LAJKONIK SONG AND DANCE ENSEMBLE
For 33 years, the dancers of the Lajkonik Song and Dance Ensemble have promoted Polish folk culture through artful dances and passionate songs. Belonging to the Holy Trinity Polish Mission and under the patronage of the Polish National Alliance Group 3241, the troupe has blossomed from a mere 12 dancers to over 100 members in five different age groups.
The founder and first director was the late Fr. Władysław Gowin, SChr. Currently, the director is Fr. Andrzej Totzke, SChr. The group was cofounded by choreographers Ewa and Marek Kuś, who worked with Lajkonik until 1997. In May 1997, Halina Misterka became the artistic director of the group. Classes are held under the supervision of three choreographers: Małgorzata Łyda, Patrycja Cyran, and Halina Misterka, and two accompanists, of whom Marta Dudek is the music director. The group also presents Swing and Zorba, choreographed by Jakub Zajączkowski, a Lajkonik alumn. Maria Grzebień serves as administrative manager, and Anna Węgrzyn is in charge of the wardrobe.
The passion and dedication of these young performers has garnered them support from an increasing circle of friends, supporters, and sponsors. Thanks to their help, Lajkonik can now perform several choreographies in costumes from various regions of Poland.
The Lajkonik dancers have graced many stages including those of the Chicago History Museum, Chicago Public Libraries, Chicago Cultural Center, Children’s Museum, Daley Plaza, Taste of Chicago, Millennium Park, Nave Pier, and every year since 1997, the Polish Fest in Milwaukee. Since 1998, Lajkonik has presented well-attended all ensemble, annual concerts, and has been referred to as “a gem among Polish folklore groups.”
Lajkonik has represented the Chicago Polish community in Poland – nine times at the International Polish Folk Dance Festival in Rzeszow and four times at the International Children Folk Dance Festival in Iwonicz Zdroj. Among other travels, the Representative group performed across Brazil in June 2024, and Mały Lajkonik participated in July in the International Scouts Festival in Kielce, Poland.
Through hard work, commitment, and perseverance, the members of Lajkonik hope to promote and preserve Polish culture and tradition for years to come.
