The Integrated Club of Polish Folk Dances 

The Integrated Club of Polish Folk Dances was founded in November 2004. Each couple within the group comprises of a child in a wheelchair and an abled child. The children perform traditional Polish dances, such as Krakoviak, Polka, Kujaviak, etc. In this way they learn and promote Polish tradition and cultural heritage. They exemplify that folk dance is great fun that helps to overcome daily worries and discomforts. Polish folk dances are exceptionally vibrant, providing not only fantastic opportunities for artistic expression, but also unforgettable experiences.

The Integrated Club of Polish Folk Dances is based on the idea of equality, mutual respect and understanding. The disabled children cross barriers, inspiring others with disabilities. The abled children learn acceptance and openness towards all people, disregarding their physical abilities.
The club was founded by Jadwiga Banaś (choreographer, dance teacher, dance competition organiser and judge), after she noticed a wheelchair dependent boy among the audience of one of the competitions, who appeared exceptionally interested in the show. Jadwiga decided she would make it possible for him to dance too. Since that day she sat in a wheelchair a number of times in a quest to convert movements of Polish folk dances for the wheelchair dependent dancers. She inspired a few children from her Folk Dance Group “Wielkopolanie” to participate in establishing the club.
The club initially started with two couples, but now boasts six, who perform during a number of  Polish folk dance competitions and festivals across Poland, often bringing tears into audience’s eyes. In April 2007, the children travelled to Istanbul to take part in the Second International Festival for Disabled Children “Smiling Child”. All costs are covered from donations.
Up to this day, it is the first and only one Integrated Club of Polish Folk Dances Club in Poland.