Polonez Polish Song & Dance Ensemble, Cambridge, ON

“Polonez” never had written chronicles, so it is very difficult to establish a date when the whole story began … The ensemble probably existed as long as the Boleslaw Chrobry Polish School in Cambridge – since 1932. It associates children and youth from Cambridge and the area. “Polonez” connects the younger generations of Polish-Canadians with their heritage. Since 1992 Mrs. Anna Kreft and Mrs. Ela Baranowska’s leadership shaped today’s Ensemble. The “Polonez” Polish Song and Dance Ensemble in Cambridge has become a very active part of the Polish community’s everyday life. Dancers are present at every celebration held at the Polish Club. They perform for the Independence Day of Poland on November 11th, Constitution of May 3rd Day, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Days, Christmas and many other celebrations. Year after year they are invited for Multicultural Festivals in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, as well as many Polish festivals all over Southern Ontario. In July 2008 and 3 years later in 2011, “Polonez” performed in Poland, as one of over 40 ensembles from all over the world, in the 14th and 15th International Polish Folk Dance Festival in Rzeszów. Through the songs and dances younger generations of Polish – Canadians learn about Polish customs and traditions. They also show their colourful heritage to other Canadians. The Ensemble is made up of dancers from age 5. Children and youth of “Polonez” dance in 3 different groups. Practices are held at the Polish Club in Cambridge: