At the invitation of the Polish Institute in Brussels, the Cracovia Danza Ballet performed at the Polish Day in Brussels picnic on May 7, 2023, presenting fragments of two spectacles. The performance ended with a joint dancing of the Polonaise under the iconic arch in Park Cinquantenaire, one of the most recognizable symbols of Brussels.
Shortly after the official start of the event and Ambassador Rafał Siemianowski’s speech, Ballet Cracovia Danza presented a fragment of the spectacle “Planets Moved by Dance.” This extraordinary interdisciplinary show combining dance, visual arts and music was inspired by Nicolaus Copernicus. The Polish astronomer himself and the allegory of Astronomy appeared on stage. An important element of the show was the exquisite costumes and props.
Another program highlight was the „Alla Polacca” performance, which included a presentation of Polish national dances, customs, and legends. The audience also had the opportunity to learn about elements of the Polish national costume, including the kontusz belt. At the ensemble’s invitation, two audience volunteers tried tying the belt themselves according to the traditional method. The dancers also taught the audience Old Polish bows and proper posture, characteristic of the old Polish nobility.
But the greatest excitement of the audience was a joint polonaise. Cracovia Danza dancers led more than 200 pairs around the square under the monumental arch in Cinquantenaire Park. The Polonaise has been present in European culture for centuries, but it has probably never before been danced by so many people at once in Brussels – the heart of Europe. This unusual experience helped integrate participants of different nationalities, including those who had no previous experience with Polish culture. It is worth mentioning that Ballet Cracovia Danza is making efforts to have the Polonaise added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Ballet Cracovia Danza, founded by Romana Agnel, is the only professional historical dance ensemble in Poland. Choreographies composed in various styles and techniques, exquisite costumes and excellent music are the characteristics of the Ballet’s performances. The ensemble’s current repertoire includes more than 20 spectacles with themes ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The Cracovia Danza Court Ballet was founded in 2006 as a Municipal Institution of Culture under a resolution of the City Council of Krakow. The Ballet’s activities are supported by the “Ardente Sole” Foundation, which aims to disseminate and promote historical dances and court culture.
FLYING INTO SPACE – TENT OF THE POLISH INSTITUTE IN BRUSSELS
In addition to participating in the main program on stage, the Polish Institute in Brussels also prepared attractions for families. The space photo booth attracted hundreds of people who wanted to take their picture with an astronaut. In the Planetary Nebula Laboratory, artist Dominik Smuzny (Institute B61) created edible models of ephemeral astronomical objects from cotton candy, which he shared with the audience. Among the youngest, face painting in cosmic patterns was the most popular. A visit to the tent was also an opportunity to learn more about the cultural offer of the Polish Institute in Brussels.
The B61 Institute is an international art group belonging to the art & science trend, founded in 2009 in Torun by astronomer, curator, and science popularizer Jan Swierkowski. The B61 Institute is also the name of the fictional research facility where the art activities are set. The institute carries out art & science projects (mainly in the field of astronomy), in the form of immersive site-specific performances at the intersection of theater, multimedia show, happening, concerts, field games and installation.
The day ended with a performance by the group Kwiat Jabłoni. The second edition of Polish Day in Brussels was undoubtedly a huge success due to the numerous participation not only of the Polish community, but above all of Brussels residents of different nationalities, who had the opportunity to learn more about Polish culture and spend a nice time among Poles. The next edition of the event is scheduled for next year.
