Krakowiak

Krakow is well known not only as the site of the old royal capital of Poland, but also as a vibrant center of rich folklore, historic traditions, and arts. Elements of this appear in krakowiak with the dancers arriving in so-called Krakow's cart. As horses are loved in this region, there is always a familiar galloping step prevalent in the dances. The men's costumes are of particular interest with peacock feathers in their hats and strings of metal rings at the belts; a historic reference to an ancient warrior's outfit.

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Kujawiak

Kujawiak is also a natioanl Polish dance from the region of Kujawy after which it is named (the region is in central Poland, on the Mazovian plains) The kujawiak was originally danced with a calm dignity and simplicity, in a smooth flowing manner "reminiscent of the tall grain stalks in the fields swaying gently in the wind." There were no vigorous stamps and no drastic changes of tempo. This style was passed on from generation to generation. Because of its beauty the kujawiak was embraced by the landed gentry and the nobility.

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Mazur

Mazur is regarded as one of the five Polish national dances. Like the Polonaise, it was first danced by peasants in different regional versions. Eventually adopted by Polish noblemen, it had become a national dance. Mazur also became very popular in European courts under the French name of Mazurka. The rhythm of Mazur is well known from Mazurkas created by the famous Polish composer, Frederic Chopin.

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Oberek

Oberek, also known as obertas (common in the 19th century), is the most vivacious and acrobatic of the so-called five national dances (with polonaise, mazur, kujawiak, krakowiak). The oberek originated in the villages of Mazowsze in central Poland; it is danced by couples to instrumental music in triple meter. The name oberek is derived from the verb obracac - to spin.; These names reflect the fast tempo, circular movement, and the whirling character of the dance.  In the national form, the basic "bouncy" step of the oberek which articulates its triple meter may be danced with a partner held in a dance position, with partners apart facing each other, or in solo dancing.  There are more differences between the stylized form and its model; the stage-oriented folk dance groups use many ornamental and acrobatic figures in the main form of the oberek, kneeling, heel clicking, jumping, stamping and double-stamping, lifting the partner (performed by both men and women)

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Polonez

Polonez had been danced by peasants for centuries and was formally called The Walking Dance. Later it gained popularity among Polish noblemen and the name was changed to Polonez. This was when it also became a National Dance, popular in all regions of Poland. The 17th century French chronicler Jan Le Laboureur commented, "Je n'ai vu jamais rien de plus grave, de plus doux, ni de plus respectueux." (I have never seen anything more dignified, more soft, nor more respectful).

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Kurpie

The region of Kurpie in northeastern Poland has only been settled since the 16th century, mostly due to the presence of two vast forests. These two forests were called 'Puszczy Zielona' (Green Wilderness) and 'Puszczy Biala' (White Wilderness). Although the people of this region were forest dwellers, they developed lively and energetic dances not unlike those found in the mountain regions of southern Poland. The dance presented here comes from the more northerly Puszczy Zielona. This particular choreography shows off the variety of steps found in the region, ranging from slow movements to intricate footwork

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Lowicz

Located in Central Poland, the Lowicz region is well known for its colorful costumes and romantic folk dances. These beautiful and richly hand embroidered costumes reflect the atmosphere prevalent in the dances. Various floral motifs on the women's skirts are unique to the different villages of the Lowicz region. Frederic Chopin, the famous Polish composer, was strongly inspired by the folk melodies of this region.

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Lublin

Situated in the eastern part of Poland, the Lublin region is famous for its dynamic dances. The most typical dances of this region are Mach, Polka from Bilograj, Cygan, Folk Waltz, and Oberek. These are presented in the form that was artistically adapted for stage performance. Colorful original costumes are still used in the Lublin region during wedding ceremonies and special village activities.

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Nowy Sacz

This mountainous region of southern Poland is famous for a wide variety of dynamic dances, beautiful melodies, and colorful costumes. Comprised of a boisterous sztajerek and followed by energetic polkas and other dances, this choreographically rich dance suite captures the emotional atmosphere of the region.

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Rzeszow

This suite presents dances from the southeastern part of Poland. The character of the music and dance is more dynamic and richer than in other regions of Poland. There is a wealth of dance steps unknown in other regions. For example, Rzeszow "polkas" are more dynamic and richer in form, and over one hundred of them have been identified by the specialists of Polish folklore. The suite includes a wide selection of this boisterous dance.

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Wielkopolska

The Wielkopolska costume is the representative dress of the area centered around the ancient city of Poznan at the heart of the Greater Poland region. It was once the seat of Boleslaw the Brave who was crowned the first ruler of Poland.

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Zywiec City

The costume of the southern Polish town of Zywiec is colorful and elaborate. It shows many urban influences in its ornate lace-work and eighteenth-century style.

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