Majówka

Majówka is traditionally held at Reymontówka on the third Sunday of May. I was delighted to be here once again for this special celebration. This one was terrific. Majówka is a cultural celebration involving music and dance. In addition the wood carvers come with their work for sale.

The first performance was given by the Warszawianka group from Warsaw. This group of dancers travels with its own orchestra. Within about 30 seconds of the start of the dance performance we turned to each other and said, "We know a Cinderella story we see one." Dorota, the Poland country manager, later explained this dance and story is included in a presentation of Polish dances for it represents an allegory. In this case Cinderella represents Poland during the time of partition and the stepsisters are the countries who took over Poland. Yet Cinderella remains beautiful even though she must dress in rags.

Below we see Cinderella dreaming about going to the ball. Then the Fairy Godmother arrives and gives her the wish. 
 

Below is the end of a rousing dance.

 Next on the program was a group from Belarus, Chotislawianie.  

This was the first time I had seen dancing from this country and also the first time I have met people from this country.

Following the performance it was time for a break. Just then I spotted a woman I know from being at language camps. I found her group was singing in the early evening and made a point of being back for that. 

This group sang popular songs. 

All in all it was wonderful afternoon and evening.