Dance Instructors

Alexandra - Children's Group Instructor - Syrenka

Alexandra Przybyła’s journey with Polish folk dance began at the age of five when her parents enrolled her and her brother in Podhale. While she relies on video evidence for some of her earliest rehearsal memories, she vividly recalls the pride of performing during Podhale’s 35th anniversary—reciting a verse from a podhalański song on stage in a góralski costume alongside her teacher, Pani Lodzia. Since then, her Polish identity has been a cornerstone of her life. From studying history and literature (Sienkiewicz’s In Desert and Wilderness and Quo Vadis remain among her favorites) to visiting Poland over a dozen times to explore its mountains, cities, and monuments, her heritage is more than a hobby—it is a defining part of her identity.

Alexandra officially joined the White Eagle Academy in September 2018. For years, her sister-in-law, a dancer in the group, encouraged her to join, but Alexandra’s heart was initially dedicated to the theatre. Her background as a trained actor with a BFA from Concordia University—alongside eight years of piano study and competitions at the Vincent d’Indy School of Music—deeply informs her approach to dance. For her, stepping onto the stage in handmade costumes that have existed for decades feels like the perfect intersection of her two passions: dramatic arts and heritage stewardship.

If she had to pick a favorite region, her heart beats for Łowicz. She finds the vibrant embroidery of the strój ludowy iconic, and the group’s current choreography, paired with traditional songs, makes it an absolute joy to perform. Since joining, Alexandra has had the privilege of traveling with the academy to Boston and Toronto, and she is eagerly looking forward to creating new memories this year at the World Festival of Polish Folk Groups in Poland.

While the idea of teaching once intimidated her, leading the children in the Syrenka group has become one of the greatest honors of her life. Beyond the footwork and the choreography, Alexandra wants her students to truly feel the Polish spirit. Whether they share this heritage or are discovering it for the first time, her goal is to help them experience the profound beauty and culture found in every step and song.

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Daria - Youth Group Instructor - Podhale

Daria Tyminski’s journey with Polish folk dance began in her early twenties, and she has been a dedicated and ever-present member of the ensemble ever since. Her passion for the art form and commitment to heritage stewardship led her to take on a leadership role in 2023, when she began teaching the youth group, Podhale. Daria’s influence extends well beyond the local studio; she has participated in and led specialized workshops in Japan, sharing the intricate beauty of Polish traditions with international audiences.

Beyond her professional and artistic contributions, Daria is a proud mother of two young children. She is already instilling in them a love for their cultural roots, and they are undoubtedly the future generation of the dance group. For Daria, the academy is a place where community and family intersect, ensuring that the Polish spirit is passed down from one generation to the next.

Adam - Youth Group Instructor - Podhale

Adam Jed, affectionately known as “Jedi” to his peers, has been an integral part of the Polish folk dance community for decades. His journey with the academy officially began in 2009, drawn by the group’s reputation for high-level technical skill and its mission to unite Montreal’s premier dancers. Adam’s expertise is backed by an extensive academic foundation; he is a graduate of the prestigious Polonijny Studium Choreograficzny in Rzeszów, Poland. Between 2010 and 2015, he completed over 800 hours of rigorous study, specializing in 25 distinct ethnographic regions, costume history, and dance composition. For Adam, this dedication to heritage is a lifelong pursuit, rooted in his earliest memory of watching the “big” group dance in awe as a five-year-old after his very first practice.

His passion for Polish culture extends far beyond the studio. Professionally, Adam works with the Polish Veterans organization in Montreal and has traveled to Poland over a dozen times to deepen his connection to his roots. His performance history is equally vast, having represented Polish culture on international stages across China, the Czech Republic, and the United States. This summer, he will be making his eighth appearance at the world-renowned festival in Rzeszów, a stage he first graced in 1993. When he isn’t dancing or traveling, Adam is a dedicated collector of Canadian coins and banknotes and remains a lifelong enthusiast of science fiction across all media.

If he had to pick a favorite region, his heart lies with Nowy Sącz and Rzeszów for their improvisational character, though he has a deep appreciation for the rhythmic precision required by the Spisz region. When it comes to traditional dress, he is most at home in the highlander styles of the góral regions, particularly Podhalański and Beskid Śląski. One of his proudest moments as an instructor was watching the academy dancers pivot seamlessly during a technical failure, finishing a performance a cappella with such strength that they outshone the original recording.

In the studio, Adam finds the most reward in the “aha!” moments—when a student masters a challenging step through his specialized guidance. He strives to teach his dancers that while technical precision is vital, passion is the true key to a great performance. His philosophy is simple: when a dancer is having fun and is fully engaged, the audience feels that energy. Whether through the intricate footwork of a regional suite or the proud display of a centuries-old costume, Adam is committed to ensuring the Polish spirit remains vibrant and infectious for every dancer he leads.

Richard - Adult Group Instructor - Representative Group

With over 50 years in the world of folklore and four decades of teaching, Richard Schmidt is a distinguished figure in the international folk dance scene. His journey began at the age of four when his father, a Polish war veteran, enrolled him in a local ensemble in Montreal. Under the mentorship of masters like Mrs. Leokadia Magdziarz, Richard built a formidable foundation in ethnographic studies and music, eventually stepping into the role of assistant choreographer at just sixteen. In 2001, after a successful career in corporate finance and business, he chose to follow his true calling, dedicating his life full-time to the preservation and promotion of Polish folklore.

In 2008, Richard founded the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy (Akademia Białego Orła), establishing it as a premier institution known for its technically challenging repertoire and authentic costuming. His leadership extends far beyond a single group; he has served as Artistic Director for major ensembles across North America, including Podhale in Montreal, Tatry in Oshawa, and Lechowia in Toronto. His expertise has taken him across the globe, leading workshops and teaching tours in Japan, Hong Kong, and throughout Europe. In recognition of his immense contributions to the field, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Silver Medal from the Polish government in 2000.

Richard’s creative vision is defined by a deep respect for historical accuracy paired with original choreography. He has studied under nearly a dozen of Poland’s top ethnographic specialists, mastering regional styles ranging from the mountain highlands to the plains of Wielkopolska and Lublin. This wealth of knowledge is shared through the “Folk Tours of Poland” he conducts, which introduce participants to the living history and traditions of the Polish people. His ability to interpret the complex rhythms of folk music and translate them into evocative stage productions has made him one of the most sought-after choreographers in the discipline.

Driven by the joy of working with young people, Richard remains a constant presence in the studio, where he has influenced tens of thousands of students over his career. He believes that the creative spirit of folklore outshines material pursuits, a philosophy that permeates every production he leads. For Richard, the White Eagle Academy is more than just a dance group; it is a vehicle for ensuring that the beauty and majesty of Polish culture continue to thrive for future generations.