Jakub Gontarski – performer, dancer (contact improvisation, contemporary dance, physical theater). Recreation and capoeira instructor, conducts classes of movement, body awareness, dance and rhythm (percussion instruments, for example drums) for children, youth and adults. I level of educational kinesiology, presently a student of Wroclaw School for Stuntmen. He conducts dance classes in Krzyżowa as a part of the project “We, children of Europe!” as well as annual dance classes.

What were your beginnings in Krzyżowa?

In Krzyzowa everything started in year 2007. At that time, together with friends from Poland and Brazil, I participated and conducted dance classes during a project "Capoeira" (Afro-Brazilian dance and martial art) organized by Sabina Schmalzried-Ptak. Then I met an amazing person- Elżbieta Kosek. It was she who proposed me to conduct classes, which- as it turned out- are still being organized. During my collaboration I also had the pleasure to teach in the projects of ,inter alia, Jan Kirchhoff and Daniel Wunderer. 

How do your classes in Krzyżowa exactly look like?

Prior projects, in which I participated, were mainly aimed at integration, discovery of the artistic world and good fun, for example as it was in the project “Sport builds bridges”.
At the moment, however, the main project is “We, children of Europe!”. This is an interdisciplinary project which is based on diversity of artistic and pedagogical methods which lead to a snappy cooperation between all people involved in enterprise . Project is designed for children from Poland and neighboring countries. I conduct here dance and rhythm classes. Children and youth discover in an amazing way their own potential (also artistic) and it contributes to strengthening internal and group integrity. Elements of movement creation, which I propose, sometimes refer to a body symbolism exhibiting this way the character of many phenomena which are inside us or surround us. Thanks to this, young artist can find his/her own means of expression through music and movement. Very important part of my projects and classes is creating stage choreographic which are generally a close of work during a program.

What are your plans for future connected with Krzyżowa?

I would like to increase a number of my classes in Krzyżowa within artistic as well as integration and regional projects. Things, which I do, have very universal message. I can adjust them and bring a lot of positive vibration into many areas of Krzyzowa meetings for children, youth and adults. I would also like Krzyzowa never forgets about its roots. Let it grow in strength and flow like a river- and we together with this river. We can safely say that all roads lead to Krzyżowa!