„We are trying to maintain our level and to still be in the lead”. “Wilia” on an international festival

A Polish Song and Dance Ensemble „Wilia” set off to Rzeszów tonight, where the 16^th World Festival of Folk Ensembles of Polish Diaspora will take place.

„Since 1989 „Wilia” participates in festivals that used to take place every four years, and currently every three. This year’s sixteenth festival will be the eight for the ensemble and second for the present make-up” explains to zw.lt Marzena Suchocka, a choreographer of the Polish Song and Dance Ensemble “Wilia”

The festival has its statute and certain requirements as to the programme. Therefore the “Wilia” dancers had to put a lot of work to prepare for them, because they have 4 concerts scheduled: first in Rzeszów, second in Podkarpackie Voivodeship, during the third they will present Lithuanian dances at a concert called “The folklore of the world’s nations” and the fourth  – a gala concert.

“During the gala concert we will present a composition of waltzes to the music composed by the world-famous composer Wojciech Kilar. This year’s festival will be something of a tribute to Wojciech Kilar, therefore, because of our repertoire consisting of dances to Kilar’s music, we were chosen for the gala concert by the organisers of the festival” says Marzena Suchocka.

Additionally, each ensemble will be performing its own choreography to polonaise from the film “Pan Tadeusz”. “Wilia” has prepared a new choreography to this music, even though it performed a polonaise to the music from this film on its jubilee.

„Immodestly I must say that “Wilia”, since it started taking part in those festivals, has been one of the best ensembles. We are trying to maintain this level and to still be in the lead, but of course it can always be better, therefore we not only try to maintain this level but also try to improve it” admits boldly the choreographer of the ensemble.

To the festival  group of the so-called combined dancers set off, because the dancers from the preparatory group  joined in terms of technique and age to the present make-up. Therefore for some this festival will be the first one.

The choreographer thinks that the festival is a great opportunity to present oneself and to compare with other ensembles.

„It is also a place where once again we can show one another and the audience how rich Polish folklore is, why is it worth to do it. First of all there is a lot of dancing,and a possibility to make acquaintances and I think that those are the most important things for the young adolescents” said Marzeona Suchocka, a choreographer of the Polish Song and Dance Ensemble “Wilia”.

The opening ceremony of the festival will take place on Friday, 25^th July, and the closing ceremony on 29^th. During the festival the Days of Polish Diaspora will be celebrated in Rzeszów and in Podkarpacie Voivodeship.