Polish Dances

KRAKOWIAK

It is said that this is the second after the Polonaise Polish Dance. The name derives from Cracow, in which the neighborhood is danced. Krakowiak has become widely known in the eighteenth century; since appeared on the stage the first Polish opera and ballets.Previously, it was known as a lively folk dance, which was defined as "goniony" or "tripping". Dance consists of two parts: the lateral gallop and dance pieces. The stage version of krakowiak has a lot very spectacular figures. It should be dancedof temperament and many of patter. 

Perky hołubiec step performed by the Ensemble Mazowsze

Lajkonik To commemorate Poland's victory over the Tatars, in 1241, the Lajkonik Parade is held each Spring in the Market Place of Krakow, Poland. A disguised Tatar warrior with a hobbyhorse fastened to the waist, called Lajkonik (lie-KOH-neek), in Polish, prances around chasing people with his mace celebrating the occasion with dancing and merrymaking. It is said that if he touches you with his mace, it brings good luck throughout the year!

Music - a selection of a few krakowiak performed by Tadeusz Wesolowski Presentation created by - Anna