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Home : Arts : Performing Arts : Dance : Folk Dancing : Polka
Polka
Sites related to the polka as a dance. Polka music has its own category.
The polka is a lively "close" dance or round dance for couples, in 2/4 time.
The origin of the polka is in dispute: some say it was Bohemian (Czech), others, that it was originally Polish. In any event, there was a polka craze in Europe in the 1840s. Emigrants took the newly-invented accordion and the then-rebellious polka to America. There was a second polka mania in the 1930s and '40s, almost exactly a century after its introduction. Among some ethnic groups in North America (Germans, Polish, Czechs), the polka has never gone out of style.
Sites in Polka
History of Dance: Polka
Story of the origins and early spread of this popular dance, by Lori Heikkila.
Dance History Archives: The Polka
The rise of this dance related to the redowa and the schottische. Important people and places in its early popularization, some early sheet music titles, names of some popular polkas.
Polka--popular Czech dance
The town of Kostelec nad Labem claims to be the birthplace of the polka.
Polka Happiness
Book review. Recommends this study of the polka in America to all fans of the polka.
Selections from Coralli's Aphorisms on the Polka, 1845
Quotes about the polka and passion.
Bratwurst Pages: Polka!
The official state dance in Wisconsin: its place in social life and culture. Also one way to dance the polka. Very generous, considering the webmaster is one of the few Wisconsinites who doesn't polka.
John & Marlys Rivard
Personal page of a couple from Houston who love to dance, especially polka and Cajun. A history of polka, and polka in Texas. Includes information on organizations, radio, bands, likely opportunities for dancing in the state.
rec.arts.dance FAQ: Polka
Brief history, links, explanation of "polka dots."
Polka steps
Diagram and instructions for basic polka step.
The Wonderful World of Polka
Theresa, a middle-school student from Wisconsin, gives tips on polka dancing for beginners.
How to Polka, Texas Style
Two easy methods, with diagrams.
Polish Dances: Polka
Essay points out that the polka, while popular among Polish-Americans, is not really a Polish dance like the polonaise or mazurka. Several photos. Includes bibliography.
Animation & Dance: Polka
Short essay on this dance. Also mentions conjunto music.
Mixed Pickles: The Polka
Description of the polka by Henri Cellarius, written in 1858.
Arizona Polka Dancing
Directories of polka organizations in Arizona and of polka bands that play in the state, listing of festivals. |
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