Senior Days at the Stanisław Hadyna "Śląsk" Song and Dance Ensemble

On May 21 and 22, 2024, the Stanisław Hadyna "Śląsk" Song and Dance Ensemble welcomed active senior citizens from across the region to their headquarters. A rich program designed to engage older adults, particularly in creative activities, was prepared for these special guests, and nearly a thousand people visited the Ensemble's headquarters over the two days. Zbigniew Cierniak, the director of the Ensemble, was an excellent host of event.

For all participants of the Senior Days – Active Artistic Senior event, the "Śląsk" Ensemble educators prepared dance and vocal workshops. Under the guidance of professional staff, seniors learned elements of national and folk dances and movement aesthetics. During the vocal workshops, they explored folk songs from the Ensemble's repertoire, and while touring the palace, they listened to stories about its history. Additional attractions included concerts by invited guests, comedy shows, workshops on proper Nordic walking techniques, meetings with specialists, and lectures on health-related topics. Invited police officers discussed senior safety, and firefighters emphasized proper fire protection.

The project "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" also had a stand during this special meeting with seniors. Conversations about the impact of air quality on seniors' health and ways to improve it attracted great interest. Seniors were curious about the activities of eco-managers, including funding opportunities for replacing heat sources and home thermal modernization. All visitors to the stand received small educational gifts. Seeds of honey plants and pollinator-attracting plants, which sparked long conversations about the role of greenery in human life, were particularly popular.

The outdoor nature of the event was highlighted by the food and promotional stands set up in the park.

The highlight of each of the two Senior Days was a concert performed by the "Śląsk" Ensemble's choir, ballet, and orchestra, featuring a gala folk-national program. The concerts were guest-conducted by Professor Czesław Grabowski. To the unceasing applause of the audience, the artists presented a repertoire of their greatest dance and vocal hits, musically arranged or composed by the Ensemble's patron. In line with cultural accessibility standards, some of the songs were available in a custom sign language translation, and an induction loop facilitated concert reception for hearing-impaired individuals using hearing aids.

The honorary guests of the Koszęcin senior event included: Minister Borys Budka, Member of the Board of the Silesian Voivodeship Rafał Adamczyk, Deputy Chairman of the Silesian Regional Assembly Stanisław Gmitruk, and Chairwoman of the Silesian Council for Seniors of the Regional Social Policy Center of the Silesian Voivodeship Zuzanna Geilke.

Photos: MOSV, Song and Dance Ensemble „Śląsk”