On Saturday 15 June 2024, the Polish Mazury Dance Company celebrated its 75th anniversary at New Wimbledon Theatre.
The show consisted of traditional Polish Folk dances and songs within the story The Wreath of Kindness, which explored themes of heritage and community.
Mazury was joined by the talented Równica group from Ustroń, South Poland; a captivating cooperation on stage that showcased the best of Polish dance.
Accompanied by a live band, and with an audience of over 1,000 people, the atmosphere was exhilarating.
Director of the show, Lucjan Santos, said “It was possibly our most ambitious show” and he and his wife, Zosia Lesiecka, are “immensely proud of the group and of the show that we were able to put on.”
They are also “really proud to have found a way to work with a group abroad” to perform with Mazury.
Brendan Hegarty, a member of the audience and a father to two girls that performed, described the show as “an amazing festival of colour, sound and tradition.”
Every Friday evening, Lucjan Santos and Zosia Lesiecka teach choreography for the traditional dances to the junior, middle and senior groups.
Over the years, Mazury has performed national and regional dances and songs for audiences across the UK and Europe.
Lucjan Santos commented how the purpose of Mazury is “an opportunity for people to practise Polish traditions and keep the culture alive” and is a way to “build a sense of community and family through a fun activity for adults and youth alike.”
The 75th anniversary show demonstrated the vibrant culture of Poland through the magical folk songs and the spectacularly choreographed dances, and showed the hard work of Mazury who brought it together.
