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The View Theatre in Arlington Heights was filled with music, light, and the extraordinary energy of young artists during the 12th Spring Dance Presentations, themed “Our Favorite Places.” This was a unique event prepared by the Dance Theatre operating at Wyspa Dzieci in River Grove – a place where passion meets professionalism and the joy of creation.
The Dance Theatre has existed since September 2012 and has been led by Ms. Marzena Pol since its inception. Thanks to her vision and unwavering commitment, supported by the owners of Wyspa Dzieci – Ms. Monika Nawrot and Mr. Krzysztof Szczepaniec – young dancers develop their skills, gain stage experience, and, most importantly, learn to express emotions through dance.
The ensemble currently consists of 47 dancers aged 4 to 18, divided into five groups: AKCENT, IMPULS, GRACJA, WYOBRAŹNIA, and PUENTY. Classes are primarily based on classical and modern dance techniques. Among the successes of the Dance Theatre is the fact that three of its graduates continued their education in dance at the prestigious The Chicago High School for the Arts.
This year’s concert was a true celebration of dance, art, and community. Each group’s performances thematically referenced favorite places, such as the beach, school, castle, airport, ballroom, or a magical garden. All choreographies, the script, and the preparation of the dancers were the work of Ms. Marzena Pol, who believes that “passion in a person’s life is the key to doors and a cure for evil.”
It is worth noting that the entire organization of the concert – from lighting and sound to decorations and hosting – was carried out by the teachers and friends of Wyspa Dzieci. The beautiful poems accompanying the dances were written by Mr. Piotr Aniołkowski – also a teacher from River Grove.
Behind the scenes, working diligently like busy ants, were Ms. Joanna Szepelawy, Ms. Maria Żurowska, Ms. Edyta Skupień-Mucha, Ms. Paulina Filipek, Ms. Joanna Krawczyk, Ms. Anna Barbachen, and Ms. Barbara Naglak. The technical side was handled by Ms. Ewa Budny (lighting), Ms. Katarzyna Wilczek, and Mr. Krzysztof Szczepaniec (sound).
At the end of the concert, Mr. Krzysztof Szczepaniec, on behalf of himself and his wife, Ms. Monika Nawrot, extended heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Ms. Marzena Pol. A parent representative presented the artist with a bouquet of flowers along with thanks from all the dancers and their families. Each participant received a commemorative statuette, and the exciting photo session seemed endless – all thanks to the beautiful balloon wall prepared by Nicole and Victoria Kajpust and the photographer, Mr. Andrzej Brach.
Big applause for all the dancers from the groups:
AKCENT – Amelia Urbański, Luiza Glanowska, Zoe Tomaszewski, Ada Stefinka, Sophie Sutowicz, Marika Cieszyński, Natalie Krawczyk, Antonina Kusznerko, Lyla Szczepańska
IMPULS – Izabela Puchlik, Helena Kiewlak, Gabriela Malinowski, Athena Zyzynsky, Zuzanna Kleszcz, Amelia Jesionka, Abigail Pyska, Katia Wnorowska, Tola Jankowska, Marianna Kuczyński, Elizabeth Kleszcz, Claudia Pecak
GRACJA – Eliza Kondracki, Klara Kozłowska, Isabella Kluza, Francesca Kluza, Daria Chmielowski, Veronica Chmielowski, Nina Duchnowski, Maya Lipka, Julia Banaś, Emily Seredyński, Nicole Barszczak, Gabriela Klepacki
WYOBRAŹNIA – Klara Zawadzka, Małgorzata Ruda, Emilia Giczewska, Michelle Milewski, Julia Tometczak, Julia Drąg, Hanna Kleszcz, Kinga Lowisz, Veronika Chociej, Mila Naumczyk, Emily Jakubas
PUENTY (younger) – Julia Drąg, Emilia Giczewski, Veronica Chociej, Klara Zawadzka, Michelle Milewski, Małgorzata Ruda
PUENTY (older) – Olivia Brodowski, Paulina Iwanowski, Julia Mika
Thank you all for your presence, and we invite you to the 13th Spring Dance Presentations – see you next year!
Text: Joanna Szepelawy / Photos: Andrzej Brach
