During the 1960s, the Polish community in Montreal witnessed the establishment and growth of numerous Polish folklore groups dedicated to promoting and preserving Polish arts and cultural heritage. Among these initiatives was the formation of the Polish Folk Dance Group “Syrenka,” which emerged circa 1965 under the artistic direction of Mrs. Green and the organizational leadership of a parents’ committee guided by Mrs. Krystyna Poludnikiewicz. Rehearsals were held at the church hall of the then Mission of St. Michael and St. Anthony, located in Montreal’s Plateau district.

In the years that followed, Syrenka participated in a variety of cultural events, including a performance at Expo ’67 and a visit to Rouyn-Noranda at the invitation of the local Polish community. In 1968, artistic direction was assumed by Zofia Boniecka. Under her guidance, Syrenka became the first folk dance group in Montreal to acquire a complete set of traditional costumes from the colourful Łowicz region of Poland.

Between 1971 and 1972, Syrenka merged with the Polish Folk Dance Ensemble “Podhale,” briefly operating under the name “Podhale-Syrenka.” With the arrival of Pani Leokadia Magdziarz from Poland, Syrenka was fully integrated into the Podhale ensemble.

Today, the legacy of both groups continues under the direction of the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy, which has revitalized their presence with the introduction of a youth group (Podhale – ages 12 to 17) and a children’s group (Syrenka – ages 6-11)