Founded in 2003, towarzystwo gimnastyczne is a Poznan-based artistic collective (and association). Although in their work they mainly employ broadly understood contemporary dance techniques, they want to avoid any genre generalisations. Their ultimate goal is to find means of expression that best render the contents of the performance. nic, for which the association invited collaboration from three freelance Polish artists: Janusz Orlik, Agnieszka Noster and Dominika Knapik, is the ensemble’s third piece (following Whatever you wish (2003) and Obcojęzyczność [Foreign-language-ness] (2005).
Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne (Gymnastic Association) has been created in 2003 as an initiative of Natalia Draganik (dancer and choreographer) and Joanna Leśnierowska (dance critique). Towarzystwo (Association), as the very name suggests, is more of a lose conglomerate of independent artists rather than a set company, as it wishes to avoid all genre generalizations. The artists, naturally, takes advantage of widely understood contemporary dance techniques in their work. However, their ultimate aim is to choose such means of expression, that would be most adequate to the presentation of the spectacles’ contents.
Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne’s debut (Whatever You Wish/ premiere on the 20th of November 2003) took place during the 12th edition of Międzynarodowy Festiwal Teatralny MASKI (the MASKS International Theatrical Festival). Whatever You Wish is a peculiar programme manifesto, which evokes a dispute over diverse colloquial views on contemporary dance – for instance, as a form of gymnastic activity (which, by the way, corresponds with the groups name) – in an auto-ironic manner.
The spectacle was warmly received by the audience and was widely present in Polish press. It was presented during the Malta Festival (2004), Gdańska Korporacja Tańca (Gdańsk Dance Corporation) (2004), Teatr Narodowy (the National Theatre), T. Mały scene in Warsaw (March 2005).
In 2004, Natalia Draganik and Joanna Leśnierowska have created Stowarzyszenie Artystyczne Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne (Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne Artistic Association). Its ultimate goal is to support the development of Polish contemporary dance and its promotion – especially the development and promotion of the Polish art of choreography. The Association’s mission is the popularization of knowledge of contemporary dance amongst the audience, as well as amongst young professionals, by means of production and presentation of original projects, workshops organization for young dancers and choreographers and establishing a dialogue platform for artists from Poland and their colleagues from abroad.
To fully realize the assumed aims, Towarzystwo Gimnastyczne became the only Polish partner of DANCE WEB – a prestigious, Vienna-based European organization. DANCE WEB associates the biggest and the most interesting dance centres and organizations in Europe (amongst others: ROSAS/ Belgium, Ultima Vez/ Belgium, Impulstanz/ Austria, Montpellier Choreographical Centre/ France, Tanzhaus NRW/ Germany).
