Created in January 2008, the White Eagle Dance Academy brings together a hand-picked selection of talented dancers from the dance community of the greater Montreal region. These young artists dedicate their time to perfecting the art of folk dancing through extensive rehearsal of ballet, presentation technique, styling, gymnastics and folk steps. Founded by Richard Schmidt, well-known choreographer and Polish folk dance master with the support of the White Eagle Society of Montreal, the academy is dedicated to promoting, preserving and developing folk dance through classical and modern forms of dance.

The interpretation of the dances, performed by the cast at the academy, is challenging, intricate and very difficult to execute. Choreographic works are based on traditional folk steps that are elevated to a higher level to incorporate ballet techniques giving the spectator the impression of watching living art in motion. Added to this are the colourful and elaborate handmade costumes.

Already in such a short time the Academy has made a mark and is the talk of the town. In April they debuted two new spectacular and vibrant numbers (Oberek Mazowiecki and Szot Madziar from Cieszyn) at the “Mr. Polonia 2008” competition, hosted by the Podhale Folk Dance Company, performed for the “3-ci maj” banquet in Montreal and made a guest appearance at the annual Serbian Folk Concert in Sherbrooke, Quebec. In June the ensemble will travel to Oshawa, Ontario to participate alongside the “Polish Folk Song and Dance Ensemble Tatry” during Fiesta Week (an International Folk Festival) and in July will perform in Stockton and San Francisco, California.

The ensemble is currently expanding its repertoire and creating new costumes to include dances from Poznan (Bamberski) and from the Tatra Mountains (Jurgów). Auditions for new talent (vocal and dance) will also be held at the end of August. The new season is sure to be an exciting one as several fund-raising activities are already in the works and the academy’s reputation grows. Current plans include a winter “SKI AND FOLK” weekend in the beautiful Laurentian Mountains, north of Montreal and travel abroad to International Festivals.

Our beautiful rehearsal facilities are provided to us by the White Eagle Society located at 1956 Frontenac Street in downtown Montreal. All proceeds received are used to cover the cost of costumes and fund-raising events and the balance is divided equally with all Academy members.

Anyone wishing to help support us, is encouraged to do so by sending us a cheque or money-order made out to Richard Schmidt and to send it to our office at 1229 Dorion, Montreal, Qc, Canada H2K 4A2. We are also available to perform upon request. Requests should be emailed to richard@folkdance.ca . We ask that you provide a minimum of 6-weeks prior notice to the date of your engagement. Our fee schedule is dependant upon the length of the program that you require. Our current rates are as follows:

A deposit equal to half the agreed-upon fee is required at the signing of the contract with the balance due immediately after the performance. Round trip transportation is included in the fee within the Greater Montreal area. Transportation fees for engagements  outside of the Montreal area are negotiable and payable at time of signing. 

 

UP COMING EVENTS				THE CAST
				ANNETTA KRÓL
				MARCIN KRÓL
				MONICA MROCZEK
STÉPHANIE ROY                       DAVID WINNICKI	MATEUSZ SMIGIELSKI	ILUSIA SOKOLNICKA DOROTHÉE BEAUREGARD Wardrobe Mistress/Costumière		PATRICK MROCZEK
				ANGELICA SMIGIELSKA