Sokoły

About us

Sokoły, a Polish folk dance ensemble for kids, was founded in April 2015, under the umbrella of Łowiczanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble. The main idea for establishing the group was to fascinate children with Polish folk dance in order to promote their Polish heritage. During weekly classes, children dance, sing, work on various art projects and learn about Poland, its language, history and customs. Sokoły group welcomes children aged 5 -15 years, and provides all young performers with the richly-ornamented authentic national and regional costumes of Poland. The group is directed by volunteers: Gosia Wojciechowska - general management, Piotr Irby - dance, Kasia Hudack - music, Basia Stepaniuk - costumes. The young performers’ enthusiasm and engagement on-stage demonstrates that Sokoły kids share the same passion for Polish folk dance as their older counterparts from Łowiczanie.

What has Sokoły been doing?

Adapting to pandemic challenges, Sokoły held weekly virtual meetings and later resumed safe, outdoor, in-person gatherings.

Notable events of 2022 for the children's ensemble included a charity concert in Lafayette in support of Ukrainian children in Poland, participation in Roseville's Polish Festival, a self-sponsored Dożynki Harvest Celebration in Redwood City, and – together with Łowiczanie – presentation of a Christmas Carols Concert at the Polish Club in San Francisco.

In March 2023, Sokoły impressed at the People to People Foundation’s fundraiser for the Family Assistance Center in Poland. Two months later, Sokoły performers celebrated Polish Constitution Day with Łowiczanie at San Francisco's Golden Gate Bandshell Stage. Sokoły followed this show only a week later with their own memorable two-hour concert and May Family Picnic held in Redwood City.

Sokoły began the 2023/24 Season with their annual September team-bonding appearance at the Roseville Polish Festival. Later in the month, the children were thrilled to appear in San Jose's Mosaic America Festival. They then closed the 2023 performance schedule with their performance for the Czech and Slovak Christmas Gala in Pleasant Hill.

Join us in applauding these young ambassadors who are preserving Polish culture through the universal languages of dance and song!