The aim of the Orleta Polish Dance Ensemble is to encourage awareness of Polish language, customs and traditions among young people of Polish descent, promote among young Polish New Zealanders a sense of identity with their Polish heritage and to offer the Wellington community a chance to experience Polish song and dance.
History of Orleta
Orleta is an ensemble of young performers supported by a parents' group. The group was founded in Lower Hutt in 1994 by a group of parents under the auspices of the Polish School. The first teacher was Basia Mazur, a second generation New Zealander of Polish descent. The current teachers and choreographers are Tereska Lepionka-Carroll, Adela Jones and Helena Zawada.
From its beginnings fundraising has always been one of the Orleta parents' group's major activities. The fabric for the first costumes was bought with a Lotto grant that parents sewed them themselves. New costumes have been constantly needed as the group has grown in size and the children in height.
Over the past ten years the group has grown from strength to strength in the number and variety of its performances. The group dances regularly at Polish festivals and national day celebrations. In 2001 they created a concert based on the songs and dances of the Polish Harvest Festival (Dozynki) which was performed in the Little Theatre in Lower Hutt. They are also invited to participate in multicultural festivals and ethnic events in the Wellington region with occasional television performances. Their biggest triumph was being accepted for and participating in the POL-ART folkloric festival held in Sydney in 2003.
In 2004 they danced and sang in the 60th Pahiatua Reunion Concert held in Pahiatua.
From small beginnings Orleta has grown into three groups: two junior groups in Lower Hutt and Wellington and a senior group based in Wellington.
Activities
All three dance groups have regular weekly practices. Every year, there are certain regular performances at Polish national and cultural performances like Trzeci Maj (celebration of the Polish Constitution on 3rd May), Polish Independence Day (11th November) and Sw. Mikolaj.
The group also aims to give something back to the community and in 2004 they danced in old people's homes where elderly Poles were residing.
Contact Details
The Orleta Polish Dance Ensemble, Wellington, New Zealand:
- Chairperson: Ela Rombel
- Principal Teacher: Adela Jones
- Postal Address: PO Box 853, Wellington, New Zealand
- Email: orleta@polishcommunity.org.nz
