On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Janusz Kowalski, a prominent member of the Polish Political party Law and Justice (PiS), surprised viewers during the youth-oriented program "Młodzież pyta" broadcasted on wPolsce24 by dramatically entering the stage with an infectious dance performance.
As the lively music from the song "The Power" by the German group Snap! filled the studio, Kowalski showcased his electrifying energy, dancing confidently for about half a minute. The program's host, Marta Kielczyk, welcomed him with enthusiasm, mentioning the political contributions he made that have impacted the cultural scene in Poland. She stated, "Gdyby nie on, nie byłoby Alei Gwiazd w Opolu ani Muzeum Polskiej Piosenki. Nie byłoby kilku książek... A na pewno polityka nie byłaby tak barwna."
Kowalski's reintroduction to the dance floor was not just another gimmick; it carried a personal significance. "PESEL-u nie oszukam, ale pierwszy raz od 10 lat trochę potańczyłem, bo ostatni raz jak tańczyłem, to ścięgno Achillesa zerwałem," explained Kowalski, reflecting on the decade-long gap in his dancing since suffering a serious injury.
His performance drew applause from a captivated audience, who clapped rhythmically as he danced. Following his dance, Kielczyk playfully inquired, "Skąd się to wzięło w panu?" to which Kowalski candidly answered about his past. "Pamiętam, miałem kilkanaście lat, to na osiedlu Dambonia w Opolu, uczyłem się rzeczywiście hip-hopu. Vanilla Ice, MC Hammer to byli moi ulubieni wykonawcy," he said, evoking memories of his youth.
Following the performance, social media exploded with reactions from both fans and colleagues. PiS member Michał Wójcik exclaimed, "Janusz, świetne," praising Kowalski’s unexpected talent, while party president Robert Bąkiewicz remarked, "Nieźle wymiatasz." Even those from opposing parties chimed in, with Tomasz Trela of the left-leaning Lewica jokingly saying, "Janusz, ależ Ty masz kocie ruchy," showcasing a rare moment of camaraderie amid political rivalry.
Online reactions highlighted the fun and spontaneity of the moment, with comments ranging from amusement at Kowalski's infectious enthusiasm to concerns about the appropriateness of a dance performance during Lent. Several viewers noted Kowalski's profound ability to connect with the youth, with comments like, "Niezłe poczucie rytmu panie Januszu. Naprawdę fajny numer z tego wyszedł. Tańczył pan kiedyś coś więcej?" indicating that his spirited display was deeply appreciated.
Kowalski, who is 46 years old, touched on his past again when he noted the risks associated with dancing, saying, "To właśnie przez ten taniec," referring to the specificity of his earlier injury. He showcased caution in his performance, acknowledging that "łatwo sobie zrobić krzywdę" while charmingly admitting to the fun he had.
This was not Kowalski's first foray into dancing publicly; over two years prior, he participated in a dance event in the Izbica Commune, showcasing his lively personality. The vibrant scene on wPolsce24 brings out the colorful aspect of Kowalski’s character, which has resonated within Polish media culture throughout his political career.
Janusz Kowalski, born in 1978 in Opole, has been a noticeable figure in Polish politics since 2019, when he joined the Sejm. His background includes terms as deputy mayor of Opole and as a secretary of state in various ministries. While his energetic dance steps may seem untethered from typical political discourse, they reflect a man who embodies both youth and experience, revitalizing his image in the public view.
The combination of his charm and vitality transforms familiar political scenes into moments bursting with spontaneity and joy. Kowalski's unexpected dance undoubtedly invites future discussions on how to humanize political figures and foster genuine engagement with younger generations, proving that even amid political seriousness, there’s space for levity and expression.
