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The Onion Harvest Festival in the black dirt region of Pine Island, NY, was a Woodstock-like outdoor celebration, beginning with a float Parade, the crowning of a Queen and her court, presentation of the wreath to the Lord and Lady of the Manor, Polka dancing, Polish cuisine, and more than 200 locals, young and old, dressed in home-made Polish costumes, performing traditional Polish folk songs and dances. Continue reading
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There I was, sitting in the shadow of the Royal Castle on Wawel Hill, gazing out over the Wisła River, and eating pierogi. It just doesn’t get any better than this!!! Continue reading
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Having identified the restaurant with the best pierogi, and having located a booth with incredible placki (potato pancakes), I was still being challenged in the search for my favorite ice cream, Advocaat likier jajeczny. That’s because all the ice cream stands changed their selection every day. Continue reading
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I returned to my room in the tower of Krasiczyn Castle following a performance of the Magnificent Mazowsze at the giant sports arena in Rzeszów. Filled to capacity, including the floor of the arena, the audience began cheering wildly as soon as the orchestra walked out. It was like being at a rock concert or sporting event, for among the attendees were performers from 30 dance groups from around the world, and they all idolized the Mazowsze Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble. Continue reading
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The Choreographer for the Mazowsze Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble left his car double parked in front of the hotel, as he rushed in to greet us. A bouquet of flowers for my Mother, a turquoise shawl for me. Continue reading
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„What are your plans for Warsaw?” he asked me. “I hope to visit Wilanów Palace, Łazienki Palace, and the Royal Castle, and, of course, see a Mazowsze performance.” “Ok, I’ll pick up up at 9 A.M.” Continue reading
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As I walked through the empty shell of the castle, I was filled with pride. For my people were rebuilding what had been destroyed by war… specifically, The Royal Castle in Warsaw. I first became aware of the construction, when the Mazowsze Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble sang a song about it. Continue reading
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When the Mazowsze Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble toured the U.S.A. and Canada, they dazzled audiences with, not only songs and dances from 43 ethnographic regions of Poland, but they also sang several beautiful Kolędy, Polish Christmas Carols, which echo the rhythms of the Polonaise, Mazur, Kujawiak, and Krakowiak, Poland’s national dances. Continue reading
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Poland is a nation rich in culture, and musical tradition. In fact, Poland even has five (5) National Dances. There are few countries in the world that have even one national dance. Continue reading
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Maybe it was the memory of a song on the radio… or a Mazur from a Chopin concert… Maybe it was the Polish blood flowing through my veins…. Maybe it was all of these things that caused my heart to beat to the rhythms of the music of Tadeusz Sygietyński. Whatever it was, it was magic ! I was hooked !! Continue reading
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As the girls sang, they put their arms around each other and swayed side to side. Having taken this song to their hearts, he knew they would touch the hearts of their audience, so it was added to their repertoire. Continue reading
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While the Polka is not one of Poland’s National Dances, the Oberek is !
The Oberek is also the second most popular dance among Polish Americans. Continue reading
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Poland was a pioneer in Democracy, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Religion, Human Rights, Women’s Rights, Education, and more.
This is the history of Poland that you never knew. Continue reading
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The unfortunate thing about Europe is Techno-Rock….
In my efforts to buy one of Siklawa’s CD’s, I made the mistake of buying their “Dance Mix” album. I mean, it had the song titles I was looking for….
Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be Techno Rock !!! Yikes !! Continue reading
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