Once banned by communists, Poland’s stately 18th century dance garners UNESCO honors

BY MONIKA SCISLOWSKA AND RAFAL NIEDZIELSKI

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Once banned by rulers dispatched from Moscow, Poland’s stately polonaise dance that nurtured the country’s spirit even through the dark years of its partition is now honored by UNESCO.

This 18th century dance has been performed from aristocratic balls to village celebrations, inspiring composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and Frederic Chopin. It still figures prominently in big national occasions, pre-graduation balls and weddings.

On Dec. 5, this living tradition was ensconced into the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage as a “form of joint celebration,” which “commemorates important moments in family and community life and symbolizes cooperation, reconciliation and equality.”

Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, which petitioned for the dance’s inclusion into UNESCO’s list, said its initiative was met with huge public support.

“Thousands of people on Facebook and on other social media were supporting the (UNESCO)