Polish School of Dance “Sokół”
Founded in 1972, the Polish School of Dance “Sokół” is currently home to over sixty dancers and hundreds of alumni who have graduated from the school since its inception over 50 years ago. The Polish School of Dance “Sokół” foremost provides instruction in Polish folk dance from various regions across Poland, while also providing instruction in both classic and contemporary dance styles.

Throughout the years, the Polish School of Dance “Sokół” has always taken pride in its leadership and its choreographers, bringing in trained professionals from across the world, including a former dancer of the Polish National Ballet “Ślask”. Today, the Polish School of Dance “Sokół” provides instruction to children ages three through to seventeen and continues to grow successfully each year.

The School is currently led by our talented instructors, Justyna Paprocki, Alexia Czeżowski and Anna Wesołowska-Kulbińska. Alongside an enthusiastic Parent Committee, the School is stronger than ever, and both its leadership team and dancers excitedly look towards the future, eager to see what it holds.

School vision: To inspire connection with Polish heritage and culture through Polish folk dance, music, attire, and event participation.

School mission:
– To continually promote and encourage integration of the Polish language and folk traditions within the School for current and potential students and families.
– To embrace and create opportunities to participate in events that celebrate Polish heritage and culture through folk dance, music, and attire.
– To demonstrate Polish folk traditions respectfully and with culturally accurate context and detail.

INSTRUCTORS

Justyna Paprocki 

began her folk dance education at the Polish School of Dance “Sokół” at the age of five. She has also danced with the Sokół Polish Folk Ensemble, S.P.K. Iskry and with Akademia Białego Orła in Montreal. Justyna became an instructor in 2012. She loves dancing and folklore is her passion. In 2019, Justyna completed her first of four years for the choreographer’s diploma from the Polonijne Studium Choreograficzne in Rzeszów, Poland. Justyna is looking forward to furthering her knowledge and love of folk dance and sharing it with the next generation.

Justyna Paprocki 

Justyna Paprocki began her folk dance education at the Polish School of Dance “Sokół” at the age of five. She has also danced with the Sokół Polish Folk Ensemble, S.P.K. Iskry and with Akademia Białego Orła in Montreal. Justyna became an instructor in 2012. She loves dancing and folklore is her passion. In 2019, Justyna completed her first of four years for the choreographer’s diploma from the Polonijne Studium Choreograficzne in Rzeszów, Poland. Justyna is looking forward to furthering her knowledge and love of folk dance and sharing it with the next generation.

Derek Gale

Derek began dancing with the Sokół Polish Dance Ensemble in 1994, marking the beginning of a lifelong involvement in Polish folk dance and culture. In 1995, he travelled to Elbląg, Poland, to participate in a Polish folk-dance workshop with several regional specialists. This experience deepened his appreciation for Poland’s regional traditions and inspired him to continue developing his knowledge and skills as a dancer and teacher.
In 1998, Derek began teaching with the Polish School of Dance “Sokół”, where he taught until 2010, including 2 years in the role of Artistic Director. In 2001, he earned his Diploma in Polish Folk Dance and Ethnography through Poland’s Ministry of Culture, expanding his understanding of Poland’s regional dances, traditions, music, and costumes. Since then, he has continued his training through numerous workshops in North America and Poland, studying with specialists in Polish regional folk dance and ethnography.
In 2007, Derek became the Artistic Director of the Sokół Polish Dance Ensemble, a position he continues to hold today. After returning to teach with the school a few years ago, Derek is excited to once again be part of the instructional team this fall and to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for Polish folk culture with the next generation of dancers.

Anna Wesolowska-Kulbinska (M.Ed.)

Anna Wesolowska-Kulbinska was born and raised in Poland. She began her dance journey at a young age, mastering various dance techniques, including ballet, jazz, show dance, modern, and folk dance. She honed her skills in a diverse range of dance groups throughout her dancing and teaching career.
She holds a Master of Education degree, a postgraduate studies certificate in Administration and Entrepreneurship in Culture, and she completed a two-year modern dance instructor qualification course organized by the Polish Ministry of Culture and Art.
Anna Wesolowska-Kulbinska, served as the Artistic Director of the Polish School of Dance Sokol for nine seasons (2010-2019). During this time, the Sokół dancers participated in the International Children’s Folk Dance Festival in Iwonicz in 2015 and 2018. They also went on two tours to the East and West of Canada (2016, 2019), where Sokół dancers shared their gift of Polish dance with Polish communities across Canada.
As a passionate dance teacher and choreographer, Anna takes great pleasure in witnessing the growth of her students and their captivating performances.
In 2025, Anna Wesolowska-Kulbinska will join the Polish School of Dance Sokół as an instructor for Juniors.

Alexia Czezowski

Alexia Czezowski began dancing at the age of three with the Polish School of Dance Sokół. After 14 years with the school, her passion for Polish dance continued to grow, and she is now a member of the Sokół Polish Dance Ensemble. Her love of dance has also led her to teaching. She began as an assistant for several years before becoming an instructor, a role she has held for the past three years. Sharing her love of Polish culture through dance is deeply meaningful to her, and she looks forward to inspiring and teaching future generations of Polish dancers!

Elise Luczak

Elise Luczak is a dedicated Polish folk dancer with 10 years of dancing experience. She began dancing at 5 years old with the Polish School of Dance SPK Iskry and moved to The Polish School of Dance Sokoł at 11 years old. Elise also was a dance student in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and LA Dance, learning many styles of dance including Jazz, Musical Theatre, Ballet, and Tap. Elise recently had the opportunities to perform in the 11th Polonijny Festiwal Dziecięcych Zespołów Folklorystycznych in Iwonicz-Zdrój, Poland, and at the Polish Constitution Day Parade (Parada Konstytucji 3 Maja) in Chicago. As a teacher, Elise enjoys helping dancers of all ages learn Polish traditions, improve their technique, build confidence, and work as a team. Outside of teaching, Elise is a proud member of the Sokoł Juniors and is a high school student at St Mary’s Academy. Elise’s goal is to share her love of Polish culture and dance with the next generation.

Emilia Skubisz

Emilia Skubisz has been dancing with the Polish School of Dance “Sokół” since 2014. For the past four years, she has been an assistant instructor, teaching and assisting dancers across all grade levels. Emilia also has many years of dance experience with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She has a strong passion for Polish culture, traditions, and language, and loves sharing her heritage and passion for dance with others.

Committee