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35TH ANNIVERSARY FASHION SHOW
Hosted by M. Konopnicka Adult Culture Group
(Photos)
In 1975, the Adult Culture Group of the PRCUA, in an effort to raise funds
for scholarships presented to the candidates in the Cinderella-Prince
Charming Ball, hosted its 1st Spring Fashion Show. Here it is, 35 years
later, and the M. Konopnicka Adult Culture Group of the PRCUA continues this
honored tradition of raising funds for scholarships.
The talents of Cinderella
and Prince Charming Ball candidates, as well as M. Konopnicka Adult Culture
Group Members, were showcased throughout the 2010 Spring Fashion Show. Since
this year's Fashion Show marked the 35th anniversary, past Cinderellas and
Prince Charmings, as well as former candidates, were invited to participate.
To look out in the audience or up on the stage and see the history of the
Cinderella-Prince Charming Ball in those who uphold its tradition and
culture was an amazing tribute to the founder of the Cinderella-Prince
Charming Ball, the late Regina Ocwieja, and to all the members of the M.
Konopnicka Adult Culture Group who have continued to promote this vision.
The 35th Annual Spring
Fashion Show was held on Sunday, March 7th, 2010 at the Sabre Room in
Hickory Hills, Illinois. This year's event, chaired by Bonnie Zawora and
Halina Avila, and sponsored by the M. Konopnicka Adult Culture Group,
proudly celebrated a "Party in the USA". And what a party it was!!!! Walter
Szarowicz, attired as Uncle Sam, greeted over 500 guests who attended the
show. Uncle Sam opened the show with an extravaganza choreographed by Misia
Jaminski, Director of the Wesoly Lud Polish Folk Dance Ensemble. The
dancers, as well as models - wearing fashions by Dress Barn and Cavalinis -
represented people who were "Coming to America" in this opening number.
As the show continued,
commentators Nicole Bencik and Paul Pazdiora introduced fashions by Deb's,
Men's Warehouse, Windsor, Black Tie Formal Wear, Oxxford Clothes, That Girl
Boutique, Rocio's Children's Wear, and Kimberly Bond Boutique, with
hairstyles by
Aspire Salon. Nicole and Paul, with grace and charm, presented the models to
songs representing cities all over the United States.
The audience was enthralled
by the glitz of "42nd Street" in which Prince Charming candidates looked
debonair in their Oxxford Suits. This was followed by "Chicago, That Toddlin
Town", where four mothers of current candidates, Mrs. Brzezniak-Hullinger,
Mrs. Brzezniak-Crouchelli, Mrs. Krystyna Rozwadowski and Mrs. Grazyna
Szuminec modeled classy and sassy apparel. Then “Viva Las Vegas” included
current Cinderella and Prince Charming candidates who brought the excitement
of the bright lights and big city to the stage.
The audience became
nostalgic as certain songs reminded them of what it means to be an American.
The sweetness of the little girls modeling dresses from Rocio's in “God
Bless America” brought tears to one's eyes. Good old fashion fun as
displayed by the Prince Charming candidates in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"
- with Cinderella Marysia Tkacz as the umpire - had the crowd cheering for
their favorite ball player.
Not only was the audience
entertained by the models but the Fashion Show also had wonderful guest
entertainers. Wesoly Lud, under the artistic direction and choreography of
Misia and Richard Jaminski, presented their 1001st performance. Wesoly Lud
made its debut in the 1977 Fashion Show. In this year’s Show the group
performed "Celebration Polka" and two members, Kalina and Michael
Dziadkowicz, performed a high energy swing dance to Glenn Miller's "In the
Mood". Wesoly Ludki of the PRCUA Southwest Center of Polish Dancing, under
the direction of Dir. Krystyna Lech, artistic directors and choreographers
Misia and Richard Jaminski and dance instructor Kalina Dziadkowiec,
entertained everyone with a true American hoedown in their performance of
the “American Square Dance.” As these dance ensembles celebrated some great
American dance history, the HHPD Company Dancers, directed by Liz Dynowski,
performed a remix from “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, reminding the audience
that there is no place like home.
The afternoon show ended
with the signature song “Party in the USA” whereby the 2010 Cinderella Maria
Tkacz and Prince Charming Marcin Burdzy, along with the 2010 Second Runners
Up Monika Marszalik and Christopher Gumienny, the 1st Runners Up Cynthia
Avila and David Skwirut, modeled fashions by Kimberly Bond and Black Tie
with hairstyles by Aspire.
For the finale "This Land
is Your Land," all models, including current candidates, past candidates and
their family members took a bow. Then the Master of Ceremonies announced the
names of the Past Cinderellas and Prince Charmings who participated in this
35th Anniversary Fashion Show.
Edward Muszalski, President
of the M. Konopnicka Adult Culture Group, thanked everyone for making the
evening a huge success. He appreciated all the hard work done by all
committee members of the M. Konopnicka Adult Culture Group who included:
Halina Avila and Bonnie Zawora, Chairwomen; Model Coordinators Krystyna Lech
and Gabby Zuk: Reservations: Walter and Liz Dynowski; Raffles: Mary
Brzezniak, Diane Cortesi, Stan and Mary Dron, Michaeline Drust, John
Frankowicz, Vickie Kroplewski, Angie and Edward Muszalski and Jolanta Stanek;
Stage manager: Monica Pazdiora and Fashion Show Choreographers: Misia
Jaminski, Richard Jaminski, and Liz Dynowski.
After “Partying in the
USA”, the afternoon came to a close with a great deal of excitement as
audience guests won gala prizes and money raffles. Gala prizes were donated
by many organizations, business, and PRCUA members. The monetary donations,
gifts and time contributed by so many in order to make this 35th anniversary
a huge success is greatly appreciated by the M. Konopnicka Adult Culture
Group.
As in the past 35 years,
the proceeds from this Fashion Show will be used toward scholarships for the
candidates of the 39th Cinderella and Prince Charming Ball, which will be
held on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Lexington House in Hickory Hills,
Illinois. Mark
your calendars!
For more information
regarding the upcoming Ball, or how high school age PRCUA members from
Illinois, Indiana or Wisconsin can become a candidate in the Ball, please
contact Edward Muszalski (708) 937-3812.
- Elizabeth Dynowski
Here are some
photos
from the event.
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