Polish national dances

Polish national dances

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"My Culture, Your Culture, Our Culture"

Polish national dances

Kujawiak

KRAKOWIAK

POLONEZ

MAZUR

OBEREK

Poland is a nation rich in culture, and musical tradition. In fact, Poland even has five (5) National Dances.

source of information: https://lowiczanka.wordpress.com/2010/10/11/polands-five-national-dances/

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Source:https://lowiczanka.wordpress.com/2010/10/11/polands-five-national-dances/

Polish national dances

Kujawiak

The Kujawiak originated in the Kujawy region of North-Central Poland in the 19th century, and was quickly embraced by the gentry because of its dignified simplicity. With a 3/4 tempo that alternates between very slow, and fast, the Kujawiak went through many incarnations as it passed back and forth between the peasants and the nobility, each group adding to the style of the dance. It features spinning turns and elaborate gestures, and is usually danced in a circle. The costume worn by the dancers is that of the Kujawy region.

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Polish national dances

POLONEZ

The Polonez, or Poland Dance of 18th century nobility, has its roots in the 17th century walking dance Chodzony, which traditionally opened up balls and weddings in country villages throughout Poland. Danced to a slow 3/4 tempo, the partners do not face each other, but rather walk to the music around the ballroom… forward, back, side, often bowing, but always maintaining a formal, stately posture. While the Polonez may be danced wearing a folk costume from any of Poland’s ethnographic regions, it is usually performed with the dancers dressed in Kontusze, the costume of the Polish Nobility of the 17th century.

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Polish national dances

OBEREK

The Oberek originated in the Mazowsze region of central Poland in the 17th century, and was played by small village bands dominated by the violin, along with an accordion or bass, and a drum. With its quick tempo, 3/4 timing it soon became popular in almost all of the regions of Poland. The Oberek is a lively dance with turns and twirls, and the occasional lifting of both women and men. Folk costumes from many regions of Poland are associated with the Oberek, though the Łowicki costume is favored by many dance troupes.

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Polish national dances

MAZUR

The Mazur originated in the Mazowsze region of central Poland in the 16th century, and by the 17th century was danced in villages throughout Poland. With its quick 3/4 tempo accented on the 2nd or 3rd beat, and intricate steps heel clicking, slides, and running steps, it soon found its way to the Polish Court. As a result, you will often find the Mazur danced in different ways to different types of music, from the delicate Mazur of the peasants (in regional folk costumes), to the military style Mazur of the Uhlans (soldiers in uniform, ladies in ball gowns). The Mazur also found its way into operas, like this one from the Polish Opera Halka by famed composer Stanisław Moniuszko. It is an example of a military Mazur. (The costumes are Kontusze.)

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Polish national dances

KRAKOWIAK

The Krakowiak originated in the southern Polish city of Kraków, Poland’s capital in the 16th century. Known as the Polish dance, the Krakowiak has a 2/4 timing, and is danced in groups, often forming intricate formations, like stars. The steps include shuffling, running, and heel clicking. The costume of Kraków is the one that is most identified with Poland.

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Polish national dances

KRAKOWIAK

POLONEZ

Polish children dancing two national dances: Polonez and Krakowiak

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