, contributing to the growing multicultural aspect of the show.
Spruce Meadows Christmas Market
A long-lasting tradition in Calgary, the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market unites different cultures during the Christmas season in a festive atmosphere of shopping and live entertainment by local artists. Our much-anticipated performances at this market have become a Christmas tradition for Polanie, and we are always sure to get into the holiday spirit at this event.
Multicultural Gala Night
Hope for Haiti
In March of 2010, Polanie was honoured to take part in an unforgettable concert fundraising for Doctors Without Borders - Haiti relief and reconstruction, following the country's devastating earthquake. Our performance was among many others in a night filled with vibrant multicultural music and dance at the Jack Singer Concert Hall.
