“Heel and toe and away we go!” This is the spirit of the Polka–a playful and happy dance that is easy to learn and fun to do.
The basic Polka step is done in four counts and a half-step or hop usually precedes the first step. Couples face each other in the Waltz position or stand side-by-side, with the man’s arm around the woman’s waist and her hand on his shoulder. They move across the dance floor with great energy and joy. The Polka originates from central Europe and is popular in the United States, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Ukraine, and Russia.
Polka music is lively, upbeat, and just plain fun. It generally features accordions, concertinas, upright bass or bass guitars, drums, and trumpets. Here are some Polka dance styles that blend different instruments to create distinctive rhythms and sounds:
- Eastern: has its roots in Big Band music
- Chicago: slower style than Eastern, with accordions, concertinas, clarinets, trumpets, and bass
- Honky: offshoot of Chicago style with slower tempo, featuring concertinas, clarinets, trumpets, drums, and bass guitars
- Push: has a slightly faster tempo with steady drumbeat that appeals to younger dancers
- Slovenian (Cleveland): instruments include accordions, drums, bass guitars, and often a sax and banjo
- German: this style sometimes features a tuba
- Tex-Mex: horns, fiddles, and guitars give this Polka its southwestern feel
- Cajun: highlights accordions, guitars, fiddles, and washboards
- Progressive: combines traditional Polka beat with modern instrumentation
Ready to have some fun and learn the Polka? Contact the dance instructors at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Charlotte and Lake Norman, NC.
More Polka Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Polka.Dan.Beetbox.Band?ref=ts&fref=ts
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polka
