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The 37th International Polonaise Ball – “Tribute to Mexico” was held January 24, 2009 at the Surf Club, Miami Beach, FL. The annual gala was organized by the American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC) and under the auspices of the Embassy of Poland in Washington, D.C. During the Ball, Polish-Mexican cultural and historical ties were highlighted.
President Lech Walesa and Lady Blanka Rosenstiel
President Lech Walesa, the legendary “Solidarity” leader from Poland and a Peace Nobel Prize winner attended the Ball and danced the opening Polonaise with Lady Blanka Rosenstiel, Founder and President of the AIPC and the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland.
Over 250 guests from the US, Mexico and Europe attended the gala, including Consul General of Mexico Juan Gutierrez – Tinoco with Polish wife Grazyna Czelakowska-Gutierrez, Consul General of Poland Wlodzimierz Sulgostowski, H.R.H. King Kigeli V of Rwanda, H.I.H. Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie of Ethiopia, Marquis Alexander Colonna-Walewski Montague and Marquise Maria Alonso Montague of Coral Gables.
Mrs. Grazyna Czelakowska-Gutierrez, President Lech Walesa, Mrs. Danuta Walesa,
Consul General of Mexico Juan Gutierrez
During the Ball, Mr. Zbigniew Paleta, violinist and composer and Mrs. Anna Zarnecka Santos de Burgoa, writer and artist, received the Gold Medals– the highest distinction presented by American Institute of Polish Culture.
The Ball’s artistic program included a 10-piece Frank Hubbell Orchestra, Mariachi group and performances of Mexican and Polish dances by the Polish American Folk Dance Company of New York.
By Beata Paszyc |
International Polonaise Ball 2009 