"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.

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.

The championship game of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and one of the biggest annual sporting events in Canada. First awarded in 1909, it crowns the winner of the CFL’s East–West playoff final and has become a national tradition watched by millions across the country. The event is known not only for the game itself but also for its week‑long festival, community celebrations, and its role as a unifying cultural moment in Canadian sports. In 1993, Polanie had the incredible honor to perform at the 1993 Grey Cup in Calgary.

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.