Mazury Dance Company of the Polish YMCA in London was founded in 1949 and today consists of over 120 dancers, singers and musicians in three groups from age 7 upwards. Mazury’s performances over their history range from charity and social events, to shows at prestigious UK and European venues to audiences of thousands. Mazury’s 'Kapela' (folk band) is made up of professional musicians, most of whom have played with the band for over 30 years.
Mazury have appeared on television in over thirty countries, including 'Come Dancing' and a New Year's Day musical show, as well as several popular network game shows. They have performed at most of the main London dance venues, taken part in a Ken Russell film, cut an LP record, recorded a CD and participated regularly in such prestige festivals as the Festival of the Pyrenees, Arundel Castle, the Cheltenham Spring Festival, Charleston Manor, the UK Festival of Polish Folklore, the Festival of the Beskid Mountains, and the Festival of Kasubian Culture in Poland.
Mazury have performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and several other heads of state, and have entertained the Prince and Princess of Wales. In 1992 Mazury took part in the celebrations in Poland marking its return to a free and independent country, and represented Poland at the Foreign Office on the occasion of Poland's entry into the EU. Mazury’s 65th anniversary in 2014 was marked by a sell-out gala performance at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London’s Southbank Centre and a tour to Poland to dance in the Festival of Beskid Culture culminating in a performance at Wawel Castle in Krakow.
Mazury's costume collection consists of over 3,000 items, most of which have been produced by members, families and friends of Mazury. Over the past 6 decades, members of the group have woven materials, sewed and embroidered costumes, made belts, ornamental axes and brooches. Mazury's costumes are available for hire.
People
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Zosia Lesiecka
Zosia became Mazury’s Artistic Director in 2010. She has taken on the role with an enthusiasm and energy that could only have been equalled by her predecessor.
Zosia’s passion for dance started at the age of three when she first began ballet lessons. Officially joining Mazury aged eight, Zosia danced under the watchful eye of her father, Włodek Lesiecki, the group's previous Artistic Director for over 20 years. After finishing her degree in Drama and History of Theatre Arts, Zosia returned to London to assist in teaching the Junior and Middle groups, also running her own ballet and yoga classes.
Zosia is the Programme Director for the Polish YMCA based in Ealing.
INstructor & choreographer
Lucjan Santos Witkowski
Lucjan (known as ‘Lulu’) has been a member of Mazury for 25 years, originally joining on the recommendation of one of his Polish School teachers. Immediately recognising his natural agility and ability as a dancer, Włodek took advantage of Lulu’s gymnastic versatility and invented increasingly difficult solos for him. A skilled Capoeira dancer, Lucjan embraces both his Brazilian and Polish heritage and both countries’ rich dance histories and cultures. He works closely with Zosia in the instruction of all three groups.
Lucjan is a secondary school Assistant-Head teacher, Director of Pastoral Care and teaches science. He is heavily involved in Polish YMCA Youth work, running the annual Summer camps for many years. He is a member of the Mazury Committee and a trustee of the Polish YMCA.
musical director
Jadwiga Słomka
Having danced with Mazury since 2013; Jadwiga Słomka took over from our previous talent and creativity behind much of our music and song, Maryla Kolendo, in 2020 as our Musical Director. With a similar passion and knowledge of folk music and choral arrangments, Jadwiga has kicked off her new role with two large scale virtual choir projects in 2020: the Polish Heritage Days choral arrangement and video of “Barka”; and the film project and choral arrangment for our 80th Anniversary Battle of Britain commemorations.
Jadwiga is a classical Mezzo working with St Paul's Opera, is completing a Masters at UCL in Music Education, whilst also working with choirs of children and young people, utilising the Kodaly technique. She has always had a keen interest in folk music and culture, and specialises in folk inspired classical music from the Romantic era from Czecha, Russia, and Poland, as well as Polish music from World War II and the Communist Era.
Wardrobe mistress
Wisia Saller
Wisia took on the mantle of Wardrobe Mistress when the Polish YMCA first moved from their old Queensway home to their current residency in Ealing . Wisia extensively researches costumes and sources materials to ensure that Mazury's costume collection continues to expand. With over 3000 items, it takes the dedication of a team of volunteers: sewing, embroidering and maintaining the collection. Alongside Wisia is Mazury Committee President, Rysiek Saller, who works tirelessly behind the scenes supporting his wife in her role. As is a common thread within the Mazury 'family', although now retired from dancing herself, Wisia's children and grandchildren span across three groups!