Polanie Notifier

Winter - Spring 2007-2008 / Volume 4

FEATURE ARTICLE: (continued)

As described by Ada Dziewanowska in her book, ‘Polish Folk Dances & Songs,’ dance is the most ancient forms of art.  It was a form of expression before people sang, painted, before they played instruments, and wrote poems and dramas.  Hence, that is why it can be concluded that dance most accurately and fundamentally reflects the history of a nation and the people within that nation.  This statement is reflective of Polish folk dance.

Prior to the times of Polish recorded history, several tribes settled in the area that is present day Poland.  Initially there were six tribes separated by forests and swamps, each tribe with its own distinct language and culture.  Eventually, the Polanie tribe dominated over them all, and life became more structured and the nomadic tribes settled in permanent dwellings.  These united tribes made up what we now refer to as the Slavic people, and at the time they worshipped many gods that had control over the forces of nature.  The dance forms reflected such beliefs accordingly, with gestures being symbolic and meant to elicit magical events or meanings, such as: to scare away evil spirits, to ensure good weather for a harvest or a wedding, to ensure victory during a battle, or guarantee a good hunt.  In 966 when Poland was baptised as a nation, many of the pagan rituals were banned or altered to fit with the Christian tradition.  Some were kept as annual traditions evolving to include aspects of courtship for example.  Many pagan rituals are still a part of Polish dance today, but the original meaning of the movement has been lost.

As Poland changed with history so did the dances.  Even as civilization became more advanced certain regions of Poland were geographically isolated and retained their individuality.  Traditions were passed on from one generation to the next with dancing making up a huge aspect of every day life.  People danced at weddings, to celebrate the seasons, and during major holidays.  As the country became more connected by roads and transportation the national dances were recognized and danced throughout the nation.  The national dances eventually inspired national and foreign composers, and Polish folk themes became a part of operas and ballets.  It was when Europe became modernized and industrialized that folk dance slowly was weeded out from the tradition of everyday life.   In certain regions of Poland the traditional forms were maintained only at special occasions such as weddings, but most areas no longer carried on the traditions.  Now Polish dance has evolved into a form done mostly by professional dancers, who were taught by the older population that still retained the knowledge of folk dance and traditions.  Hence, Polish dance is mostly restricted to the stage where dance ensembles dressed in traditional costumes perform the songs and dances, as well as re-enact many of the old customs and rituals for audiences.      

It is only in the past 50 years that Polish folk ensembles, like Polanie Polish Song Dance Association, formed all over the world.  Today, folk dance is a key component of many Polish immigrant communities, as it helps to keep Poles connected to their roots.

A key source of the above information: Dziewanowska, Ada. 1997. Polish Folk Dances and Songs: A Step-by-Step Guide. Hippocrene Books. New York.

-Katarzyna Stevens, Assistant Director

ARTISTIC NEWS (continued)

Polanie

The senior ensemble has focused on preparing and perfecting three dances which they will showcase at the festival in Rzeszow this summer: Goral Zywiecki, Lublin, and Kujawiak/Oberek. Each dance has been fine-tuned to reflect the high calibre of performance expected at the festival in Rzeszow. We also welcomed three new members to the ensemble: Renata Urban (from Australia), Arthur Kozlowski, and Peter Jeromski (moved up from Polanie Jr).  All three dancers have been working hard to learn the choreography and be up to par with the rest of the group. Great job!

A five minute version of Goral Zywiecki has been specially edited and prepared for the Gala Performance in Rzeszow, which will happen on July 23^rd. Traditionally, TV Polonia has broadcast this and other festival highlights worldwide, so check your listings and try to catch Polanie on TV this July! 

HIGHLIGHTS

Starchevski School of Ballet Workshop

April 6, 2008

One of the main aspects of Polanie's style of dance is the incorporation of classical ballet.  Ballet training is an important aspect of rehearsals every week for all ensembles, as it promotes proper technique, strength, agility, and flexibility.  The ballet workshop was an opportunity to fine-tune that technique as well as rekindle an old professional relationship with Hanna and Krzysztof Starczewski.  

Culture Groove Dance Marathon

May 19, 2008

This year on May 19th Polanie held its very first dance marathon! It was a fun-filled day at Strathcona Community Association, and one which allowed all Polanie dance members to come out with their friends and take in a full day of different dance styles. The day began with a Swing class led by Gerald Cote and April Sakaluk, which was followed by Funk and African dance classes given by Amanda Bonnell.  The African dance session was accompanied by three live drummers, which added a dynamism unattainable with pre-recorded music. These were very memorable sessions!  In the afternoon, Marcos Ravelo entertained the participants with a guest performance as well as classes in Cuban Salsa and Merengue.  A unique twist to the afternoon was provided by instructor Edward Mitchell, who led a session entitled 'For the Love of Dance.'  This was an inspirational workshop that explored why we dance, how can we enjoy this art form to its maximum potential, and find success by expressing ourselves through dance.  As anyone who participated in this active schedule would agree, by the end of the day all the participants were tired and breathless, but they left happy and empowered after having experienced an exciting mix of dance forms.  Some participants had never danced prior to coming to this event and, undoubtedly, they had an encouraging crash course on this day.     

XIV Światowy Festiwal Polonijnych Zespołów Folklorystycznych, Rzeszów'2008

(XIV International Festival of Polish Folk Dance Ensembles, Rzeszow, Poland 2008)

July 16-24, 2008
 

For the seventh time, the Polanie senior ensemble is embarking on another trip to Poland for the 14^th International Festival of Polish Folk Dance Ensembles in Rzeszow, Poland.  This is a tremendous opportunity for Polanie to showcase their repertoire in front of Poland’s most renowned choreographers and artists, as well as an entire nation of viewers.  It is a great experience for the dancers to more closely connect with their Polish roots along with over one thousand dancers from 45 ensembles from all over the world.  For some dancers this will be their first time visiting Poland, and actually seeing the country from where the dances originate, and where their ancestors came from.  There is nothing more rewarding than to see the gratitude of the people in Poland; they are impressed by the fact that Poles across the world are so proud of traditions and customs hundreds of years old, and that they continue to pass them on to future generations. For many dancers participating in the festival, Polish folk dance is the only common thread amongst them; everyone comes from a different corner of the world, speaks their own language, and has a unique lifestyle. Polish dance and the love of Polish folklore is what brings everyone together at the festival, and the feeling this creates is unforgettable to all those who participate in, or watch the performances throughout the week. It is a great opportunity to meet new people and make connections all over the world. More than anything, it is the chance of a lifetime to experience a festival with so much soul, pride, and passion.

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO? (continued)

April:

This has been our busiest month so far.  April included rehearsals, performances, and our annual Vesey's flower fundraiser.  At the beginning of the month both Polanie and Polanie Jr. participated in a three hour ballet workshop taught by Hanna and Krzysztof Starczewski from the Starchevski School of Ballet (http://www.ssballet.ca/).  Later that month the senior Polanie ensemble performed at the Gala Banquet in Celebration of 60 Years of the Polish Combatants Association, Branch #18.  Finally, at the end of the month the senior ensemble hit the stage in Eau Claire Market during the annual International Dance Day performances. 

May:

Just like every other year, May began with the 3rd of May Celebration at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre, during which Krakusy and Polanie Jr. performed.  Krakusy girls had the opportunity of debuting their brand new Polonaise, and Polanie Jr. their suite of Cieszyn dances.  In terms of fundraising, Polanie tried a new approach initiated by Development Coordinator, Karol Walicka; fundraising at a night club. The first ever of this type of fundraiser was held at Tantra nightclub and although restricted to the senior members of the association, was quite a success.  Additionally, on May 19th Polanie held its very first Culture Groove Dance marathon at the Strathcona Community Association.   To read more about this event please refer to the Highlights section.

Polanie’s Annual General Meeting was held on May 26^th, at which the past year was summarised, and plans for the upcoming season were presented. We welcomed four new members to the Board of Directors of Polanie. Thank you to all that attended.

Continued in next column...

June:

The last month of our regular dance season has been busy indeed, with the final preparations for the festival trip to Poland, as well as wrapping up the dance season for all ensembles. On June 6^th, Polanie held its 2nd annual Volunteer and Sponsor Appreciation Night, at the Studio in the Grand theatre downtown. It was a relaxed evening that allowed us to thank our top volunteers and sponsors. We hope more of them can attend next year! This month also marked the beginning of a new fundraising initiative that we hope will be a regular staple throughout the year; working concession stands at Stampeders and Flames games. This month, our first group of brave volunteers worked two Stampeders games at McMahon Stadium. Thank you!

Artistically, the ensembles kept busy with performances at the Kielbasa Festival hosted by Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, and the Polish Festival at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. The senior ensemble also hit the studio to recorded singing parts for the dances they will take to the festival in Rzeszow this summer. Lastly, auditions for all ensembles will be held on June 23^rd at the Polish Canadian Cultural Centre. We welcome all the new members to the ensembles!

POLANIE TIPS & THOUGHTS

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

 The origin of the name “Polanie”

Polanie were the people of one of six Slavic tribes that, in the Middle Ages, settled the lands of what is present day Poland. These tribes migrated from Central Asia and settled the primeval forests, swamps, mountains, and plains that make up the landscape of Poland’s territory. Eventually, Polanie dominated the other tribes, and the Polish state was formed in 966. The country took its name from the tribe Polanie, and called itself Polska. The term Polanie is derived from the Slavic word pole {POH-leh}, which means field. This is fitting, as the majority of the Polish landscape is flat and modestly hilly land, with the exception of the southern mountain ranges, the highest of them being the Carpathian mountains.

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PRZYSLOWIA I DOWCIPY LUDOWE

Lepiej dwoch miec niz jednego

Moja mlodosc taka plocha,

ze sie naraz we dwoch kocha,

a ja mowie nic w tym zlego,

lepiej dwoch miec jak jednego.

Jak ciele

Nie bede ja taka glupia,

jak w tamta niedziele,

matka tanca zakazala,

ja stala jak ciele

Na tanczaca

Wolalbym sie przebic kolkiem,

jak tancowac z takim wolkiem,

krecisz mi sie kole boku,

kieby torba od obroku.

Co zawrocil, to przewrocil

W polu oral, w polu oral,

a ona mu poganiala,

co zawrocil, to przewrocil,

to ona mu buzi dala

Zagrajcie mi mazureczka

Zagrajcie mmi mazureczka,

Z nogi na noge, na noge,

Niechze ja se potancuje,

Chociaz nie moge, nie moge.

Zagrajze mi mazureczka,

Ino naboznie, naboznie,

Dam ci maku na przetaku,

Piwa na roznie, na roznie.

Zagrajze mi mazureczka,

Aby ladnego, ladnego,

Niechze ja se potancuje,

Do dnia bialego, bialego!

Tancowadlo

Tancowala, nie umiala,

jedna noga zamiatala,

a matula ja po udzie:

“a tancujze jako ludzie/.”

A tancujze, a tancujze,

da, ty moje tancowadlo,

a kiej tancowac nie umiesz,

da, to bys se lepiej siadlo!

Kto pije, tancuje

Kto pije, tancuje,

na muzyczki daje,

ten sie ze swietymi,

do nieba dostaje

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TIPS FROM MEMBERS OF KRAKUSY - What is your most favourite thing about Polish dance?

Gabriella Gut 14

'Some of the best things about Polish dance (because I can't just choose one!) are: making new friends and having fun with them every practice, getting all dressed up and made-up for performances and, overall, the feeling you get when you're on stage, performing, and you know you're hitting all the steps and just doing your best. It's all so much fun =)'

Krystian Wisniewski 13

'well, what I like about dance is the dancing'

Patrick Wegrzynski 13

'I like that we learn about our culture'

Monika Pajewski 11

'learning new things, the experience, and meeting with friends'

Katarzyna Stevens (Instructor)

My favourite aspect of Polish dance in Calgary is that through this art form we not only have an artistic outlet, but are intimately connected to the place from where our roots originated.  It may be easier for me to feel more committed to Polish dance as I was born in Poland and have many memories of my childhood there.  In Polanie, and especially for the members of the Krakusy dance ensemble, many of the dance members were born here in Canada.  Their experience of Polish dance is thus going to be quite different from that of my own.  This does not mean, however, that their appreciation of the Polish culture is any less satisfying or meaningful than my own.  Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing young faces beaming with excitement about Polish dance.  Seeing my own passion for the culture mirrored by those I instruct, makes teaching Polish dance a very rewarding experience.

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Recipes

At our Volunteer and Sponsor Appreciation Night many attendees requested a copy of my recipe for Hummus, thus I decided to include it here.  This recipe comes from the cookbook entitled 'Heart Smart' by Bonnie Stern, and thus must be acknowledged!

'Hummus with Sesame'

1  540 mL (2 cups) can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.

2  cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped.

3  tbsp (45 mL) lemon juice

1  tbsp (15 mL) olive oil (optional)

1  tbsp (15 mL) dark sesame oil

1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cumin

1/2 tsp (2 mL) hot red pepper sauce

2  tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Lemon slices also for garnish

1.     In a food processor, chop the chickpeas coarsely.

2.     Add garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, sesame oil, cumin and hot pepper sauce.  Puree until smooth.     Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

3.     Garnish with cilantro/parsley and lemon slices

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