Ursula Bestecka-Ozaki
Dancer, teacher, choreographer, folk artist
Born Nov. 1, 1947, New York City, U.S.; daughter of John D. and Helen (Scouras); married Shigeru Ozaki; child: Julian Yukio.
Education: Manhattan Commununity College, New York City, 1965-67; certificate, School of American Ballet, New York City, Warsaw Academy of Physical Education (Poland).
Career: co-director, choreographer, Polish American Folk Dance Company, New York City, 1969-75; associate producer, co-director, Polish song and dance concerts, Alice Tully Hall, 1970, and Philharmonic Hall, 1973, Lincoln Center, New York City; organizer, Polish Folk Art Exhibition, San Antonio (TX), 1971, 1973; co-director, Polish American Folk Dance Company at World Festival of Polish Folk Dance, Rzeszow (Poland), 1972-1974; lecturer, Polish dance teacher, Keio University and Tokyo Women's University (Japan), 1979-88, Ikebukuro Community College (Japan), 1994; organizer, Polish folk dance groups in Japan and numerous exhibitions throughout Japan to promote Polish culture.
Author: Memories of Mme Ziminska (monograph), 1992; performer, Asahi Shimbun Hall, 1976; lectures and demonstrations on Polish folk art i.a. in: International Institute, Detroit (MI), 1972, UNICEF Art Exhibit, 1972, American Museum of Immigration, Liberty Island, New York City, 1975, Polish Embassy, Tokyo (Japan), 1976, Japan International Artists' Club, 1979, Mitsubishi Gallery (Japan), 1983; numerous TV appearances to promote Polish dance and culture i.a. in: Ed Sullivan Show, Johnny Carson Show, Joe Franklin Show, Gretchen Wyler Show.
Member of: co-chairman, Polish Studies Program, Polish folk art instructor, Kosciuszko Foundation, 1970-72; English teacher, Polish & Slavic Center, Brooklyn (NY), 1974-75; Society Japan - Poland (in Japan); various Polish organizations and committees.
Honors: first prize, Harvest Moon Ball Polka Competition, 1965; grand prize, "Wycinanki" contest, Sarmatia, 1970, UNICEF greeting card, 1972.
Languages: English, Polish, Japanese.
Hobbies: theater, travel, cultural anthropology.
From: "Who's Who in Polish America" 1st Edition 1996-1997, Boleslaw Wierzbianski editor; Bicentennial Publishing Corporation, New York, NY, 1996