Juchasi. Polish Highlander Folk Ensemble.
“Juchasi,” a Polish Highlander Folk Ensemble, was established in 2015 at St. Francis Borgia Parish in Chicago. The group consists of over 40 individuals, ranging in ages from 5 to 22 years old. During their performances, the group showcases traditional folklore dance, song, and music from the Podhale region in the Małopolska Voivodeship. The dance portion of the program includes solos, group, and “zbójnicki” dance. Each of these styles show off the performer’s different abilities and strengths. In the song portion of the program, we hear tales of young hearts longing for love and reminiscing about the picturesque Tatra mountains they left behind at home in the motherland. The performers dress in traditional highlander costumes which are hand-made by the most talented seamstresses. Many costume pieces are passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms. The ensemble aims to keep the Polish highlander culture alive by fostering the traditions of song and dance and passing it on for years to come.