Polonia - Polish Folk Dance Ensemble of Chicago,
USA
Biography of Cecylia Roznowska -
the Grand Marshall of the Polish Constitution Day Parade, 5 May 2007
After completing my high school studies, I was
fortunate to receive both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in cultural
education in Gdansk, Poland. I finished my choreographic studies in Warsaw,
Poland and at the same time took classes that specialized in the distinct dance
and culture of the various regions of Poland. My studies focused on the
traditional folk art and folk dances from throughout Poland. The academic
experience I received in Gdansk was then blended with dance company experiences
I had in Warsaw.
I organized the folk dance ensemble “Warmia”
in 1954. Warmia was allowed to compete in European and other folk festivals
throughout the world. While teaching choreography at the Academy of Choreography
at Lublin University in Lublin, Poland I continued to study folk art and daces.
I taught there for fifteen years.
In 1981, I served as a consultant to Polish folk
groups throughout the United States. While working U.S. groups I learned that
folk dance, integrated with folk music, folk costumes and traditional language
was an integral part of the Polish and Polish American communities.
When I permanently moved to the United States in
1984, I co-founded the Northwest Center of Traditional Polish Folk Dancers in
Chicago, Illinois. This center consists of many groups of dancers. The youngest
begins learning the elements of dance at the age of three, and at the same we
time we teach them Polish heritage, music and traditions. All of our classes are
conducted bilingually. The older students are taught more complex and
challenging dances. The students continue into their teens. I have been
fortunate to teach choreography to all of our age groups.
Parents strengthen their own understanding of
Polish heritage while enjoying their children’s performances. The
Northwest Center of Traditional Polish Folk Dancers is frequently invited to
community activities where we perform a portion of, or the main part of, ethnic
or heritage programs. Such performance venues range from small community
centers, to suburban libraries and park district facilities to Chicago’s Navy
Pier.
We have participated in programs throughout the
world, strengthening the image of the State of Illinois as a supporter of folk
art, traditional dance and choreography. In 1994, my groups performed in Polish
folk dance festivals in Milwaukee, WI and Winnipeg, Canada, followed by Florida
in 1997. In 1998 and 2000 we performed before Pope John Paul II in Italy and in
Israel. In 2002 the group participated in the CIOFF Festival in Taiwan, in 2003
at the International Children’s Folk Festival in Poland and in 2004 at the
Festival of Nations in Hungary. In 2005 the group was awarded the grand prize at
the Youth Folkloria in Bulgaria and participated in the 11th Annual
Folk Festival in Poland. The two work samples submitted along with this
application where filmed by the organizers of the Euro Folk 2005 Festival in
Bulgaria.
I have been fortunate to receive awards
from the Polish government for my work preserving and spreading Polish
traditional folk dancing and folk art throughout the world. I received gold and
silver medals of merit from the Polish government. I have also received awards
from Mayor Daley, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Illinois State Treasurer
Judy Baar Topinka and letters of congratulations from former Illinois Governor
Jim Edgar.
I believe that “folk music” and “folk dance” are valuable art
forms deserving of recognition and appreciation. Through my work at The
Northwest Center of Traditional Polish Folk Dancers, I am able to share this
image with the Polish American community and others.
Education
1956 -
Choreography Studies, University of Warsaw, Poland.
Master’s
Degree of Choreography.
1954 –
Graduate School of Education in Gdansk, Poland.
Bachelors
and Master’s Degree of Cultural Education.
Work Experience
2006- Created
and taught dance program for “Festidanza” Festival in Peru. Won the main award of the Festival.
2005- Created and taught dance program for Youth Folkloriad Euro Folk in
Losenez, Bulgaria. Won Grand Prix of the Festival.
2005- Prepared program and participated in the 2nd International
Folk Festival in Brusy, Poland.
2004- Participated in the 14th Annual Festival of Nations in
Hungary.
2003- Created
and taught program for the International Children’s Folk Festival in Poland.
2002- Prepared program and participated in prestigious CIOFF Festival I-Lan
in Taiwan.
1998- Invited to perform for the late Pope John Paul UU in Italy and in
Israel.
1997 and 1996- Participated in Polish Folk Dance Festival held in Milwaukee,
WI; Winnipeg, Canada; Miami, Fl.
1981- Visited the United States for the first time as a consultant to Polish
folk groups throughout the country.
1984-2006 – Founder and leading choreographer of the Northwest Center of
Traditional Polish Dancers, Chicago, IL. The Center consists of many smaller
groups such as: “Polonia”, “Mala Polonia”, “Chopin”, “Warmia”,
“Krasnoludki”. The Center has over 240 students ages 3-23. The Northwest
Center of Traditional Polish Dancers performed at many prestigious events, and
was recognized by local politicians and personalities.
1979- Participated as a speaker at the 20th International
Congress of Dance Educators in Paris, France.
1954- Founded the Folk Dance Ensemble “Warmia” in Olsztyn, Poland.
Trained and choreographed the group for 30 years.
Awards and
Recognitions
1984- Gold and
Silver Medal of Merit from Polish Ministry of Culture,
Warsaw, Poland.
1984-2006 – Annual recognition letters from Mayor Daley of Chicago , State
of Illinois. Treasurer Judy Bar Topinka, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas,
Chicago, IL.
2002- Medal of Committee of Nation Education, Poland.
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