Remembering Pani Ada
(Jan. 19, 1917-July 2, 2021)
Pani Ada Dziewanowska (1917-2021). Cherished teacher of Polish folk dance and culture, died peacefully on July 2 at home in Nevada City, Calif. She was surrounded by her children, Basia and Jaś, and her grandsons, Steven and Alex.
Ada was born in Poznań, Poland. World War II took her to England where she met her husband Kamil. On a scholarship to Harvard, they moved to the United States in 1947.
In 1955 she began working artistically with Orleta, a Boston’s children’s Polish performing ensemble.
She studied dance at the Boston Conservatory of Music from 1963-1972. For many years she was choreographer for the Krakowiak Polish Dancers of Boston.
In 1979 Ada received a certificate in choreography from the Marie Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland.
She also taught Polish conversation at Harvard University.
Ada’s legacy reached beyond the U.S. She instructed with her son Jaś and taught around the world leading Polish folk dance workshops in the U.S., Canada, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Israel, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan.
Ada moved to Milwaukee in 1979 and became the artistic director and choreographer of Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble.
In 1997 Ada’s book, “Polish Folk Dances and Songs: A Step-By-Step Guide” was published. This work contains research, in-depth descriptions and instruction on over 90 regional and national dances of Poland.
In 1999, Ada became artistic director to Syrenka Children’s Polish Folk Dance Ensemble.
One of her many awards includes the Cross of Merit of the Polish Republic, signed by Polish president Lech Wałęsa in 1994.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Ada Dziewanowska kindly asks donations to be made to Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble in her honor. Checks only can be mailed to S81 W26275 National Ave. Mukwonago, WI 53149 or donated online at syrenadancers.com.
