Photos courtesy of Malissa Rose

Polish dancers take stage

Men dressed in 18th century military style clothing and women dressed in floral skirts brought a lot of color to the stage last week with their dance performance, Krakowiak, at The Big Fresno Fair.

The Pulaski Polish Dancers of Fresno is a group of about 20 dancers who perform across the Central Valley.

California State University, Fresno alumnus Bob Kazmier, who graduated with a degree in Spanish in 1982 and French in 1984, and his wife, Ruth Kazmier, founded the group nearly 30 years ago.

Mass communication and journalism major Malissa Rose said that her grandfather, Bob Kazmier, grew up in Poland. He went into World War II and after the war was over he moved to Australia to go into the field of radiology, and met Ruth. The two moved to America, got married, and later settled in Fresno.

Pulaski Polish Dancers of Fresno, a multi-generational group, has dancers ranging from 18 to 73 years old. Members of the group come from Coarsegold all the way down to Bakersfield.

They have performed at retirement homes, the Kingsburg Swedish Festival, the Folk Dance Festival, the Fresno fair, the Fulton Mall and for nonprofit organizations.

Agriculture major Kristin Kazmier, granddaughter of the founders, described polish dancing as “turning, skipping and stomping.”

Mathematics major Kevin Rose, who married into the family, said, “There’s passing hats underneath legs, jumping over hats, push-ups over each other and kicking.”

Malissa Rose added that some forms of polish dancing remind her of river dancing.

Photos courtesy of Malissa Rose

Every year, through the Polish National Alliance in Chicago, there’s a choreographers workshop. Instructors from all over the United States will come to learn new dances.

Often times, the dances are taught by polish choreographers in Polish, said artistic director Andrea Collins, who is the daughter of Bob and Ruth Kazmier.

“We’re determined to stay as authentic as possible,” Collins said. “Most of our costumes are handmade from Poland.”

There are several different types of dances. There are slow, fast, serious and even some flirtatious dance steps. The flirtatious dances are a chance for the guys to show off for the girls, according to Collins.

Another type of dance performed is called Polonez, which is considered a more elegant and graceful dance. It originated in the royal courts, Malissa Rose said.

“It feels like you’re in the past. Dancing with that mindset, you really get into it,” Kevin Rose said.

Even though the family is heavily integrated into the group, anyone is welcome to join. Currently there are about four men and 15 women.

Kevin Rose emphasized that the dance troupe needs more guys.

Kristin Kazmier has personal and sentimental reasons for being in the group.

“I like it because my grandpa started it and it helps me to keep in contact with him even though he passed away. It keeps the legacy going.”

Malissa Rose said that she enjoys being with family and sharing her culture.

“It’s like a big family. I never had much of a cultural background growing up. This opens up a field of new experiences,” Kevin Rose said.

On Oct. 25 at 2 p.m., 60 dancers and singers from Canada, San Francisco and Fresno will be performing in a Polish folklore called “Dance Poland!” at the Veterans Memorial Theater.