Mornings at Yanka’s | Traditional Jewish Dances with Live Music

What?

Live music, traditional Jewish dances, and a shared dance floor where anyone can dance—that’s what “Mornings at Yanka’s” are all about. It’s an invitation to encounter a culture that has helped shape Łódź’s identity for decades, and to experience dance as a space for community, joy, and togetherness.

The event’s name pays homage to Yanka Rudzka—a choreographer born in Łódź and one of the pioneers of contemporary dance in Brazil. She grew up in a city whose strength lay in its diversity of cultures and traditions, and she sought inspiration in the authentic musical and dance practices of local communities. In the spirit of this idea, we invite you to dance with us—not to recreate the past, but to experience our multicultural heritage as a living culture.

During the event, participants will learn about the characteristic dances of Jewish tradition—the freilach, the sher, the hora, and more tranquil circle dances such as the Nigun Atik and the Tzadik Katamar. No prior experience is necessary—the most important things will be moving together, the music, and the joy that comes from dancing.

Who?

The dance party will be hosted by Oksana Balatsko—a violinist, singer, and dance instructor.

Live music will be performed by:

• Oksana Balatsko – dance leader, violin, and vocals,
• Patryk Petersson – clarinet and vocals,
• Anna Psuty – accordion,
• Gabriel Prusinowski – drums and double bass.

The Łódź Dance Center is a partner of the event.

For Whom?

The workshops are open to everyone—both those who have been dancing for years and those who are just looking to try their hand at dancing. This is an opportunity for anyone who wants to discover the richness of Jewish musical and dance traditions and experience the culture through active participation, rather than just observation.

Why is it worth it?

One of the cornerstones of the Łódź Multicultural Festival is reminding people that the city’s history was shaped by the many communities that shape its everyday life. “Dance Party at Yanka’s” allows participants to experience this history not through storytelling, but through movement, music, and connection. Traditional Jewish dances remind us that culture thrives above all when it is practiced together. Here, the shared dance floor becomes a space for dialogue, joy, and the discovery of Łódź’s multicultural heritage as an experience that can still bring people together.

Availability

The Dialogue Center building is accessible to people with mobility impairments. It has wide, non-automatic entrance doors, an accessible restroom, and an elevator. In front of the building, there is a large parking lot with designated spaces for people with disabilities. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are welcome both inside the building and in the auditorium. The building is equipped with the ToTuPoint audio navigation system. The entrance to the parking lot is on Wojska Polskiego Street. Nearby bus and tram stops include: Wojska Polskiego/Centrum Dialogu and Wojska Polskiego/Sporna.

Photos

Report from the dance party at the 2025 Festival, photo by Agnieszka Cytacka