Reweaving the Tapestry: A New Polish Rhythm

This event will be presented in both English and Polish to ensure language accessibility for all audiences.

Throughout history, with the resettlement of Polish ancestors to foreign lands, much of contemporary ethnic Polish culture has been shaped with nostalgia at its core – traditions were practiced, memories were kept alive. Conversely, ethnic minorities in Poland also maintained their customs within their adopted homeland for similar reasons.

The great journey by Polish ancestors to foreign shores, especially after World War II, demanded a combination of courage to assimilate into a new life, and an emotional need to retain tradition within a new environment. This set the foundation for the development of a unique community identity, “Polonia”. It set the basis for the way current generations identify and express Polish cultural experience today, with nostalgia for many at its core.

Moving to a foreign country has also been an experience for ethnic minorities in Poland – either due to borders shifting, or as descendants of travellers centuries ago. In turn, they too have maintained their identity through practicing tradition through song and dance.

As time has passed, relationship to the ancestral homeland by ensuing generations has also changed. In contemporary society today, the interweaving of current music and dance on the world stage has affected the traditional folk music and dance scene – the youth of today find renewed vigour and excitement with the production of new beats to traditional melodies. The ‘Disco Polo’ movement has found a strong following. With globalisation of music, traditional melodies have evolved into new sounds and rhythms, reinvigorating and reimagining a new folk identity for the current generation.

In this concert, join the excitement of today’s youth, experience the memories of yesteryear, and enjoy the dance and music practiced by ancestors in the old homeland.