Origins:
Polka is a popular style of dance that originated in Bohemia in the year 1830, widely believed to be created by a popular peasant girl. This dance spread relatively quickly, with many ballrooms in London and Paris adopting this fashionable, energetic “half-step” style. In fact, its name is derived from the Czech word “Půlka”, which means half. Czech and German immigrants later brought this style to America in the late 1800s and became increasingly popular after World War 2.
Cultural Significance:
Polka is a staple dance style for Polish, Czech, and Slovenian communities, often featured at weddings, festivals, and other cultural events. Oktoberfest celebrations across the Midwest and other parts of the United States are also helping with the preservation and spread of this dance style.
Learn the Polka:
Polka is a lively couple dance that is usually danced in 2/4 time, creating a quick rhythm. Music is usually played at a 120 BPM tempo, making it a relatively fast paced dance. It also features a “hop-step-close-step” pattern. It is beginner-friendly, as it follows a simple pattern (though it may require a bit of energy!) Another variation of the basic pattern is a simple “step‑close‑step” with a light hop or lift – either is correct.
See below for a short video example of the Polka dance:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVnfVUWiBTU