When Poland Was Baptized

When Poland Was Baptized presents a moment of breakthrough in the land of the Polans. The symbolic beginning of the Polish State appears here in the context of pre-Christian culture and the developing court culture. Elements of Old Slavonic rites inspired by descriptions found in Johannes Longinus’ chronicles as well as choreographies of western court dances both found their way into the performance. Reminiscent of Zofia Stryjeńska’s designs, old-time Slavic deities can be seen among those dancing on the Midsummer’s Night. Having arrived from Prague with their Bohemian princess Dobrava, courtiers, on the other hand, represent the civilization of the West and perform ceremonious court dances in a hierarchical and formalised way that stands in stark contrast to the lively and spontaneous world of the Slavs. Along with adopting Christian faith from the Prague court, Poland enters a different realm of dance culture, and, at the same time, becomes an important element in forming the tradition of character ballets. All the costumes have been designed by Cracovia Danza’s long-time collaborator — Monika Polak-Luścińska — and allude to medieval iconography on the one hand, while on the other to the designs by Zofia Stryjeńska, who was fascinated with Slavic culture.