A Night with Kukułeczka at the Heart of Community Spirit
(By Mai White, Multicultural Press)
Last Saturday, the Hungarian Community Hall off Beaufort Street was transformed into a vibrant mixture of colour, music, and movement for Folkoteka, a lively dance party fundraiser hosted by Perth’s beloved Polish Dance Group Kukułeczka. The event wasn’t just a fundraiser—it was an emotional celebration of identity, youth energy, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage.
Set against the rhythmic pulse of Polish folk music mixed with a dynamic DJ set, the hall buzzed with a cosy warmth. The atmosphere was welcoming, intimate, and electric—where generations mingled over hearty food, traditional drinks, and the shared joy of dance. Young people, in particular, were drawn to the upbeat vibe of the night, making the event not only a success in terms of fundraising but also a promising sign for the future of cultural engagement in Western Australia.
At the heart of the event was Kukułeczka, one of WA’s most treasured cultural gems. This not-for-profit Polish folk dance group, based at the Polish Club Cracovia in Bennett Springs, has been a steadfast ambassador for Polish culture since the early 1990s. What began with a handful of children learning folk songs at the Polish Ethnic School im. Adama Mickiewicza in Maylands has blossomed into a dynamic organisation of over 100 members, six dance groups, a choir, a musical ensemble called Kapela, and a dazzling wardrobe of traditional costumes. Their dedication to showcasing Polish folklore has remained unwavering—and Folkoteka was yet another example of their passion in motion.
This year holds special meaning for the group. PolArt, the tri-annual Polish arts festival and the largest Polish cultural celebration in the Southern Hemisphere, marks its 50th anniversary. Hosted in Adelaide from December 27, 2025 to January 5, 2026, PolArt will bring together over 500 artists across dance, music, theatre, literature, and visual arts. Kukułeczka has proudly participated in every PolArt festival since 1994—and now, with Folkoteka and other efforts, they are raising essential funds to ensure they can once again represent WA on this grand stage.
Beyond the joy of performance, the significance of this journey lies in something deeper: the preservation and sharing of Polish culture across generations and borders. Through every rehearsed step, embroidered costume, and regional melody, Kukułeczka tells stories of a homeland far away—Polska—while planting those stories firmly into the Western Australian soil. As President Kasia Jayasekera and her dedicated team shared during the night, the mission isn’t just about performance—it’s about belonging, memory, and connection.
That sense of connection was palpable on Saturday. Attendees, whether of Polish heritage or not, felt invited into something real—something that transcends language and geography. The food, music, and community spirit created a sense of shared ownership over cultural appreciation. “This is what we want,” said one community member. “Young people dancing, laughing, eating together—this is how culture survives and thrives.”
Kukułeczka’s home at Cracovia Club provides the perfect anchor for these efforts. With beautiful facilities, including a bar and restaurant, soccer fields, and cultural spaces, the Club is a true hub for Polish-Australian life. In March 2025, they even welcomed a visit from Mr. Piotr Rakowski, Consul General of Poland in Sydney, and Mrs. Anna Niedźwiadek, President of Polonia WA—an event that affirmed the club’s growing influence and community importance. Plans are already in motion to celebrate Cracovia Club’s 75th anniversary in September, marking yet another milestone for WA’s Polish diaspora.
The group’s efforts are driven by passionate leaders like Katarzyna Stawarz—affectionately known as Kasia or Kathy—whose dedication to both the Polish community and the Kukułeczka dance group has been unwavering. With her deep roots in cultural advocacy and warm, approachable leadership style, Kasia plays a vital role in organising events, nurturing younger members, and strengthening connections between generations. Her energy and commitment continue to inspire both newcomers and long-time members alike.
For now, the focus is squarely on the road to PolArt. Fundraising continues, and Folkoteka has shown just how powerful these community events can be—not only in raising money but in bringing people together. For those interested, more videos and updates can be found on Kukułeczka’s social media pages, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Whether you’re of Polish background or simply someone who loves culture and community, the next time you hear a lively folk tune or catch the swish of a colourful skirt, think of Kukułeczka—and the hundreds of young dancers, musicians, teachers, and volunteers keeping a beautiful heritage alive, one beat at a time.
DJ Katarzyna Stawarz
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Members of the Cracovia Club warmly welcomed Mr. Piotr Rakowski, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Sydney, and Mrs. Anna Niedźwiadek, President of Polonia WA, during their visit on March 4, 2025. The meeting was filled with meaningful discussions about the club’s cultural role, community vision, and plans for the upcoming 75th anniversary celebration in September.
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Kukuleczka Polish Dance Group – Folk dancing in WA
