Polish Folkloric Ensemble Syrenka

'Syrenka' grew from a Folkloric Dance Group formed in 1968, and established in 1971. Including its major debut at the National Shell Folkloric Festival for the Opening of the Sydney Opera House in 1973, the Ensemble has performed for most Shell Folkloric Festivals, at all PolArt festivals and has travelled throughout Australia. 'Syrenka' also took part in the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The Ensemble has taken part in many competitions throughout NSW and has always gained a place. Year round fundraising and such prize money has enabled the purchase of the group's extensive range of authentic costumes from Poland.

'Syrenka' consists of three different aged groups, and currently has over 100 members. The Ensemble's Artistic Director for the Senior and Intermediate groups, Iwona Kower, is a former member of 'Syrenka' and brings a wealth of experience as a choreographer in community and professional theatre, while the Junior group Artistic Director, Halina Borysiewicz, also danced with 'Syrenka' and has been teaching our youngest how to have fun on stage for years. The Music Director, Jerzy Scislowski, composes music and draws on decades of study, performance and teaching to ensure the group sounds as good as it looks. The group’s current elected President is Filip Kidon, a veteran dancer with Syrenka.

In July of 2002 'Syrenka's' older group of dancers performed at the 12th International Festival of Polish Folkloric Ensembles, held in Rzeszow, Poland.

In 2008 Syrenka celebrated its 40th anniversary with a sold out formal ball catering to over 500 guests and 100 performers.

In December 2009 through January 2010, 'Syrenka' performed in PolArt 2009, a three-yearly Festival of Polish Arts and Culture, featuring the works of Polish artists across Australia and New Zealand, held in Adelaide this time.

Syrenka has also recently participated in numerous local and regional festivals including the World Culture & Arts Festival at the Sydney Town Hall, Canberra Floriade and the 2011 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra.

DANCES

'Syrenka' performs vibrant dances and songs ranging from the graceful to the ribald and wild.

Our repertoire includes:

★ Andrzejki Lubelskie

★ Beskid Slaski

★ Cyganski

★ Kaszubskie

★ Krakowiak Wschodni

★ Kujawiak Oberek

★ Kurpiowskie

★ Leczyckie

★ Lowickie

★ Nowo-Sadeckie

★ Mazur Ulanski

★ Oberek na Pastwisku

★ Opoczynski

★ Podhalanski Goralski

★ Polonez

★ Przeworskie

★ Rzeszowskie

★ Slaski

★ Szalony Folklor

★ Wilamowice

★ Zywieckie

Accepts NSW Creative Kids Vouchers

Accepts NSW Active Kids Vouchers