Zespół KUJAWY wystąpi wkrótce w Hobart podczas Festiwalu Pol-Art 2006. Oto strona festiwalowa: www.polart2006.com.au/
Więcej informacji na temat zespołu znajdziej na jego stronie internetowej www.kujawysydney.com
The ensemble "Kujawy" take their name from a region in Poland known as Kujawy. Its 3 main cities are Bydgoszcz, Torun and Wloclawek.
The Dance Ensemble Kujawy Sydney was formed 30 years ago in Cabramatta. The whole idea of the dance ensemble was formed by a group of Polish women, who thought that it would be a wonderful way for the youth of Polish families to get together and learn the traditions of Poland. Poland has many beautiful traditions both in song and dance, and thus Kujawy Sydney was born.
Who was to foresee that 30 years down the track Kujawy would be still as strong as ever? Many things have changed but still the kindred spirit of the members and the committee is still there. Many of the youth that belong to the ensemble today are of 3rd generation. Not very many speak Polish fluently, but they have that little spark that has been placed there by their parents and grandparents and this is very important.
They all know that there is a country far way that holds a special place in their hearts. Currently we have approx. 68 members spread over the little, middle and older group with the age range being 6yrs +. All of them love being part of the Kujawy Family.
Kujawy have their dancing practices every Saturday at Bankstown Polish Club. Here the members meet each Saturday for a practice that can last up to 5hrs. This may seem a very long time, but it isn't just the dancing that brings this group together, it’s also the bonding that they have attained with each other.
Kujawy has performed at all the POL-ART FESTIVALS since inception. In 1987, Kujawy represented Australia in the WORLD FESTIVAL OF DANCES IN SPAIN AND MAJORCA. In 1999 and 2002, some members of Kujawy went to Poland to perform at the 11th and 12th INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORIC FESTIVAL held in RZESZOW, POLAND. In Dec 2005 Kujawy also went on a dance tour of New Zealand, performing with Orleta and Lublin in Wellington. An experience not to be forgotten.
Małe Kujawy w Darling Harbour 2006. Foto K.Kozek |
For 20 years, Mrs Ryszarda Bardaczewska held the position of President and still continues in an honorary capacity. Since early 2002, Mrs Jolanta Zurawski has taken on the role of President. She is assisted by a strong and dedicated committee.
The ensemble has developed a highly varied and acclaimed repertoire, thanks to the Artistic Direction of out Teachers and Choreographers Marek and Wieslawa Wojnicz (former members of the Polish State Dance Ensemble “Slask”).
Marek and Wieslawa Wojnicz are both professional dancers, dance teachers and choreographers. Trained in Poland in the Polish State Ballet School for 9 years on a full time basis, they went on to perform around the world with the Polish National Ensemble Slask where they both held soloist positions.
Since arriving in Australia, Marek and Wieslawa have performed and held numerous workshops for the various Arts institutions within Australia. These include the International Dance Institute, Ausdance, University of NSW, University of Western Sydney (including performing, tutoring and lecturing), along with all the Australian Arts Councils and for the various State and Regional Festivals around Australia. Marek further completed a Graduate Diploma in Arts Management at the University of Technology, Sydney, whilst Wieslawa has taught in various Ballet schools in the Sydney region.
In 1988 they were approached by the Bicentennial Committee to be involved in the setting up of the Bicentennial Tour “Dance on the Move”. During the following year Marek and Wieslawa starred in a half hour SBS documentary titled “Message from Poland”, which was part of the Australian Mosaic series. The documentary showed their artistic work while touring QLD.
From 1986 Marek and Wieslawa, in addition to teaching, holding workshops and performing in NSW, also have presented their quality work for the QLD, SA, ACT, WA, VIC and TAS Arts Councils. During this period of time, their work has been seen or participated with by nearly half a million of young and mature people throughout Australia.
The high quality work of Marek and Wieslawa has been recognised by the NSW Ministry for the Arts along with the Department of School Education, and they have been awarded a Diploma of Excellence in 1997, 1999 and 2000.
Marek and Wieslawa have been the choreographers and dance teachers of the Polish Dance and Song Ensemble “Kujawy” Sydney since 1986.
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