The Polish folkloric arts troupe Masurian Song and Dance Ensemble EŁK (Mazurski Zespół Pieśni i Tańca EŁK) gave a special performance at the garden of the Polish embassy in Cairo on Wednesday 13 February. The ensemble was represented by eight artists. Staged in front of the embassy officials and a large number of the Polish community, the ensemble presented to the audience the beauty of their folkloric tradition enveloped in music and unique costumes. The ensemble's performance in Cairo came a few days prior to their official participation in the 7th Aswan International Festival of Culture and Arts, a large scale event that kicked off on Sunday and will continue until Friday. This year, the Aswan festival includes 13 folkloric troupes from different countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. The Masurian Song and Dance Ensemble was founded in 2001 with an aim of popularising the cultural values of Masuria, a region in northern Poland famous for its many lakes. The biggest city of Masuria is Ełk, also home to the ensemble. Known for showcasing the Masurian traditional forms of dance and song, and numbering several dozen dancers and singers, the ensemble have brought their traditions to many countries around the world. They have received a number of awards from national and international folklore-related festivals and other events. Masurian Song and Dance Ensemble EŁK at the Embassy of Poland in Cairo (Photo: courtesy of the Embassy of Poland in Cairo) Masurian Song and Dance Ensemble EŁK at the Embassy of Poland in Cairo (Photo: courtesy of the Embassy of Poland in Cairo) For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture
