Mazur and Classical Technique – workshops for Instructors

On October 11 and 12, 2025, workshops for instructors entitled “Mazur and Elements of Classical Technique” were held in Gniezno, organized by the Provincial Public Library and the Cultural Animation Center in Poznań.

50 qualified instructors, choreographers, and enthusiasts from across Poland honed their artistic skills and deepened their knowledge of one of the most challenging Polish national dances – the mazur, while also perfecting their technical skills in classical dance. The workshops took place at the Wielkopolska Local Government Center for Vocational and Continuing Education in Gniezno – an institution of the Marshal of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship.

The mazur classes were led by Leszek Rembowski, a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. He works at the High School of Ballet in Poznań as a teacher of folk, character, and historical dance. He teaches stage movement, dance, and historical dance at the Academy of Music in Poznań. From 2002 to 2023, he was the artistic director and choreographer of Folk Group „Wielkopolanie” (formerly “Cepelia-Poznań”) in Poznań. He teaches classes on the technique and style of Polish folk and national dances. He is an expert with the Polish Section of CIOFF. He has authored numerous choreographies and artistic programs on Polish folk and national dances.

Classical technique classes were led by Krystyna Frąckowiak, who has been active in the field of artistic education and culture for many years. She is the Deputy Director for Artistic Education at the Olga Sławska-Lipczyńska Secondary Ballet School in Poznań and Honorary Professor of Education (since 2014). Awarded the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture Gloria Artis (2017) and first-degree awards from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage for outstanding achievements in teaching and educational work. A dancer, choreographer, and teacher of classical, contemporary, jazz, and folk dance, she has received numerous awards from the Director of the Center for Artistic Education and juries of international and national dance competitions. Her students have won national (“Young Dancer of the Year” – TVP-Kultura – Warsaw, Wojciech Wiesiołłowski National Dance Competition – Gdańsk, “Best Graduate of the Year,” “Golden Pointe Shoes” – Szczecin) and international dance competitions (“Eurovision Young Dancers” – Pilsen 2015, Biarritz – France 2003). She has presented her choreographies in Poland, Germany, France, Greece, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Korea, Japan, Norway, and China.

Over 20 hours of classes allowed participants not only to delve into the secrets of dance but also to become familiar with fragments of classical dance history, mazur forms, and the appropriate selection of music.

The workshops also provide an opportunity to meet, exchange experiences, and learn about the functioning of cultural and educational centers across Poland. It also allows them to establish contacts and support each other in their efforts to promote traditional culture.

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