The Ardente Sole Foundation

The Ardente Sole Foundation was born out of the need to diffuse, present and popularize the art of early dance and court culture.

Founded in Krakow in 1998 by Romana Agnel (choreographer, teacher, dancer), it is mainly engaged in the creation of conditions for the development of court ballet by initiating and supporting the organization and promotion of events related to the culture of past ages.

Promotion of Polish culture and tradition occupies a prominent place in the work of the Foundation.

The Foundation enables the exchange of experiences among Polish and foreign artists whose interest lies in historical dance. It is also devoted to the dissemination of knowledge on court art and culture.

By launching programmes which present early Polish and European dances spanning the period from the Middle Ages till modern times, the Foundation collaborates with Polish and foreign research institutions which, like the Foundation, are active in the field of dissemination and promotion of historical dances and court culture.

Thanks to a wide circle of partners and co-workers, since its very inception the Foundation has organized dozens of cultural events independently or jointly with other institutions. Among them have been numerous performances, concerts, lectures, workshops, courses and exhibitions. These undertakings have been held in Krakow, all over Poland, and abroad.

One of the major events co-organized by the Ardente Sole Foundation is the Cracovia Danza Court Dance Festival set up on Romana Agnel's initiative in the year 2000 and incorporated in the group of events associated with granting the title of the 'European Capital of Culture' to Krakow. Since that time the Festival has been held annually in Krakow every August.

However, one of the main objectives pursued by the founders of the Foundation has been the creation of optimum working conditions for the Ardente Sole Court Ballet. In recognition of the total body of artistic work and the promotion of the rank of Polish court dance in Poland and abroad, on September 1st 2006 the Ballet was appointed as the Cracovia Danza Court Ballet, a Municipal Institution of Culture in Krakow.

Currently, the work of the Ardente Sole Foundation revolves around the support, co-organization and promotion of cultural events involving the Cracovia Danza Court Ballet.