In September 1973
6 months before she was married
P. Basia Klimas established a dance group in Balham, South London. Little did her husband know that he would now also be marrying ZPiT Orlęta.
The 70s were filled with impressive moustaches and a variety of performances, including Orleta’s first concert. They wore Krakow, Lublin, Opoczno and Beskid Slaski costumes, most of which were made by P.Basia.
In 1980 quiffed hair was combed into neat plaits for Orlęta’s first trip to Rzeszow. The intense international love of Polish folklore was an inspiration. On their return P.Basia established the junior groups in which her daughters also performed.
The 90s started strong with a trip to PineWood Studios where the children starred in a TV commercial. Whilst the adult group participated in the first three UK festivals and also went back to Rzeszow with 4 other British groups.
The first decade of the new millennium brought with it a show in Regents Park Open Air theatre and a (sort of) European tour. Orlęta grabbed their iPods and packed their bags, 3 more Rzeszow festivals, performances in Wales, Scotland, Lithuania, Italy and even the Munich Beer Festival!
Roll on the 20teens when their performance in Belfast was so good that a volcano erupted in Iceland!
Stranded for a few days, they soon braved air travel again for a festival in Italy and a performance in the beautiful Royal Łazienki Theatre.
Closer to home Orlęta were proud to perform at the many legendary Days of Poland festivals in London as well as at the exclusive Bal Polski.
