White Eagle Folk Dance Academy

The White Eagle Folk Dance Academy, is a semi-professional dance ensemble and registered Canadian Charity (BN84079 1305 RR0001) based in Montréal Canada, dedicated to promoting, preserving and developing folk dance through classical and modern forms of dance. The ensemble, comprised of three age groups, is proud to bring to its audiences the excitement and beauty of the world’s folklore. Registered as a non-profit corporation in the province of Québec, Canada, the groups of the Academy perform to rave reviews around the world.

With much success at home and abroad,  “The Representative Group of the Academy” which is comprised of adults  continues to add to its membership and repertoire. In January 2024, we expanded the ensemble to bring the Podhale Folk Dance Company into the fold, as the “Podhale Youth Group” dedicated to the teaching of folklore to adolescents followed by the creation of “The Syrenka Children’s group” for children  aged 6 to 12, in September of the same year.  With this growth a dedicated staff of instructors and assistants were put in place and we invite you to read about their successes on the next page.

We are pleased to work hand-in-hand with the Southwest Borough  of the City of Montreal who provide a permanent locale for us to store much of our extensive costume inventory (Centre Lorne) along with weekly rehearsal facilities for both Podhale and Syrenka (Centre St-Charles).  We are also supported by the White Eagle Society of Montréal who for over over 100 years as a Montréal institution, offer us top-notch rehearsal facilities with adequate space in which to host fund-raising events. Our Representative group rehearse  every week at Dom Polski on Frontenac Street.

As members of Folklore Canada International (FCI) and the Polish Folk Dance Association of the Americas (PFDAA), our mission is to promote and develop the folk arts of the world through song and dance, with the aspirations that people from all backgrounds will come together in peace and harmony through a better understanding of each other’s culture and traditions. It is for that reason that our objectives are the following:

1) Instruct and develop the understanding and appreciation of the general public to the folk art of Poland, Canada and other cultures through education.

 2) Instruct and develop the understanding and appreciation of the general public to folk art through the presentation and organisation of performances and events showcasing the folk art of Poland, Canada and other cultures

3) Teach the folklore of Poland and other cultures, under the authority and approval of the law concerning private training and its rules and regulations.

4) Guide the corporation and its volunteers and members to engage in performances and events that benefit and support the local community and charitable organisations.

5) Receive donations, legacies and other contributions in the form of cash money, securities or real estate, administer such donations, legacies and contributions: organise fund-raising campaigns with the goal of supporting our mission statement.

Through intense rehearsals consisting of ballet, presentation techniques, vocal training, detailed work on character and styling along with gymnastic and authentic folk steps, we are forever expanding our repertoire and costume inventory. We not only present works from all the National dances of Poland (Polonaise, Mazur, Oberek, Kujawiak and Krakowiak) along with the multitude of regional dances but are also proud to cross borders and show dances from Romania, Germany, Russia, Italy, the Rom people as well as our homeland of Canada.

We are pleased to work with so many of our peers from all cultural backgrounds and we have developed an extensive network of like-minded organisations around the globe who share our goals. 

Throughout our history, we have come to the aid of many organisations and associations that benefit our community along with the needs of children and seniors specifically. The Academy’s artists not only perform at these events but are willing to roll up their sleeves and work alongside the volunteers.  We are dynamic, we are young and energetic and look forward to partnering with you in the near future!

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This is ‘What they are saying about us’

“You have done a wonderful job. It was truly fantastic. I truly enjoyed it. Glad to have you again with us and look forward to working with you next year.” – Leticia Bulotano-Wheeler (Folklore Canada, 2011)

The positive feedback and delight of the crowds in attendance at this year’s Dozynki were stupendous. You have outdone yourselves – once again! So many youth in beautiful Polish costumes brought tears to my eyes. Our heritage is safe in your hands.” – Marysia Palczak (VP – White Eagle Society, 2011)

“The White Eagle Academy is truly one of the most disciplined groups to visit our festival. What a marvellous performance!” – Aline Carriere (Artistic Director – Couleurs du Monde CIOFF Ste-Marie de Beauce, 2012)

“Winners of the 1st Prize for Cultural Community of Montreal” – Trophy Award Ceremony (Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 2012)