Polish tradition dances added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Polish tradition dance

Poland’s traditional Polonaise dance, which dates back to the 16th Centure, has been newly inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. 

The Polonaise dance joins five other Polish entries on the list to date : 

• Krakow’s nativity scene tradition 
• beekeeping culture 
• falconry 
• the tradition of floral carpets for Corpus Christi processions, and 
• rafting. 

The Polonaise is a joyful group dance by a handful of people or by several hundreds of pairs marching in procession, following the first pair. 

A form of joint celebration, the Polonaise commemorates important family milestones and community life, symbolising cooperation, reconciliation and equality. 

As it is often danced by people of all generations and backgrounds, it also promotes unity, solidarity and dialogue. 

The basic step involves bending one leg while taking a step forward with the other, with pairs raising hands to create bridges under which other participants can pass. 

As the tempo of the polonaise is moderate, participants with no prior experience can learn the steps quickly and then join in. 

* www.poland.travel/en/ 

* Jess Seymour at jess@welcometoama.com