Discover Poland through dance
Feb 27 2009 By Vicky Farncombe
A CITY song and dance troupe which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year is hosting Birmingham’s first ever Festival of Polish Folklore tomorrow and Sunday.
The event at Symphony Hall will feature 12 groups and more than 300 performers from across the UK.
Each of the groups hosts the annual celebration of Polish culture in their home town and this year it is the turn of the Birmingham team.
Wiesniacy was formed in 1949 by Polish refugees who settled in the city after the World War II as a way of keeping their cultural heritage alive.
Festival organiser and Wiesniacy member Adela Kobic, 28, of Solihull, says they are delighted to be hosting the event in their birthday year.
“We’re extremely proud,” says Adela, whose grandparents were founding members of the Birmingham Polish Club.
The event has attracted huge support from the Birmingham Polish community but Adela says they are also hoping to draw English audiences.
“It’s a brilliant chance for people to come and see what we do. A lot of English people don’t know that much about Polish folklore. It’s an amazing medley of colour and song.”
The festival showcases songs and dances from regions in Poland.
“It’s very interactive with the audience clapping in time to the music and encouraging the jumpers to keep up. It’s very exciting,” says Adela.
* Ticket Info - FESTIVAL OF POLISH FOLKLORE
Tomorrow (7pm) and Sunday (4pm): Symphony Hall
Tickets: £15 from 0121 780 3333.
