PREECEVILLE — More than 200 people gathered in Preeceville as the Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble brought decades of tradition and culture to the local stage.
Whitehawk Arts Council presented the ensemble in concert at the Preeceville Community Legion Hall. Sherry Lesser also provided a visual art display of her pottery. Miles Russell, chairperson for the Whitehawk Arts Council, welcomed attendees to the event.
The Polonia Polish Folk Dance Ensemble has been part of Regina’s cultural community since the 1930s. Originally formed as a social club for newly immigrated couples, the group began regular practices and performances in 1957 under the name St. Anthony Dancers. In the early 1970s, it was renamed the Polonia Dance Ensemble of Regina and celebrated 55 years under that name in 2025.
Over the past five and a half decades, the ensemble has expanded its repertoire, music and traditional Polish costumes. The group has performed locally, across Canada and the United States, and internationally, including three festivals in Poland and, most recently, the World Folk Dance Festival in Dubai. In 2010, Polonia hosted the 16th PFDAA North American Festival, welcoming 10 groups from across Canada and the United States.
The ensemble includes four groups — beginner, junior, intermediate and senior — and continues to share Polish folk culture through song, music and dance both locally and abroad. Approximately 50 performers, ranging in age from five years to adulthood, took part in the show.
