"Dąbrowiacy" at the Beskidy Culture Week
On the 25th –27th of July, the Academic Dance Ensemble of the Silesian University of Technology "Dąbrowiacy" participated in the 63rd Beskidy Culture Week – one of the largest and most prestigious international folk-art festivals in Poland. For years, the event has been bringing together folk groups from Poland and abroad, creating a unique space for presenting traditions, exchanging experiences and meetings of folk culture enthusiasts.
A group of over 40 dancers and musicians presented the audience with a rich repertoire including dances and songs from Kraków, Zagłębie and Silesia. Multi-coloured, embroidered, and decorated costumes, feathers on four-cornered hats, and rich wreaths with fluttering ribbons created a spectacle that delighted not only with its artistic level, but also with the richness of the Polish cultural heritage.
The Ensemble performed at concerts in the Amphitheatre in Wisła, the Skalite Amphitheatre in Szczyrk and at the Makowianka Stage in Maków Podhalański, where they were very warmly received by the gathered audience. The young artists received special support from a large group of the ensemble's alumni who came to perform at concerts in various festival locations. Former members of "Dąbrowiacy" supported their successors with great commitment, creating a unique atmosphere and showing once again that the bonds built within the team remain alive for many years.
An integral part of the performances was also the group's music band, which presented an extremely diverse repertoire of Polish folk music. Their performances included poleczkas, kujawiaks, obereks, and krakowiaks from various regions of Poland. The musicians not only accompanied the dancers during the concerts, but also enhanced the festival with outdoor concerts, popularizing the richness of Polish musical tradition among participants from around the world.
In addition to the concerts, "Dąbrowiacy" actively participated in numerous events accompanying the festival, such as processions, dances, and integration meetings. This was the group's fourth participation in the Beskidy Culture Week, and this year's edition became another opportunity to promote Polish folklore and the artistic achievements of the Silesian University of Technology.
The participation in the event also had an international dimension. The band members made new acquaintances and friendships with artists representing countries such as Mexico, Turkey, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States. Joint concerts, processions, and meetings showed that music, dance, and folklore are a universal language that connects people regardless of origin and culture.
Participation in the 63rd Beskidy Culture Week was not only another important artistic experience for the "Dąbrowiacy" group, but also an opportunity to proudly represent the Silesian University of Technology and promote the beauty of Polish folk culture on the international stage.
Author, photos Barbara Lisiecka
