Folk For Life 2024

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Folk for Life is a social Polish folkloric dance class initiative hosted and run by Yvonne Kower and supported by Polish Folkloric Ensemble 'Syrenka'.

This social dance class occurs on the first Wednesday of each month at the Polish Club Ashfield's Salon starting at 8:00pm.

This class is for all adults aged 18+ who want to revisit their past dancing days and reignite their passion of Polish folk dancing all whilst having fun without any performance requirements. Former and current dancers from all Sydney-based, interstate, and international Polish folkloric ensembles are welcome. Previous experience in Polish folk dance is not a requirement, and newcomers are welcome.

Dancers are requested to wear non-restrictive clothing, and shoes you can dance in. Bring a drink bottle, and a towel.

Class structure:

8pm: Class starts with a gentle warm-up, easy step work, and short dance sequences that are low impact including: polonaises, waltzes, and elements from regional dances.

9pm: Polish Folkloric Ensemble Syrenka's music director Pan Scislowski joins class and accompanies with his accordion building upon the short sequences.

Upcoming dates:

• 3rd April, 8-10pm

• 1st May, 8-10pm

Cost: $20/lesson via bank transfer on the night

About Yvonne Kower

Yvonne is a dance graduate from the Laban Centre London, LISPA, UMCS Poland (Folklore), and has trained with theatre practitioners from Gardzienice, Song of the Goat Theatre, and Teatr Zar.

For over 30 years Yvonne has trained actors, dancers and gymnasts, curated video and dance festivals, and works as an actor. Awarded the Master of Art from UNSW in video dance, her work has been televised, won awards, and she has presented at conferences nationally and overseas.

Her passion for folklore started started with Polish dancing classes at a young age with the Polish Folkloric Ensemble 'Syrenka', whereby she returned many years later as its Artistic Director, expanding its repertory and its authentic imported costume collection. She has also facilitated voice and choreographic workshops for a number of other Polish folkloric ensembles throughout Australia.

As part of her dance research, Yvonne has visited many ethnographic museums throughout Poland, and studied with ethnochoreographers in their home villages, where they shared the detailed history of embroidery and costuming in their personal collections. The geometric, intricate and colourful patterning has stimulated her to create folk inspired artworks that have a regular rhythm at its core.

Further information >> https://polishclub.sydney/folkforlife/