The Polish Folkloric Ensemble Syrenka grew from a Folkloric Dance Group formed in 1968, and established in 1971. Including its major debut at the National Shell Folkloric Festival for the Opening of the Sydney Opera House in 1973, the Ensemble has performed for most Shell Folkloric Festivals, at all PolArt festivals in Australia since their beginning in 1975, and has travelled throughout Australia to perform at various concerts, displays and exhibitions. The ensemble gives approximately 25 performances per year. The Ensemble has taken part in many competitions throughout NSW and has always gained a place. Year round fundraising, donations and such prize money has enabled the purchase of the group's extensive range of authentic costumes from Poland. Each dance comes from a different region of Poland, and hence the variety of costumes, though most are bright and colourful and beautiful to look at. Syrenka's style of dance is fun - beautiful costumes, singing, acrobatics and unique traditional choreographies which tell a story the audience can enjoy - though often with unexpected surprises and outcomes!