Polish Heritage Dancers of WNY

HISTORY
October, 1997 Michelle Michalski Kisluk began PHD of WNY, after Wiez Dance Ensemble dissolved. Practices began at St. Casimir's Church Hall thanks to Msgr. Kopacz, who allowed the group to use church facilities. October 27, 1997 First performance at Marine Midland Arena for 150th Anniv. of Diocese of Buffalo. Summer, 1997 PHD of WNY became participants in the West Seneca and Pulaski Day Parades. Practices were moved to various places, until we found our current practice area at HMRC. As a non-profit, self-supporting organization, donations from performances, monthly dues and our fundraising efforts are used to cover operational expenses, as well as costuming, music, props, etc. February 22, 1998 PHD of WNY's first Paczki Day Fundraiser! It has grown every year, through the hard work of the relatives and friends of the dancers. We celebrated our 10th annual Paczki Day on Sunday, February 18, 2007 at Hearthstone Manor. We had to move our venue to a larger facility to accommodate the growing attendance. TODAY There are 40 members, ages four through adult. Practices are held at the Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral in Lancaster, NY. The children's group meets on Fridays and the teen/adult group meets on Mondays. Members pay $12 a month or $22 per family. This is a very affordable family- oriented activity. Costumes are provided by the group. Not only is dancing taught, but they singing in Polish and learning about traditions as well. PHD of WNY has performed throughout Western New York at various festivals, parades, parties and healthcare facilities. New members are always welcome.
COSTUMING
The group is fully costumed in the Krakowski Costume. In 1999, ball gowns and soldier uniforms were made for the youth group and Slask costumes for the children's group. In 2000 they acquired a set of homemade Cieszyn costumes donated by the Woszczak family for the youth group and Beskid costumes were made for the intermediate group. In 2004 they purchased a set of Lubelski costumes from Poland. Also recently purchased from Poland are the Kaszuby region for the teen/adult group and Kurpie region were made for the teen/adults as well.
AFFILIATIONS
The group is a member of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas Inc., which was organized in 1983 to strengthen the network of Polish Dance companies in the Western World. Six members of the group attended the North American Polish Folk Dance Festival in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 24 through July 1, 2000. They attended dance workshops from the region of Sieradz, Krakow, Rzeszow and Podhale. The 20th Anniversary of the PFDAA was held in NYC July 30 - Aug. 3, 2003. Five members attended. The PHD is also a member of the Polish American Congress in Buffalo.
DIRECTOR'S DANCE BIOGRAPHY
Michelle has been involved in Polish Folk Dancing since 1983. She has danced with the Solidarity Dancers, Bialy Orzel (secretary) and Wiez (director). She was secretary of the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas from 2000-2003.
SPONSORSHIP
We are actively looking for sponsors to help us keep the Polish traditions and heritage alive in our families and community. For a $100.00 annual tax deductible donation we will place a large vertical or horizontal banner ad/link on our website. This also includes an ad in our annual Paczki Day celebration program. This is our main fundraising event for the year to which we always have a large turnout. Additionally, we address our audiences for all events to thank our sponsors for their patronage. Want to learn more? Drop us a line via our contact page.