"Wielkopolanie" at the Anthropologists' Conference
For several days, Poznań became the world capital of anthropology. The European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA) conference, one of the most important academic events in the field, took place at Adam Mickiewicz University. Over 1,500 researchers representing universities and research centers from around the world came to the capital of Greater Poland.
This year’s conference was held under the theme “Anthropology: Possibilities in a Polarized World.” Discussions centered on contemporary social divisions, cultural conflicts, and the role of anthropology in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation between people representing different traditions and experiences.
For several days, the Collegium Historicum at Adam Mickiewicz University was bustling with activity. The conference program included dozens of scientific panels, debates, workshops, film screenings, and meetings, during which participants exchanged research results and experiences from around the world. Some of the events were made available to the residents of Poznań, allowing them to participate in discussions devoted to culture, identity, and the transformations of the contemporary world.
The event was organized and hosted by the Institute of Anthropology and Ethnology of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
The conference, however, was not limited to academic debates. A key element was also the presentation of Polish cultural heritage. Dancers from the Folk Group “Wielkopolanie” provided the artistic setting for the event, introducing the international guests to the richness of Polish folk culture through music, dance, and traditional costumes.
The artists presented dances and songs from the Wielkopolska region, showcasing the distinctive style, dynamism, and elegance of local folklore. The program also included regional dances from the Kraków region, one of the most recognizable symbols of Polish folk culture, which has long captivated audiences worldwide.
Polish national dances also held a special place in the presentation. Conference participants had the opportunity to experience all five national dances: polonez, kujawiak, mazur, oberek and krakowiak. Each dance showcases a different facet of Polish tradition, from the stately polonaise and the lyrical kujawiak to the spirited oberek and the exuberant krakowiak. Performed by “Wielkopolanie,” these dances became not only an artistic spectacle but also a story about the history, culture, and identity of our country.
The performance was warmly received by conference participants representing many countries. The colorful costumes, precision of performance, and authenticity of the presented repertoire sparked great interest among international guests, for whom it was often their first exposure to Polish folklore.
The presence of the “Wielkopolanie” Folklore Ensemble at the EASA conference perfectly aligned with the event’s purpose. Alongside the scholarly presentations and discussions, culture became a universal language of understanding, demonstrating that tradition can be an effective tool for building dialogue between nations.
PK
