About Two Friends, They Went A' Dancing...

Maria Bielski and Janina Dobkowski, two life-long friends who enjoy dancing and singing are the authors of a book of Polish children’s singing games and dances entitled Two Friends, They Went A’ Dancing…. It contains lyrics in both English and Polish for these popular singing games, a vocal music score with chords, and clear step by step movement and dance instructions. In addition, a CD of the recorded songs with accompaniment is included, so that parents, grandparents, teachers, and children can immediately enjoy the songs and games. Each page has an original “wycinanki” (Polish cut-out style) illustration, designed by the artist, Joanna Bielska.

 A companion book, Two Friends, They Went A’ Dancing… Coloring Book is also available.  Using these “wycinanki” icons, you can draw the story of each song, color the enlarged full page cut-out, or reproduce any of these icons for educational purposes.  Some craft ideas are included. 

The authors created these books as a resource for anyone interested in folk culture. They hope this will help to pass on Polish traditions to children and grandchildren in families that may not be fluent in Polish. Teachers,  occupational therapists, ethnic dance directors, whether Polish or not, can use these to enrich their classroom program, physical education curriculum, music and dance classes and children’s events. The CD can be used during assemblies, multicultural fairs, and parties for children and adults, car trips and sing-a-longs. These books make an ideal gift for anyone who loves music, dance, and folk art.
 
Both authors are teachers by profession and have an extensive background in Polish folk art, music and dance. They are members of the Polish American Folk Dance Company, NY, and the Polish American Teachers Association, which has its headquarters at the Kosciuszko Foundation, NY, and the Marie Sklodowska Curie Professional Women’s Association, NY of which Maria is the current president. Janina is a member of the National Dance Association, the National Dance Education Organization and a board member of Dance and the Child International, USA which fosters dance opportunities for children.  
  
Contact the authors at  or call 203-268-8733. Visit us on the web at www.polishkidsdance.com   

Download free lyrics of all the singing games in English and Polish.  

Sample page from the book - View PDF

Book contents & CD track list
(Click links to sample music)

1. The Carousel
2. The Elephant
3. A Girl Went Walking
4. The Goat Herder's Dance
5. Karolinka's Basket
6. The Kerchief
7. This Old Bear
8. The Quail
9. The Train
10. Two Friends - Song
11. Two Friends - Dance

Video Clip: THE CAROUSEL

Free Lyrics (PDF)

• The Carousel, The Kercheif, The Elephant,
  A Girl Went Walking, The Train
  
  
• The Goat Herder's Dance, Karolinka's Basket, The Quail, This Old Bear, Two Friends

• Karuzela, Chusteczka, Sloń, Szła Dzieweczka, Pociąg
  
  
• Koziorajki, Grozik / Poszła Karolinka, Przepióreczka,
  Stary Niedźwiedź, Dwóm Tańczyć Się Zachciało

Reviews

I received your book and CD. They are awesome! I am using them for my Girl Scout Troop (Kindergarten 5 and 6 year olds). We are having a Multicultural Dinner Party and the troops in the area had to pick a country and I chose Poland because I am Polish. We also have to bring a small dish to pass around and I will be making Chrusciki.   I’ve seen the Carousel dance on the internet and thought that would be fun. My girls absolutely love it! Thank you for putting together something so wonderful.
Carmen, Muskegon, MI

As a New York City pre-school teacher, I absolutely love your song book with CD and related coloring book.  My students were thoroughly enthralled with experiencing it and shared their learning at home.  We eagerly anticipate using it more!
Kathleen, NY

What tunes we used:
We have used Karuzela, Koziorajki, and Dwom Tanczyc sie Zachcialo. Karuzela we have used for children aged 5 and 6. Koziorajki we have used for ages 7-9. Dwom Tanczyc we've used for children aged 10-12. We have had good responses from both teachers and children (especially Polish children, of which there are a fair number in Ireland). At some point I'd like to use The Quail to see how that works out. The guitar and voice accompaniment is fine, but I feel that the introduction of at least one more instrument, and possibly a second voice, would help to bolster the production. The instructions are easy to follow. Many thanks for your work and care.
Larry (folk dance teacher), Cork, Rep. of Ireland