Janosik's Recent Events
2023 Events
Photos below: Mercer County Cultural Festival | Pine Island (NY) Onion Festival | 100th Birthday Celebration | Pulaski Day Parade
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2022 Events
Photos below: Mercer County Cultural Festival | Polish American Festival and Country Fair, Czestochowa Doylestown, PA
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2021 Events
Photos below: Interview about 50th Anniversary of Janosik, Polonia TV | Pulaski Day Parade, Philadelphia
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2019 Events
Photos below: International Spring Festival, Lansdale, Pa. | Mercer County Cultural Festival, N.J. | Polish American Festival Fundraiser. Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church Merchantville, N.J. | Polish Heritage Festival. East Brunswick, N.J. | Port Richmond Pierogi Fest | The 2019 Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, New York, N.Y. | Pulaski Day Parade
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2018 Events
Photos below: World Dance Day, Philadelphia, Pa. | Polish Constitution Day, Doylestown, Pa. | Private Wedding, Bensalem, Pa. | Perkins Center for the Arts. Collingswood, N.J. | Pulaski Day Parade
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2017 Events
The 2017 Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, New York, N.Y. | JANOSIK DANCERS 45TH ANNIVERSARY ALUMNI REUNION. Philadelphia, Pa. | Montgomery County Community College International Night, Blue Bell, Pa. | PENN CHARTER SCHOOL. Polish dance demonstration and teaching session. Philadelphia, Pa. | St. Hedwig's Polish Festival, Wilmington, Del. | Pulaski Day Parade | Polonaise Ball, Hazelton, Pa.
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2016 Events
International Spring Festival, Lansdale, Pa. | Polish Constitution Day, Doylestown, Pa. | Mercer County Cultural Festival, N.J. | St. Hedwig's Polish Festival, Wilmington, Del. | Pulaski Day Parade
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2015 Events
Photos below: International Spring Festival, Lansdale, Pa. | Montgomery County Community College International Night, Blue Bell, Pa. | St. Hedwig's Polish Festival, Wilmington, Del. | Pulaski Day Parade | Second Annual Polish Poppy Arts Festival & Beer Garden | Historic Bristol Day, Bristol Pa.
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2014 Events
Photos below: Nutcracker Market, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts | St. Hedwig's Polish Festival, Wilmington, Del. | Live taping of the Jimmy Sturr Show, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre | Pulaski Day Parade | First Annual Polish Poppy Arts Festival & Beer Garden
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2013 Events
Photos below: World Dance Day, Philadelphia | 48th Annual POLISH-AMERICAN FAMILY FESTIVAL AND COUNTRY FAIR, Shrine of Our Lady of Częstochowa, Doylestown | St. Hedwig's Polish Festival, Wilmington, Del. | Pulaski Day Parade | POCONOS WURST FESTIVAL, Shawnee On Delaware, Pa. | The 40th Annual Ninth Avenue International Food Festival. 9th Avenue and 42nd-57th Sts., New York, N.Y.
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
2012 Events
St. Hedwig's Polish Festival 2012, Wilmington, Del. | Celebrate Us—Celebrate Schuylkill, Pottsville, Pa. | Poconos Wurst Festival 2012, Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pa. | World Dance Day 2012, Philadelphia, Pa. | Workshop with Zofia Czechlewska with PAFDC and PKM, Brooklyn, N.Y.
2009 events | 2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events | 2015 events | 2016 events | 2017 events | 2018 events | 2019 events | 2021 events | 2022 events | 2023 events
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT THE ST. HEDWIG POLISH FESTIVAL 2012
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT "CELEBRATE US! CELEBRATE SCHUYLKILL" OUTDOOR FESTIVAL 2012
September 15, 2012. Yuengling Festival featuring live music, dancers, theatre, food, drink, and International themed exhibits in the beautiful gardens of the historic Yuengling Mansion. The weather was perfect. Janosik presented dances in Cieszyn costume. Food and vendors also were available. Audience members were appreciative — a few were even spotted with tears — as Janosik performed dances from such regions as Cieszyn, Kurpie, Beskid, and Tatra Mountains, as well as national dances Polonez, Kujawiak and Oberek.
Presented by Schuylkill County Council for the Arts.
Photographs courtesy Tom Blair.
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT THE POCONOS WURST FESTIVAL 2012
June 14, 2012. Nicknamed the "Oktoberfest in July," Poconos Wurst Festival featured music by Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Joe Stanky & the Cadets, and the Chardon Polka Band. Polka dancing, food, strolling musicians, biergarten, and games were all there to take part in. Audiences were treated to three performance sets by Janosik. And to top it off, one of Janosik dancers actually performed for two — while carrying a child into her 8th month of pregnancy! Now that is impressive!
Photographs courtesy Tom Blair.
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT WORLD DANCE DAY 2012
April 29, 2012. Dance enthusiasts worldwide celebrated the annual World Dance Day. This was Philadelphia’s third year participating in World Dance Day, which was founded by UNESCO in 1982 to recognize the joy of movement. This year’s event, organized by 954 Dance Movement Collective, transformed the Piazza at Schmidts in Northern Liberties into a public dance arena for professionals, amateurs, children, and general dance enthusiasts. The event featured area dancers and groups, and held short classes of various dance styles. Dancers from a wide range of styles performed, including an Armenian suite performed by the Monique Legaré International Dance Company, Hula, Hip Hop and contemporary.
Wearing costumes from Opoczno, Janosik performed dances from Cieszyn, Kurpie, Tatra Mountains, Beskid Mountains and thelyrical dance, “Kujawiak Niebieski.”
Photos courtesy Christine McNaull.
WORKSHOP WITH ZOFIA CZECHLEWSKA AT STUDIO OF POLISH AMERICAN FOLK DANCE COMPANY
February 25, 2012. By the invitation of Mariusz Bernatowicz, Executive Director of Polish American Folk Dance Company in Brooklyn, Janosik had a rare opportunity to take a day-long workshop with Zofia Czechlewska. Mrs. Czechlewska has been with "Śląsk" dance company for over 30 years where she was a dance soloist and also an assistant director of a ballet and has been working with known choreographers and with other Polish folk dance groups. Members of PKM of Philadelphia also shared the workshop. Mrs. Czechlewska worked on technique of national dancess such as Kujawiak and Mazur, choreographies and general posture. It was a wonderful experience to be a part of and to dance with and meet fellow Polish dancers. She was an outstanding teacher. And although we were quite exhausted by the end of the day, we were more than fulfilled. Dziękuje Pani Zofia!
Photos courtesy Christine McNaull.
2011 Events
Fortieth Anniversary Celebration | Ninth Avenue International Food Festival 2011, New York, N.Y. | Poconos Wurst Festival 2011, Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pa. | Polish American Festival at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa
2009 events | 2010 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events
JANOSIK DANCERS CELEBRATE THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY
October 16, 2011. In October 1971 Morley Leyton gathered some talented folk dancers from colleges such as Swarthmore and Temple, taught them dances and songs, and Janosik Polish Dance Ensemble was born. Their first trip to Poland took place less than a year after its founding and produced award-winning performances. Forty years later, alumni from across the country and current members came together to reminisce, dance, sing, eat, and drink at the Flourtown Country Club. There was a special memory cake created by one of the original members, Geoffrey Selling. Commemorative films and videos of new repertoire were presented, one of them pointing out the staying power of many of Janosik’s dancers. The party goers had fun recalling — and carrying out — choreographies that they hadn’t done in years. Some things you never forget! Although founder Morley Leyton couldn’t be there in body, he was most definitely there in spirit!
Photos courtesy Robert McNaull.
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT THE POCONOS WURST FESTIVAL 2011
July 16, 2011. Back by popular demand, Janosik entertained the festival-goers with sets of national and regional dances. In costumes from the Kaszuby region, they opened with the debut of the Kaszuby suite of dances, including Koseder, Maruszka, and ending with the lively Dzek. Other regions represented were Wielkopolska, Cieszyn, Beskid Ṥląsk, Tatra mountains, and Nowy Sącz. All the national dances were presented: Polonez, Krakowiak, Kujawiak, Oberek, and Mazur.
Once again we were thrilled to share the entertainment area with wonderful polka bands including Eddie Derwin and the Polka Naturals. And the food and beer was delicious as always.
Photos courtesy Julian McNaull.
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT THE NINTH AVENUE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL 2011
May 14, 2011. Janosik had a wonderful audience of hungry and appreciative New Yorkers at the Annual 9th Avenue International Food Festival. Aromas from an international menu filled the air as dances from various countries and time periods filled the stage. In Krakowski costumes the dancers performed the Polonez, Mazur and regional dances from Kurpie, the Tatra Mountains, Nowy Sącz, and the Beskid Mountains. Janosik managed to complete their show before the rains hit. It was quite windy towards the Krakowiak finale! The event was presented by the Ninth Avenue Association.
Photographs courtesy Mary Lindberg.
JANOSIK DANCERS PERFORM AT THE POLISH AMERICAN FESTIVAL AND COUNTRY FAIR 2011
September 4, 2011. Janosik returns to the main stage at the Polish Festival at Our Lady of Częstochowa alternating suites with PKM of Philadelphia, as they've done many times in the past.
PKM opened with an elegant Polonez. Then Janosik began the first half with some white voice singing as ladies presented
“Hej Bystra Woda” followed by “Jurgów” and dances from Upper Silesia. This lead into 3 suites of dances: one from Cieszyn, one from Wielkopolska and one from Kaszuby. PKM also presented a suite from Łowicz, traditional folk songs, Kujawiak Oberek, romantic patriotic songs, and a Krakowiak.
Of the repertoire from Janosik in the second half there were national dances Mazur, Kujawiak Niebieski performed by the ladies, Kujawiak and Oberek, a suite of dances from Rzeszów, and Cięta Polka from Nowy Sącz. From PKM there was a suite from Wielkopolska, sing-along songs, and a suite from Nowy Sącz. PKM joined Janosik in a swirling finale Krakowiak.
At left is an excerpt of the Kaszuby suite, a dance known as “Dzek.”
Video courtesy Robert McNaull.
2010 Events
Wianki on the Mall 2010, Washington, D.C. | Onion Festival 2010, Pine Island, N.Y. | St. Hedwig's Polish Festival 2010, Wilmington, De. | Poconos Wurst Festival 2010, Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pa.
2009 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events
JANOSIK AND MICHAS DANCERS PERFORM AT CAPITOL BUILDING
at WIANKI ON THE MALL 2010,
Summer Solstice Festival of Wreaths on the Feast of St. John
The United States Capitol Building was the backdrop for the annual wianki celebration which took place on a steamy June 26 in Washington, D.C. The Janosik Polish Folk Dance Ensemble, the Michas Dancers from Virginia Beach, and the Brothers-in-Law Plus Band provided the entertainment for the evening’s festivities.
Janosik, under the direction of Monique Legaré, performed the national dances of the Polonez, Krakowiak, Kujawiak, Oberek, and Mazur as well as dances from the regions of Kurpie, Sląsk, Podhale, and Nowy Sącz. Wearing authentic Cieszyn costumes, the audience enjoyed the colors and the intricate dance patterns as the sun was setting in the background.
The Michas Dancers, under the direction of Mike Levinsky, wore the popular Rzeszów costumes and performed crowd-pleasing playful dances and songs from the regions of Rzeszów, Wielkopolska, Kaszuby and Łowicz.
Levinsky led a Grand Polonez which included audience participants. A wianki dance presented by the Michas Dancers culminated the dance presentations and was a fitting introduction to the actual wianki procession of white-robed unmarried girls and the ceremonious laying of their wreaths at the reflecting pool.
The Brothers-in-Law Plus Band returned this year to provide traditional and contemporary Polish and multi-cultural folk music during the entire celebration.
The wianki celebration was sponsored by the Polish-American Arts Association of Washington, D.C.
Photographs courtesy Eric Newton Photography.
ONION FESTIVAL 2010, featuring the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Pine Island, N.Y.
September 5, 2010, PLAV Post 16. Audiences danced to the sounds of the 18-time Grammy-Award-winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra and were treated to two performance sets by Janosik. The Janosik dancers began wearing costumes from Rzeszów, and presented national dances, such as the mazur, kujawiak and oberek, and dances from Kurpie and Rzeszów in the first set. Then they returned wearing costumes from the Krakow region and presented dances from the Beskid and Tatra mountains, a brigand's dance from Żywiec, and Nowy Sącz's lively "Cięta Polka." The group premiered a new swirling Krakowiak finale to their show. The weather was warm and the music was fabulous.
Photographs courtesy Christine McNaull.
ST. HEDWIG'S POLISH FESTIVAL 2010
September 18, 2010, Riverfront Wilmington, Del. St. Hedwig Parish presented festivities and food under the tents. The dancers performed national and region dances of Poland, ending with a new Krakowiak finale.
Entertainment continued with the Mass Brass band.
Photographs courtesy Mary Lindberg.
POCONOS WURST FESTIVAL 2010, Shawnee on Delaware, PA
July 17, 2010. Nick-named the "Oktoberfest in July," Poconos Wurst Festival featured music by Jimmy Sturr Orchestra and Joe Stanky & the Cadets, polka dancing, food, strolling musicians, biergarten, and games. Audiences were treated to three performance sets by Janosik.
Photographs courtesy Beth Yancoskie.
2009 Events
"DOŻYNKI" Harvest Festival 2009, Philadelphia, Pa. | Onion Festival 2009, Pine Island, N.Y. | Poconos' Wurst Festival 2009, Shawnee on Delaware, Pa. | Wianki on the Mall 2009, Washington, D.C. | Memorial Day 2009, Somerton, Pa. | Polish Folk Dance Party, Willow Grove, Pa.
2010 events | 2011 events | 2012 events | 2013 events | 2014 events
"DOŻYNKI" HARVEST FESTIVAL 2009, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Polish American Congress Eastern Pennsylvania District and the Polish American Cultural Center Museum sponsored the celebration as part of Polish American Heritage Month of October. Festivities took place at St. Adalbert Auditorium in the Port Richmond neighborhood in Philadelphia.
Janosik was joined by more entertainers with performances by
P.K.M. Polish Folk Dancers,
St. Adalbert Polish Language School, and
Polish Scouts "Harcerstwo." Music Box Band provided live music for listening and dancing.
Great food and a fun time was had by all ages.
Photographs courtesy Kathleen Colduvell.
ONION FESTIVAL 2009, featuring the Jimmy Sturr Orchestra, Pine Island, N.Y.
September 6, PLAV Post 16. Audiences danced to the sounds of the 18-time Grammy-Award-winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra and were treated to two performance sets by Janosik. The Janosik dancers wore costumes from Krakow and presented national dances in the first set. Then they returned wearing costumes from the góralski or mountain regions and presented dances from the Beskid and Tatra mountains, and Nowy Sącz regions. The group appended a special polka number for Jimmy Sturr fans to conclude their show. The weather was warm and the music was fabulous.
Photographs courtesy Mary Lindberg, Arthur Rosenfeld, and Ted Smolanowicz.
POCONOS' WURST FESTIVAL 2009, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area
July 18, Shawnee on Delaware. German Oompa-pa Bands, Polish Polka Bands, German & Polish crafts and dancers plus all of the wursts, wieners, kielbasa, pierogies, ethnic vendors and crafted brews were enjoyed by attendees in this Oktoberfest in July — the annual Poconos' Wurst Festival. Audiences under the tent enjoyed polkas and obereks by such bands as the 18-time Grammy-Award-winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra and Eddie Derwin & the Polka Naturals, and saw three performances by Janosik. The Janosik dancers wore costumes from Krakow and among the dances presented were a suite from Wielkopolska, a song from Jurgów, national dances of the Krakowiak and the Mazur, and a dance from Kurpie. The group appended a special polka number for Jimmy Sturr fans to conclude each of their shows.
Photographs courtesy Mary Lindberg and Ted Smolanowicz.
JANOSIK AND MICHAS DANCERS PERFORM AT LINCOLN MEMORIAL
at WIANKI ON THE MALL 2009,
Summer Solstice Festival of Wreaths on the Feast of St. John
The solemn Lincoln Memorial, the august Washington Monument and the serene reflecting pool were the backdrops for the annual wianki celebration which took place on June 20 in Washington, D.C. The Janosik Polish Folk Dance Ensemble, the Michas Dancers from Virginia Beach, and the Brothers-in-Law Plus Band provided the entertainment for the evening’s festivities.
Janosik, under the direction of Monique Legaré, performed the national dances of the Polonez, Krakowiak, Kujawiak, and Mazur as well as dances from the regions of Kurpie, Sląsk, Podhale, and Nowy Sącz. Wearing authentic Krakowiak costumes, the audience was mesmerized by the colors and the intricate dance patterns as the Washington Monument loomed in the background.
The Michas Dancers, under the direction of Mike Levinsky, wore the popular Rzeszów costumes and performed crowd-pleasing playful dances and songs from the regions of Rzeszów, Wielkopolska, Kaszuby and Łowicz.
The directors from both groups led a Grand Polonez which included at least 75 audience participants. A wianki dance presented by the Michas Dancers culminated the dance presentations and was a beautiful prelude to the actual wianki procession of white-robed unmarried ladies and the ceremonious laying of their wreaths at the reflecting pool.
An essential part of any Polish celebration, the Brothers-in-Law Plus Band provided toe-tapping traditional and contemporary Polish and multi-cultural folk music during the entire celebration. The culmination of the evening featured a song-fest with members of the audience singing favorite Polish folk songs that are beloved by all Poles.
The wianki celebration was sponsored by the Polish-American Arts Association of Washington, D.C.
Photographs courtesy Marianne Miserandino, Stasia Skrypczuk, Ted Smolanowicz, and Beth Yancoskie.
CELEBRATION OF POLISH FOLK DANCE AND MUSIC
On May 3, 2009, the Janosik Polish Folk Dance Ensemble sponsored a Polish folk dance party at the Professional Dance Academy in Willow Grove, PA.
Festivities included group instruction of regional dances from Lublin, Cieszyn, and Nowy Sącz as well as the national dance, the Polonez, by artistic director, Monique Legaré.
Participants were invited to wear traditional Polish costumes and footwear and participate in the costume parade. Costumes from the regions of Krakow, Rzeszów, Lublin, Cieszyn, Opoczno, Wielkopolska, Kaszuby, Kujawy, Mazury, Podhale, and Łowicz were all represented.
A highlight of the afternoon’s celebration included a performance by the ensemble of the Krakowiak, the Kołomajki, and dances from Wielkopolska.
As part of any Polish celebration, traditional Polish cookies, cakes, and rolls, as well as other light fare were enjoyed by all.
If you are interested in either attending Janosik’s training class or in having the group perform at your function, please call our Business Manager, Ann Louise Pyzik-Colduvell at 215-295-9330.
Photographs courtesy of Dan Edelman and Arthur Rosenfeld.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE IN SOMERTON, PA
On May 25 Janosik helped Philadelphia's Mayor Nutter celebrate the day of remembrance of the United States' fallen soldiers. Weather was beautiful and the parade pleased the crowds. Janosik has been participants of this parade for many years.
Photographs courtesy Ted Smolanowicz.