Dunajec Polish Song & Dance Ensemble
Dunajec’'s name originates from the Dunajec River that flows through the country of Poland. 156 miles long, rising in the Carpathians, south of Poland, it flows northeast, past Nowy Sącz into the Vistula River. The dances of Dunajec represent the Dunajec River in beauty, grace, and vivacious spirit.
Over the years, Dunajec has performed at various charitable functions, weddings, parties, nursing homes, schools, political conventions, civic activities, recitals, local churches, and at numerous festivals in the states of Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin. Some of these performances have included the Detroit Art Festival and Oakland University’s International Night. Dunajec has even traveled to Winnipeg, London and Windsor and Toronto in Ontario, as well as Rzeszow in Poland to perform for International Folk Festivals. In addition to the adult group, Dunajec, there is a group for younger dancers called Mireczki and a group for younger teens called Maly Dunajec.
Dedicated in culture, they also perform for well known religious and national holidays of Poland. All these performances enrich their lives with the traditions and memories of their ancestors. Their repertoire includes all five National dances of Poland along with culturally enriching songs and dances form the various regions of Poland.
Dunajec was first founded by Father Miroslaw Frankowski, a Society Christ Priest at Our Lady of Częstochowa in Sterling Heights, MI. The first artistic director was Barbara Dąbrowska, and soon after, Andrzej Kapiciak followed by preparing the first choreography for Duanjec. Currently, the director of the group is Elzbieta Gramek, who works alongside choreographer, Tomasz Kielar. Tomasz, who has been teaching Dunajec for 6 years, has completed various professional choreography courses in both Poland and the United States in order to create spectacular performances for all audiences to enjoy.
Dunajec Fast Facts
Founded: 1999
Location: Sterling Heights, Michigan
Current Choreographer
Tomasz Kielar
Current Director
Elzbieta Gramek
Past Choreographers
Barbara Dabrowska
Andrzej Kapiciak
Sandro Barbosa
Aleksandra Koziatek
Monica Jedrzejowska