During the stay, the Song and Dance Ensemble ”Kujawy” performed in English schools (St Gregory’s Catholic Middle School and St Thomas Catholic Upper School), where ”Kujawy” not only presented regional dances to students, but also gave short, dance classes. Taking into account the amount of questions after each show, English pupils were very insterested in folk dances. They were also pleased by learning basic steps to oberek or kujawiak.

Apart from rehearsals and performances in front of the local public, the programme included also sightseeing. The Song and Dance Ensemble ”Kujawy” visited Oxford university campus and The Oxford University Museum of Natural History. There was also some time to buy souvenirs and walk around Bedford.

The highlight of our stay in Shakespeare’s homeland was a ceremonial concert of the Song and Dance Ensemble ”Kujawy” during Polish Heritage Day in Bedford. Its symbol is the white and red air chessboard, which was seen on Polish aircrafts in the Battle of Britain. This day is of special significance for the Polish community: the purpose is to commemorate the common heritage of past generations, to highlight the contemporary contribution of Poles in the cultural, economic and social life of the United Kingdom and to show to local communities the history of Poland and the Vistula traditions. During the presented program, “Kujawy” danced kujawskie, łowickie dances, and also dances of highlanders from Żywiec region.

Polish Heritage Day was graced by the presence of the Consul of the Republic of Poland in London- Mrs Renata Wasilewska-Mazur, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Bedford authorities and the town hall staff, who also admired performances of the Song and Dance Ensemble ”Kujawy”. At the end of Polish Heritage Day in Bedford the organizers officialy invited ”Kujawy” on next year’s celebration.

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Translation: Lidia Miętkiewicz