Our Przeworsk suite includes dances from the southeastern region of Poland. Crisscrossed by trade routes and shifting borders, this region is noted for its diversity of dances, five of which we will perform today. First is the polka Przeworska, often called the “wściekła” or wild polka for its tight spins and slowly increasing tempo. Next is the Bandoska; the name comes from the feminine form of the Polish word for a migrant worker. Third is the Gacok, named for the region around the village Gać. The Żyd, or Jewish person, is a dance invented after watching Jewish communities dance, and finally is the Zmieniana, which comes from the word “zmieniać” or ‘to change” because partners change places in mid-dance.

Polka Warszawska

The Polka Warszawska, or Polka from Old Warsaw, is set in post World War I Warsaw and tells the story of farm boys who have come from the country side to the big city to have fun and dance with the local women. Being working class people, they poke fun at high society, dancing exaggerated parodies of the Tango and Waltzalongside their native Polkas.  Our own Megan Mongird was a main choreographer of this dance.  

Żywiec Suite

These popular dances come from mountain range Beskid Żywiecki. These distinctive dances are characterized by light footwork throughout as the men attempt to outperform each other when they get their solo dances in the suite.

Białe Podlasie Suite

Originating in the Eastern part of Poland, these dances often have a Ukrainian influence in their music and style. Characterized by a variety of polkas, Białe Podlasie features a few folk songs about life and love.

Spisz Suite

The Spisz region borders the Carpathian Mountains in the Tatry Range, just north of Slovakia, near the town of Niedzica. The culture here is affected by its proximity to Hungary and the dances show this influence.