Mazur's Repertoire

Mazur is regarded as one of the five Polish national dances. Like most national dances originated with peasants, from the Mazowsze region in east central Poland , was embellished by the social elite into an intricate, elegant, and swift-moving dance form. For the Polish, Mazur was the last reminder of Poland as a once-great nation. In fact, it even became the Polish National Anthem. This dance became immediately widespread after Poland lost its independence. It arrived at the courts of Paris and London and other fashionable gathering places of Western Europe . 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.

Krakowiak is originally from the Cracow area located in the Malopolska region, but over the years became so popular that now it is considered not just a regional dance but it also belongs to the group of national dances. Krakowiak is characterized by the colourful costume, considered as a worldwide symbol of Poland , quick steps, and the brisk, energetic tempo of the music. As horses are loved in this region, there is always a familiar galloping step prevalent in the dance. Because of its exuberance and liveliness, Krakowiak was liked everywhere and as a result spread all over Poland .

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.

The fiery, acrobatic dance with lots of stomps, shouts, jumps and twirls, often paired with the gentle, lyrical and romantic Kujawiak, also ranked as a national dance of Poland . It was originated from the Mazowsze region but it is the only one of the five National Dances to maintain its peasant integrity. It was spread only in the late 19th century. Oberek music is lively, vigorous and fiery. It is joyful and noisy dance with fast tempo and vibrant steps.

The Kaszuby region is part of the Pomeranian region on the Baltic Sea . The  Kashubians being seafaring people have come in contact with many other cultures which have influenced their dances and costumes.

The  Kashubian dances are mostly gentle, joyful and graceful. Although they have many characteristic traits of the dances from the rest of Poland , especially from the neighboring regions of Warmia, Wielkopolska and even Slask, they reveal obvious Swedish and German influences both in music and in dance steps, which imitates the different moods of the sea.

A collection of lively songs and dances from the mountain region of Poland, full of temperament, energy and vigor. These dances are well known for its liveliness and quick tempo intertwined with singing, a lot of parts performed by girls or boys alone. Intricate and precise steps are characteristic in these dances.

Polka is the most popular folk dance in Poland . It has about 100 different variations. Few of the variations are danced by the children, girl and adult group.