Syrenka is a Sydney based Polish youth group whose aim is to promote Polish culture through song and dance to its members and the Polish and non-Polish general public. Learn more about what we do and contact us today if you have any questions.
The Polish Folkloric Ensemble Syrenka originated from a Folkloric Dance Group formed in 1968 and officially established in 1971. The ensemble made its major debut at the National Shell Folkloric Festival for the opening of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. Since then, Syrenka has performed at all PolArt festivals in Australia since 1975 and has regularly toured the country for concerts, displays, and exhibitions.
Syrenka has numerous performances per year at various locations throughout NSW and Australia. The ensemble has performed globally, including at major festivals in Europe, and has represented Australian culture by performing contemporary Aboriginal dance at an international festival in 1999. In 2002, Syrenka’s performance in Rzeszow was the highlight of one of the largest open-air concerts.
The ensemble’s Artistic Director for the Senior group is Robert Grochulski. The Intermediate group’s Artistic Director is Iwona Kower, whom is a former Syrenka dancer with qualifications in Polish Folkloric Dance and Song. She holds a diploma from the University of Marie-Curie Sklodowska in Lublin and has experience in arts management. The Artistic Director for the Junior group, Halina Borysiewicz, also a former dancer with Syrenka, has been teaching young dancers for years. Music Director Jerzy Scislowski, with decades of study and teaching, ensures the group’s performances sound as good as they look.
Syrenka’s repertoire includes traditional Polish dances from various regions of Poland, each performed in vibrant, authentic costumes. The ensemble’s style blends fun, beauty, acrobatics, singing, and storytelling, with unique choreographies that surprise and delight audiences. Many of the dances were choreographed by renowned directors, including former principal soloists from the Polish National Song and Dance Ensemble “Śląsk” and Mazowsze.
Syrenka celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2008 with a sold-out formal ball attended by over 500 guests. The ensemble’s performances have garnered international acclaim, including a notable appearance in 1999 at a European festival, where Syrenka was one of only two Australian groups to participate. The ensemble also performed at PolArt 2009 in Adelaide and has been a significant presence in various cultural festivals across Australia. Syrenka continues to thrive as a non-profit charitable organisation, educating youth about Polish culture and traditions.
