Komenka Ethnic Dance and Music Ensemble, a New Orleans based dance company, was established in 1979 for the purpose of portraying international folk cultures through dance and music. To that end and since its inception, Komenka has stressed training with internationally recognized choreographers and musicians, as well as replicating and/ or carefully designing adaptations of authenticated regional folk dress and costumes.
Komenka, a 30-member, non-profit organization, is very active in the New Orleans community, performing for local festivals, radio and television spots, as well as for educational institutions of all levels. They have also been featured throughout the United States, performing traditional Eastern European, African and French Folk dances.
Komenka's international premiere occurred in 1988 via a performance tour in the Caribbean. The company has since toured the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Russia, Bulgaria and Poland. Presented in such tours are various U.S. styles such as Cajun, Appalachian and New Orleans Jazz and Mardi Gras traditions.
Komenka was the recipient of the first ever New Orleans’ Big Easy Classical Arts Award for Ethnic Dance Presentation in 1993, as well as the recipient again in 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2001.
Financial support comes from performances, public grants and private donations. Komenka is indebted to the Community Arts Grant Program of the City of New Orleans and to grant programs of the Louisiana State Arts Council through the Louisiana Division of the Arts and National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts Council of New Orleans expertly administers funds from these programs.
Komenka is also greatly indebted to Loyola University and the New Orleans Dance Academy for their generous provision of regularly scheduled rehearsal facilities.
