WAWEL
FOLK ENSEMBLE
Detroit, Michigan
The
Ensemble was founded in 1965 as the first adult
Polish exhibition troupe in the Detroit Metropolitan
area. With a keen eye to authenticity in costume
and dance, Wawel has increased its technical
excellence and collection to program material
with each passing year.
The
Ensemble's performances are many and varied
- from featured spots to full-length concerts
and special appearances with full symphony in
concerts of Polish classical music. Wawel is
asked to perform on a regular basis for some
of Detroit area's most prestigious organizations,
and has appeared at Governor's inaugurations,
for Pope John Paul's visit, and was honored
to perform at a special luncheon for former
President Ronald Reaga
n.
As
charter members of the Polish Folk Dance Association
of the North Americas, the group has participated
in each of the U.S. festivals to date. In 1980,
1983, 1989, 1996, and 1999 the troupe attained
worldwide recognition when they performed, and
toured various Polish cities as part of the
Rzeszow International Festivals. In 1986 the
Ensemble was presented with the Oskar Kolberg
Award for strengthening the ties between Polonia
and Poland.
The
Ensemble's current leadership, Tom Skurski -
Director and Donna Skurski - Artistic Director
brings with them well over 30 years of experience
in ballet and Polish folk dancing. They with
the other members of the ensemble strive to
keep their Polish heritage alive.
