about us
Our Beginnings
The Echoes of Poland was founded in the fall of 1967 when Paulina Tul-Ortyl was asked to prepare a group of young people to perform some of the traditional aspects of the Polish Christmas celebration. She gathered some of her friends from the Nebraska Avenue and Lagrange Street areas for the church pageant. During the first few years, the troupe held practices once a week. They were asked to participate at many local festivals and church functions. At that time, the ensemble practiced at several locations including St. Anthony's, The Argonne Post, Polish Falcons, PNA Hall and the Lagrange-Central Center.
The Children's Ensemble
By the mid-1970's, Pani Paulina established the Children's Ensemble to train future members for the adult group, and as a special attraction to performances. Meanwhile, Pani Paulina continued her formal education and training in Polish culture and dance choreography at summer institutes in Poland, receiving a degree in dance choreography from the Catholic University of Lublin.
An Award-Winning History
In 1977, the ensemble traveled to Rzeszow, Poland for the first time for the Triennial World Festival of Polish Folklore Groups. Echoes was awarded first place for their Dozynki presentation.
50th Anniversary
In 2017, the Echoes celebrated their 50th anniversary with a concert and gala.
Today
Today, Echoes practices at the Common Space on Reynolds on Sunday and Thursday nights. Through the weekly practices, Paulina Ortyl has instilled in her members a great sense of pride and love for Polish folk customs through dancing and singing. A non-profit organization, the Echoes of Poland continue to perform at festivals and concerts throughout the United States, Canada, and Poland, presenting their full repertoire of Poland's national and regional dances, with a mission of preserving and promoting authentic Polish folklore tradition.