Founded in 1992 by Roman Sobanski,
former European champion skier, and his son John "Jasiu" Sobanski, Podhale
Folk Dance Company specializes in the traditional folk dances of Poland and
Central Europe. The name of the dance company comes from the region of
Podhale in southern Poland which lies in the Carpathian mountain range
bordering Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Given Poland's geographic
location and history, the country's traditions, including dance and dress,
have been highly influenced by both her immediate and indirect neighbors -
from the Germans and Russians to the Hungarians and Jews.
The Company consists of the younger group (ages 5-13) and the older group (ages 14 to adult). Podhale Folk Dance Company is performance-oriented and participates in various ethnic and community events as well as many private functions. This gives the dancers the opportunity not only to show off what they have learned in the classroom but also to develop important skills such as stage presence and presentation (make-up, color schemes, lighting).
Given the performance-oriented nature of the Company, Podhale Folk Dance Company has a varied repertoire and has amassed a collection of costumes from nearly 30 regions of Poland. These costumes have all been meticulously constructed for historical authenticity and aesthetic presentation.
Over the past 13 years, Podhale Folk Dance Company has performed in showcases throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Europe. The Company has performed extensively for the diplomatic corpus in Los Angeles and at various city functions. Podhale has also been featured on many cable and television programs including Fox's "Midday Sunday" program.
