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 15 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.
The upcoming season promises to be as exciting in years past!
John began his dance career at the age of 5 when he joined a local dance group and ballet company in Los Angeles. His talent and passion for dance quickly became evident, and he has been dancing ever since. At the age of 17, John realized his lifelong dream of dancing professionally when he was accepted into the world-renowned Mazowsze National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble of Poland. He joined Mazowsze and took part in tours of Europe and Japan. During his time with Mazowsze, John also completed the curriculum in Polish folklore and dance at the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland.
Upon his return to the United States, John took over as artistic director
and instructor of Podhale Folk Dance Company, which he had founded with his
father, Roman, prior to his career with Mazowsze.
John has been teaching dance on and off since the age of 14 and has been
continuously praised for his ability to work with children. In teaching his
students, John goes beyond teaching the basic dance steps. He tries to
impart in his students a sense of history so that they understand where the
dances come from and what they mean. He believes that this understanding is
key to performing with heart and soul.
In December of 2005, at the age of 30, John was awarded the Cultural Order of Merit from the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Poland. In addition to running Podhale Folk Dance Company, John holds a degree in business management and works as a talent manager advancing the careers of actors, writers and musicians.
