The city's 100th anniversary and the end of carnival season are perfect occasions to go to the ‘Ball on Batory’. This was the assumption made by Gdynia’s seniors, who had a great time at Polsat Plus Arena Gdynia on 15 February. In addition to a musical feast in the style of the 1970s and 1980s, other attractions awaited the residents of Gdynia, including a beauty and health zone, a photography zone and creative workshops.
The ‘Ball on Batory’ for seniors is one of many birthday attractions prepared for the centenary of our city. The theme of Sunday’s party was the music of the 1970s and 1980s – a colourful, dance-filled time that is fondly remembered by many guests. And because the programme of this event was prepared primarily with Gdynia's seniors in mind, in addition to the concert and dance party at Polsat Plus Arena Gdynia, there were also photography, relaxation, beauty and health zones. They offered, among other things, cosmetology and make-up advice, as well as hairdressing services. Creative workshops were also available for those interested. The local Justynka Pastry Shop also prepared a surprise in the form of sweet cupcakes for the participants.
Before the ball began, guests were welcomed from the stage by the Mayor of Gdynia, Aleksandra Kosiorek, and the member of Gdynia Council: Teresa Bysewska, Larysa Kramin and Agnieszka Tokarska.
‘I warmly welcome you to the senior citizens' birthday ball. This is a special ball, as it marks the centenary of our city. We are having fun, celebrating and spending time together, and I think that this is what the founders of our city had in mind’, said the Mayor of Gdynia in her welcome speech.
A day full of excitement
‘The “Ball on Batory” is part of Gdynia's centenary celebrations, but it is also a beautiful tradition. This ball for senior citizens is extremely popular, and this year there were particularly many guests. They came to see how people used to have fun on SS Batory’, says Aleksandra Kosiorek, Mayor of Gdynia.
‘Yes, it is indeed a tradition in Gdynia to celebrate this day organising a party for senior citizens on 10 February, or at least around that date. And the senior citizens' group in Gdynia is very keen on celebrating and on staying active, developing their passions and living this city to the fullest’, adds Bożena Zglińska, director of the Senior Citizens' Activity Centre in Gdynia.
The main point of the programme was the musical performance ‘Bal na Batorym’ (Ball on Batory) directed by Tomasz Podsiadły. The show was set in the symbolic space of the legendary transatlantic liner SS Batory – one of the most important symbols of Gdynia’s maritime identity. Each song is another dance and another scene of a meeting between representatives of different generations, temperaments and experiences. The event brought together those who remember the former balls and dances, and those who are just discovering the rhythm and history of our city.
The repertoire included songs such as ‘I Will Survive’, ‘Waterloo’, ‘Rivers of Babylon’, ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’. We also heard Polish hits from years gone by, including ‘Tańcz głupia, tańcz’ (Dance, Silly, Dance), ‘Zacznij od Bacha’ (Start with Bach), ‘Małgośka’ and ‘Trzynastego’ (On the Thirteenth), but in a new version and with the date changed to the fifteenth.
After the concert, everyone headed to the dance party hosted by DJ Wika (Wirginia Szmyt), Poland's most famous and oldest female DJ, and DJ Skorp.
The fact that the party was a success was evident from the smiling faces of the seniors. Some of them came to the ball from Poznań and Zielona Góra. Because, as they say, they are big fans of Gdynia. A city that has just turned 100 years old.
The ‘Ball on Batory’ was also a unique opportunity for musical recollections and intergenerational integration. And all this in a joyful and dance-filled atmosphere.
Partners:
- 50+ Dance School in Gdynia
Ball organisation:
- Promotion Pl, Baltic Theatre of Diversity Foundation, DJ Wika & DJ Skorp
Photo: Michał Puszczewicz