Polonez Polish Folk Arts Ensemble

The Polonez is the oldest Polish national dance and is still performed today as the opening dance at many functions. The music, in particularly its rhythm, forces dancers to perform in a specific style which on one side displays itself in dignity and stateliness. Among nobility and the courts of the Polish Kings, the Polonez was known as the Great Polish Dance. A Polonez performance is a whirlwind tour through hundreds of years of Polish Folk Culture! From the stately court dances of the nobility to the lively dances of the Polish countryside, Polonez strives to bring the vibrancy of Polish folk culture to audiences everywhere. Founded in 1982, Edmonton, AB, the ensemble has enthralled audiences at international dance festivals, the Winter Olympics and as a special guest with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. The ensemble has also toured Poland by special invitation from the Polish Ministry of Culture and Arts. Under the artistic leadership of its founder, Dr. Walenty Michalik, the ensemble has earned a reputation for artistic excellence. Highlighting these achievements are numerous awards, such as the province of Alberta's Minister's Cultural Milestone Award and the Order of Merit in Cultural Promotion from the Polish Ministry of Culture and Arts in recognition of high level of technical and artistic achievement. Polonez is a non-profit organization that performs year round at public and private events, leaving audiences with a smile after every show. We invite you to share in the magic of Polish folklore!