The Ziemia Żywiecka Folk Group
The current repertoire comprises the following programmes:
Żywiec Highlanders` Programme:
Based on customs, music, songs and dances come from the highlanders of the Beskidy Mountains. Being very dynamic, colourful, imaginative programme, it includes the use of authentic folk instruments: 3,5m long pastoral trumpets called 'trombitas', various horns and pipes. Among dances: THE HORSE (Koń), THE SCUFF (Siustany), THE SPINNING DANCE (Obyrtka), THE HUNGARIAN DANCE (Hajduk).
Choreography: Marek Koźlik, Adam Adamowski, Krystyna Kwaśniewska
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka
At the Kaban`s after farmer`s market
This performance shows a party in a magic tavern close to Żywiec Town with its unique atmosphere. Once the tavern used to be well-known as a place where many inhabitants gathered after the market day for celebrating transactions and fun.
Choreography: Marek Koźlik
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka
St. Laurent`s Bonfires Programme:
It is a performance of an old custom bound up with making great bonfires at the night before St. Laurent`s Day - Wawrzyńcowe Hudy (10th August).
Written down by Maria Romowicz
Choreography: Krystyna Kwaśniewska
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka
Programme: Żywiec Town Famous
The Group presents traditional customs and dances of townspeople and craftsmen. The programme shows their dignity and pride. The dancers wear stunning Żywiec attires. Characteristic dances are: THE ŻYWIEC POLONAISE (Polonez), THE MAZOVIAN DANCE IN ŻYWIEC STYLE (Mazur), THE POLKA DANCE (Polka), WALTZ (walc), QUADRILLE (kadryl), THE HUSSAR DANCE (Huzar), THE DOUBLE GAIT DANCE (Cwajter) and THE SINGLE GAIT DANCE (Półcwajter).
Choreography: Marek Koźlik, Adam Adamowski
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka
Suite of Dances from Kraków area and Zaborów area
Based on traditional dances and songs from the adjacent Kraków area. Its climax a peak is a scene with the famous legendary character of LAJKONIK, one of symbols for Kraków Town.
Choreography: Emil Bytom, Krystyna Kwaśniewska, Konrad Kowalczyk
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka.
Suite of Dances from Lublin area
It shows traditional dances and folk songs from central part of Poland (Lublin Town and its surroundings) such as THE POLKA DANCE (Polka), THE LUBLIN QUICK WALTZ (Walczyk Lubelski), THE FLAP DANCE (Mach), THE WASP DANCE (Osa), THE GYPSY DANCE (Cygan); all performed in lovely costumes from Kszczonów area.
Choreography: Leszek Kędra, Krystyna Kwaśniewska
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka
Suite of Dances from Rzeszów area:
It ranks among the most dynamic and imaginative programmes of the Group. Lively dances of Polka andShtiers as well as joyful folk songs come from Rzeszów area; all performed in beautiful colourful costumes.
Choreography: Edward Hoffman, Krystyna Kwaśniewska
Musical arrangement: Tadeusz Such, Jan Brodka
Dances and folk songs from Łowicz area
The programme comes from a central part of Poland. Dancers in striped folk costumes with rich embroideries of flowery motives. The Group performs melodic folk songs as well as short witty rhymes plaited in lively Polish dances of Polka and Oberek.
Choreography: Jolanta Kutereba
Musical arrangement: Janusz Kazimierczak, Jan Brodka
National Dances
THE POLONAISE DANCE (Polonez) and THE MAZOVIAN DANCE (Mazur); old-Polish dances and songs. Artists act the programme in the clothes of former old-Polish gentry (so-called kontush coats and dresses);
Choreography: Krystyna Kwaśniewska, Piotr Onyszko, Małgorzata Onyszko
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka, Krzysztof Kramek
Others:
THE KUYAWIAN DANCE (Kujawiak) and THE LIVELY POLISH DANCE (Oberek)
Choreography: Krystyna Kwaśniewska.
Musical arrangement: Jan Brodka.