History of Wiwaty Polish Folk Dancers of Erie, Pa
In 2005 there was interest in expanding the availability of Polish folk dancing and language around the Erie, Pa area. A group of people dancers, parents and representatives from Council 72 of the Polish National Alliance came together and decided to form a new Polish Folk Dancing group. Shortly afterwards the Erie’s Polish Dancers were formed by Cindy Plizga and Thomas Habursky Jr. The group started like most groups did, small but had a large amount of interest in expanding and spreading the culture of Poland. The Erie group always had a close relationship with Raymond Vargas the Artistic Director of the Syrena Polish Folk Ensemble of Cleveland, Ohio. About a year ago, Ray was asked assist the Erie’s Polish Dancers with his wealth of Polish knowledge and choreography of Polish songs and dances. Over the past year with Ray's help and the insight of the older dancers, the Erie group came up with a formal name of Wiwaty Polish Folk Dancers of Erie PA.

Currently Wiwaty has about 15 members that meet every Monday night at Holy Trinity Social Center on the corner of East 23rd and Reed Streets in Erie, Pa. The dances, songs and staging for Wiwaty are the work of Raymond Vargas along with the assistance of Ms. Erica Wurst an alumna member from the original group. The group is under the direction/PR of Mr. Thomas Habursky Jr. Coordinating and costuming of the group is done by Ms. Cindy Plizga.

Wiwaty is available for performances, presentations both locally and out of town by calling Cindy Plizga at (814) 868-7924 or email us at wiwaty@msn.com