Stella Polonia
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Stella Polonia is a Polish folk song and dance ensemble group associated with the Our Lady Queen of Poland Parish in Toronto, Canada. The group has been founded in 2004 by Fr. Miroslaw Frankowski with Ewa and Tadeusz Wierzbicki.
Stella Polonia's repertoire includes all Polish national dances as well as an excellent selection of Polish regional dances and songs. All arrangements are based on authentic folk elements which have been adapted for stage performance. Dance performances are interweaved with folk songs and instrumentals, which allow for a variety of programs, ensuring that each performance is a unique experience for the audience. Polish folklore represents a rich cultural heritage, and each dance and song is performed in costumes that belong to that specific region. Costumes used by Stella Polonia have been custom-made and incorporate original designs and concepts by Ewa Wierzbicka and Fr. Miroslaw Frankowski.
Although the group is relatively young, it had performed on more than 100 occasions to date. Stella Polonia has given concerts throughout Canada, USA and Mexico and has always been very well received by its audiences. Their performances have been featured on Canadian, US and Polish television channels, as well as can be heard on their CD recording and seen on a custom DVD. Currently, the group has approx. 120 active members, which includes dancers in five age groups, musicians and support persons.
Stella Polonia is actively involved in charitable activities, giving free performances for seniors and organizing humanitarian aid for orphanages in Poland. In addition to cultivating Polish heritage, the members of the group also proudly represent the Canadian multiculturalism.