The “Polany” School Song and Dance Ensemble from Kościelisko
21 August 2026 – International Festival of Mountain Folklore, Zakopane – “Mali Górale” Concert
The “Polany” School Song and Dance Ensemble has been an integral part of the Primary School in Kościelisko for 78 years. Founded in 1948 on the initiative of Polish language teacher Helena Knurowska, sister of the renowned Podhale poet Stanisław Nędza-Kubiniec, the ensemble has continuously nurtured and promoted the traditions of the Tatra Highlands.
Today, the ensemble brings together around 70 children aged 6 to 14. For the past 14 years, the school-appointed director and coordinator has been Anna Danuta Michalik, while dance and vocal instruction is provided by Anna Watycha and Bartłomiej Gąsienica Sieczka.
The ensemble’s mission focuses on safeguarding cultural heritage through education. Regional education plays an important role in the school’s curriculum, helping young people preserve the traditional songs, dances, dialect, and customs of Podhale. The group proudly represents Highland folklore at reviews, festivals, and cultural events both in Poland and abroad.
Over the years, members of the ensemble have performed in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, France, and Italy, sharing the unique traditions of the Polish Tatra region with international audiences.
“Polany” has received numerous awards and has been a multiple-time laureate of the Tatra Folklore Review, one of the region’s most prestigious folklore competitions.
