The WICI Song and Dance Company has one of the largest children’s dance groups in the Chicagoland area. There are more than 150 children registered ranging from age 3 up through 13. They receive dance instruction and singing lessons from trained instructors and musicians, exposing the youngest generations to the beauty of Polish culture and tradition.
• Awards
• Registration
• Enrollment
• Rehearsals
• Special Events
In July 2006, a group of Male WICI dancers participated in the international Krakowiak Festival and competition in Krakow, Poland. For one week, the children attended dance rehearsals and participated in immersion events throughout the historic city. Their impressive performance during the capstone event of the festival, the Krakowiak 2006 Concert, earned Male WICI a prestigious 1st Place Award. The award is given to the best of more than 20 international children’s groups, and is awarded on the basis of technical merit, traditional character of program and authenticity of costumes. We are very proud of Male WICI for this truly distinguished accomplishment!
Krakow 2006Registration will take place on Friday, September 15th and Sunday, September 17th at 6 p.m. at the White Eagle Banquet Hall, 6839 Milwaukee Avenue, Niles. Children must meet the following requirements prior to enrollment:
• Must be at least 3 years of age and toilet trained
• Have a basic understanding of the Polish language (rehearsals are conducted in Polish)
• Have the ability to independently follow directions (parents are not allowed in rehearsal rooms)
• Pay an annual registration fee
• Submit proof of insurance through the Polish National Alliance
(insurance representatives are present throughout the year to offer
annual policy options)
Based on their age and skills as assessed during the enrollment audition, children are assigned to one specific class and have their own dance instructor. Groups meet once a week for 1-hour rehearsals, which are held between the hours of 5:30 and 8 p.m. The first portion of the rehearsal includes music and singing lessons, while the remainder of the rehearsal focuses on a dance warm-up and instruction that is appropriate for the age and skill level of the children.
Required rehearsal attire includes:
• T-shirt
• Short black skirt for girls; black sweatpants or shorts for boys (no baggy pants)
• Ballet slippers
• Hair neatly combed, and for girls, tied into a braid, bun or ponytail
There will be no snacks during the rehearsal.
Parents are responsible for ensuring that children arrive on time and are dressed ready to begin their class.
A number of special events are held throughout the year in order to showcase the children’s accomplishments and encourage camaraderie.
Christmas Banquet
It is held annually in December each year at the White Eagle Banquet Hall in Niles, IL. The banquet features a performance by both the children’s and adult WICI Song and Dance Company, an elegant family-style dinner, dancing to a live band, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Tickets to the event are sold separately in advance.
Concert of PNA Schools and Folk Groups
Every March this event highlights all folk dance groups at polish language schools sponsored by the Polish National Alliance. The WICI Song and Dance Company, including its children’s groups, participates in the performance. Tickets to the concert are sold in advance.
Easter Bazaar
A special bazaar is held at rehearsals prior to Easter. Traditional Polish crafts and Easter flowers are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the group.
Polish Constitution Day Parade
Each year in May, the WICI dancers travel downtown to march in the Polish Constitution Day Parade. Transportation is provided for all the dancers.
Year-end Recital and Awards Ceremony
The end of the school year is marked by a final dance recital by all children’s groups, and distribution of award certificates and gifts to each child by their instructor.