News

Mazury perform at Europe Day in Edinburgh

It was an early start for the 20 Mazury members who ventured to Scotland on a chilly May morning! The Company was invited back to beautiful Edinburgh to perform in St.Andrew Square as part of 'Europe Day'- a day celebrating and promoting a variety of cultures. Organised by the European Commission Office in Scotland, over 14 countries were there to showcase the best of Europe. Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, and The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, welcomed those present. Live music and theatre followed from a multitude of performers. Mazury opened with an energetic Oberek, followed by the vibrant Polka Lubelska. Magda Hegarty introduced the Gypsy dance with a rousing rendition of 'Ore Ore'! A traditional Krakowiak and finale finished our set. Thank you to Consul General Tomasz Trafas and his wife for their continued support, particularly to Mrs Anna Trafas for her help both in the run up to and on the day itself.

Mazury at Katyn memorial ceremony

Representatives of Mazury and Polska YMCA laid a wreath at the Katyn Memorial in Gunnersbury Cemetery on Sunday 28 April. The annual ceremony commemorates the 14,500 Polish military officers massacred by the Russians in the Katyn forest west of Smolensk in 1940 and is attended by members of many Polish organisations including the scouts and guides, Polish schools, organisations for former military personnel.

Beck Theatre - annual show 2013

Our 2013 annual show, which took place at the 600-seat Beck Theatre in Hayes, was a sell-out. The audience were amazed by the antics of our junior group in a chimney sweeps' scene, entertained by a squad of incompetent firemen, and as always enjoyed the lively and energetic performances of dances from all regions of Poland - as well as some from areas which now lie outside Poland's borders. The latter included a street scene (reminiscent of Oliver Twist!) and dances from Lwów, and a suite of dances from the area around Kołomyja which now also lies in Ukraine. The repertoire of dances was enhanced by solos and duets by Mazury's talented singers and musicians. As is traditional, our performance culminated in the Krakowiak, which was danced by 24 couples! Congratulations are due in particular to the many new dancers in all three groups who worked very hard over the past 6 months to learn the repertoire.

 

Show programme (PDF 791 kb)

Return to Edinburgh for Scottish-Polish Ball

We were delighted that under the patronage of Polish Consul-General Trafas and his wife, Mazury were invited to return to Edinburgh in February this year, both as guests and to perform at The Scottish-Polish Cultural Association’s annual ball. The event started with speeches by the chairman Mrs Izabella Brodzińska, the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh, Dr Tomasz Trafas and the Lord Lieutenant and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, The Rt Hon Donald Wilson. Following a performance of our Oberek, Sztajerek and Polonez, Mazury lead 150 guests in the first dance, with the magnificent music of Pan Tadeusz’s Polonez ringing through the halls of the Hilton Grosvenor Hotel! Thank you to Mr and Mrs Brodzinscy and to all in the Scottish-Polish Cultural Association for making us feel so welcome. Photo by Alex Ingle

Dozynki in Amersham

Mazury entertained the Polish community in Amersham on Saturday 29 September at the traditional Dozynki to celebrate the end of harvest time. The ceremony, involving the presentation of bread, and the chopping of a sheaf of corn by a newly qualified reaper, was followed by the energetic Rzeszkowskie and the colourful Krakowiak danced by 20 couples. A very entertaining evening was had by all and Mazury were delighted to stay and enjoy dancing to the band. We are pleased to say that we have already been invited to appear again next year!

See photos

End of year show July 2012

The Junior and Middle groups gave an end of year show at Ealing Town Hall's splendid Victoria Hall on Friday 13 July 2012. Parents and friends turned out in force to support them, and they weren't disappointed! The Juniors, some of whom had only been dancing a few weeks, gave a fantastic performance of the Kurpiowskie Tance and Hajduk Żywiecki. The middle group, assisted by a few boys from the senior group, gave a brilliant rendition of the Tańce Żywieckie normally performed by the seniors. Enhanced by some beautiful singing from Magda Hegarty and Basia Behnke, the performance was enjoyed by all. Well done to the Junior and Middle groups and thanks to everyone for all their help in preparing the show.

See photos

Mazury at the UK Festival of Polish Folklore in Cambridge

Mazury performed the Huculskie at the UK Festival of Polish Folklore held at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 24-25 February 2012. This event is held every 2-3 years in different locations around the UK and this year featured 12 groups.

Photos

Mazury Annual Show 2011

A full house at Hampton School theatre on 28 November 2011 saw an entertaining mixture of dancing, singing and sketches - including the revival of the very entertaining Barber and Knifegrinder sketch.  This was the first show under the artistic direction of Zosia Lesiecka and Lucjan Santos-Witkowski.
 

New rehearsal venue from September 2011

Mazury have a new rehearsal venue from September 2011. Rehearsals for all three groups will now take place on Fridays at Ealing Town Hall on the Uxbridge Road, in the newly refurbished dance studio.
Location details:
Ealing Town Hall, New Broadway, Ealing, London, W5 2BY


View Larger Map

Mazury celebrate Poland's EU presidency in Edinburgh

Mazury celebrated with the Polish community in Edinburgh on 2 July 2011 as Poland took over the presidency of the EU. After an overnight coach trip, the group performed twice in St Andrew Square.  "The Polish Day" included music, dance, artistic workshops, exhibitions and food tasting!!
 
 

Pages