The Polish Heritage Dancers began its history in 1997, under the direction of Michelle Michalski Kisluk after the Wiez Dance Ensemble dissolved. There was a strong interest in Polish Folk Dancing among some of the children, youth and their parents so she decided to take it upon herself to organize a new and exciting group in Buffalo, NY. In October regular practices were started after finding a place to use. During summer they did manage to participate in the West Seneca Parade and the Pulaski Day Parade. The organization is named the "Polish Heritage Dancers" for a few reasons. First, it's to the point and people know right a way that they represent Poland. Second, it is easy to pronounce for others who are not fluent in Polish. Finally, they are proud of their heritage and are trying to educate others that may not be familiar with the customs and traditions of Poland.

Practices began in October 1997. The first practice was held at St. Casimir's Church Hall thanks to Monsignor Kopacz who let them use the church's facilities till a permanent practice site was found. Their first performance was October 27, 1997 at the Marine Midland Arena for the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Buffalo. After October practices were moved to Sacred Heart in Orchard Park and finally to a permanent site at the West Seneca Community Center in March 1998. As a non-profit, self-supporting organization, donations from performances, monthly dues and our fund-raising efforts are used to cover operational expenses as well as costuming, music, props, etc.

Their first major fundraising event was Paczki Day was on February 22, 1998. Since it was a huge success it has become a tradition to host yearly. The parents, grandparents and friends of the dancers work very hard to put this all together. They will celebrate their 8th annual Paczki Day on Sunday, January 30, 2005 at McKinley's Hotel, Conference & Banquet Center, S-3950 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell, NY. This is the third time they had to move their venue to a larger facility to accommodate the growing attendance. Music by the Steel City Brass and delicious homemade Polish food will be served. Currently, there are 26 members ages four through adult. Practices are held on Friday Nights at the West Seneca Community Center 4620 Seneca St., West Seneca. Children's group 6:30 PM, Youth & adult group 7:30 PM. 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 like to include singing in Polish and learning about traditions as well.

They have performed through Western New York at various festivals, parades, parties and Health Care facilities. New members are always welcome. The group is fully costumed in the Krakowski Costume. In 1999 the ball gown and soldier uniform 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 Lubleski costumes from Poland.

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.

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.

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.