Performers are calling it memorable; a thrill. Choreographers are describing it as a feat of cooperation and a pinnacle of artistic accomplishment. The audience simply labeled it spectacular!
First-time collaborative effort leading to future endeavors
All these accolades seem necessary to describe the results when seven of Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania Polish folk dance troupes came together for Zatańczmy on October 18th 2009 in Cleveland.
More than 130 performers ranging in ages from 3-60 from seven different groups graced the stage at Magnificat High School Performing Arts Center presenting folk dance in the gala fashion normally reserved for the national dance troupes.
The two-hour program began with the entire cast processing in a huge polonaise under banners bearing their names. Dancers of every size sang along and welcomed the substantial audience giving them a glimpse of what was ahead. It was followed by features numbers from all seven groups participating, each in a different colorful costume representing the region from which their suite came. The show was balanced equally with regional- and national-style dance performances; youth and adult performers.
The first-time event was created to celebrate Polish-American Heritage Month and showcase the talents of the region’s talent in a more cost-effective yet impressive way than in the past. Recognizing the economic challenges faced by their sponsoring organizations, the choreographers and directors of these groups approached their Polish National Alliance and the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America colleagues to combine forces and share resources. The result was a thrilling showcase of this 1,000-year-old tradition.
Participating groups included: PRCUA’s Alliance of Poles Henryk Sienkiewicz Polish School, Cleveland and Piast Artistic Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, Slavic Village; and the PNA-affiliated Górale Polish Folk Dancers, Parma; Krakowiaki Polish Folk Circle, Youngstown; Living Traditions Folk Ensemble, Brecksville; Syrena Polish Folk Ensemble, Slavic Village; and, Wiwaty Polish Folk Dancers, Erie.
Before the show, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious, traditional Polish lunch courtesy of Seven Roses Deli of Slavic Village. They also could get some early Christmas shopping in by patronizing the Marketplace, which took place in the theatre lobby. It was full of homemade baked goods and folk art crafts and featured artisans at work. An incredible photo history of Cleveland Polonia compiled by the Gary Kotlarsic of the local Polish American Congress created an incredible backdrop in the lobby and was the final symbol of our Polish pride.
The committee met this week and decided that this effort should be only the beginning of similar regional efforts. Special thanks go out to: Sally Day; Aundrea Cika-Heschmeyer; Monika Glazar-Stavicky; Małgorzata Kacki; Agata Khoury-Lyda; Agnieszka Kotlarsic; Cathy Piłat-Katrenich; Raymond Vargas; Timothy Stoll, and; Bernadette Zubel.
For additional information or to see photos/video of the event, go to www.zatanczmy.org
KATALOG FIRM W INTERNECIE
