Rozwój postaw patriotycznych dzieci i młodzieży na przykładzie członków Zespołu Pieśni i Tańca „Racławice”

The paper describes and interprets the findings which confirm a hypothesis about the positive influence of an ensemble as a milieu shaping the attitudes of its members. The ensemble performs this function indirectly, for its basic purpose is to pursue choreographic and vocal art. The latter constitutes a perfect physical, psychospiritual, psychosocial and spiritual "space" in which patriotic attitudes may be born and develop. The ensemble makes up a "psychopedagogic niche" of great formative virtues. Most situations, events, actions, experiences, exercise and the like may positively influence the development of patriotic attitudes. The cultural contents present in the ensemble are decisive in this respect, people who conduct the group, their competence and commitment, as well as the members’ own activity. Most formative situations bear the character of a "living instruction" and "learning through active participation".