Polka Dance and Music

The Polka is both a style of dance and music that traces its roots to 19th century Eastern European origins.  Polka is a Czech word meaning “short dance,” referring to the quick and short steps taken in the dance itself.  The Polka was introduced into the United States from the influence of European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Chicago became one of the centers of Polka dance and music, with a Polish flavor in the ‘Chicago honky’ and ‘Chicago Push’ styles that incorporated clarinet, trumpet, and accordion instruments.  Fans of Polka in the Midwest are familiar with the North American ‘Dutchman Style’ that features the tuba instrument.

The Polka originated as a peasant dance in Czechoslovakia in 1835.  Thought of as a couples dance, it quickly became popular throughout Eastern European countries such as Poland and Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic).  The enthusiasm for the Polka spread to France and England, due to the liveliness of the dance.  There became such a high level of demand for the teaching of the Polka in dance schools that there were not enough qualified teachers to go around.  Interestingly enough, the Polka is the only dance of it style and origin that has survived, as similar dances were viewed as morally distasteful.  

The Polka has continued to be an easy and happy form of dance that is enjoyed by Country and Western style dancers as well.  The smooth and short glide steps, along with the "oom-pah" sound of the tuba is sure to get you to laugh and join in with the fun crowd.