Dance of Freedom
There were myriad regional folk dances enjoyed all over Poland over the centuries; the most majestic, the polonaise, found its way to noble houses and the royal court in the 18th century, where it became the standard opener of all important balls. And it has lost none of its popular appeal: most of us have danced it at least once during the school prom, and it has given its name to a make of car and even a brand of vodka.
The fascinating story of Poland’s national dance is revealed by the “Cracovia Danza” Court Ballet during their performance It’s Time for the Polonaise, premiering on 9 October at the Variété Theatre. We will see it in many interpretations, from proud, distinguished 17th-century versions, via elegant steps straight out of 19th-century balls at Parisian, Viennese or Petersburgian salons, to ballet forms created especially for theatre stages. Choreographies by Romana Angel, Dariusz Brojek and Leszek Rembowski have been set to music by composers such as G.P. Telemann, Michał Kleofas Ogiński and Stanisław Moniuszko. The premiere forms a part of the celebrations of the centenary of Poland’s independence.
(Justyna Skalska, “Karnet” monthly)
