Donna Marie Skurski has been the Dance Instructress of the Opole Dance Group since September 1975.

Donna has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance-Theatre from Marygrove College and was a member of their dance company, "Dance Detroit'. Donna had the opportunity to perform two seasons with the Michigan Opera Company and also perform in many musicals and ballets. Her most memorable performance was being selected as a featured soloist in the ballet "Rhapsody". In her senior year, Marygrove's Dance Company performed their first of many performances of the Nutcracker accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Donna's interest in Polish Dance and culture has taken her to Poland to further her studies in the national and regional folk dances of Poland. She has studied under the dance masters themselves, spending several summers in Lublin, Poland.

Donna's vast knowledge of Polish dance and culture has prepared her and her husband to successfully take charge of the Wawel Folk Ensemble. The troupe has participated in dance workshops around the United States, and also in the World Folk Festival in Rzeszow, Poland in 1980, '83, '89, '96, '99, and will be returning again this summer.

Donna has received numerous awards. In October 2003 Donna received the Polish Heritage Award given annually by the Polish Heritage committee of St. Hyacinth's Parish, along with her husband Tom. In April 2002, Donna also was recognized by the Warren Cultural Commission, and received the Fine Arts Award in Dance. In October 1996, she received the Kosciusko Medal from the Central Citizens Committee of Hamtramck. The recipients are selected by the committee for their contributions to Polonia and preservation of Polish culture.

Since 1994, Donna has served on the Board of Directors of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas; 6 years as Secretary and currently as their Treasurer. This past December, Donna fulfilled her life long dream and received her Elementary Teaching Certification. Congratulations Donna!!

Polish Roman Catholic Union of America

info@prcua.org