Polonez was formed in Melbourne in October 1965 with the aim of performing and promoting Polish folk and national dances, and as a means of perpetuating an adherence to, and understanding of, Polish culture, tradition and history.

The initiator and founder was Zbigniew Czech (below), who was helped by the Federation of Polish Associations in Victoria, the President at that time being Zdzislaw Drzymulski. From the beginning of Polonez, Janina Czech has been the Artistic Director of the Ensemble, later also taking on the roles of Instructor, choreographer, costume designer and the artistic soul and inspiration behind the ensemble.

The Ensemble has always been firmly community based in the polish community, deriving its strength from community-wide positive support and encouragement.

There have been 36 years of continuous, substained enthusiastic and nergetic activity of promoting Polish song and dance. Annual full length concerts have been presented at the Union Theatre, at the University of Melbourne, at the Alexander Theatre at Monash University, at the National Theatre and other venues. Polonez has always participated in charity and multicultural forums, in Polish commemorative celebrations and in all seven Polish Pol-Art Festivals held all over Australia. The Ensemble has always aimed at the highest standards and level of excellence in everything it does.