Polka is a fun couple dance that originates from Eastern and Central European folk dances. In America, where communities of immigrants from those areas are strong, it is often danced on group occasions, as many families with origins in the East dance polka at weddings. Polka is fast, dizzying and fun!
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Learning the Steps
Step 1. Put on some polka
Jimmy Sturr, Walter Ostanek and his band, and Brave Combo are three names to try, but on the internet you can easily find a radio that plays polka. Alternatively, much of the country music features a good polka rhythm. The accordion is recommended but not essential.
Step 2. Hold your partner in the classic dance position
The left hand of the man and the right hand of the woman should be extended at such an angle that the hands are at the same height as the woman's shoulders. The man's right hand must go over the woman's left shoulder blade and her left hand must rest lightly on the man's shoulder. You should feel a solid bond, neither too delicate nor too heavy.
This is the position you will maintain throughout the dance. Make sure you always keep your back straight and your hands clasped together. Polka is a confident, carefree dance, and your posture should show it
Step 3. Learn the main steps
There are few dances that are as basic as polka. Simply put, there are three steps: right, left, right. Then it repeats in reverse: left, right, left. That's all! Here are the basics:
- Step forward with your left foot
- The right foot reaches the left
- Step forward with your left foot again
- Step forward with your right foot (overtaking your left)
- The left reaches the right
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Step forward with your right foot again. Voila!
Think of it as one full step, half step, half step. Full step, half step, half step. The first step is longer, followed by two shorter steps
Step 4. The steps of those who follow
The steps of the woman are the same as those of the man, but they start from the right foot and backwards: backwards, together, backwards. Back, together, back. Here are some more details:
- Back with your right foot
- The left reaches the right
- Back with your right foot
- Back with the left foot (overtaking the right)
- The right joins the left
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Back again with the left foot. Bum! All done.
As before, remember that the first step is longer, followed by two shorter ones. So full, half, half step. Full, half, half step
Step 5. Follow the steps to the rhythm of the music
Polka music typically has a rhythm of 2 beats per measure. Right, left, right correspond to 1 and 2. Left, right, left correspond to 3 and 4. So, you have to take three steps every two beats. If you don't have polka music, many of the country standards are fine.
Polka is for fun. Imagine a group of people from the East in the brewery having a good time dancing and letting go! Add your inspiration by going wherever the music takes you
Part 2 of 2: Mix things up
Step 1. Side polka
With the same three-step movement and holding your partner the same way, try polka dancing sideways. Instead of being a change of pace or a drag, it would be more of a leap. Very hopping and upbeat. Try going back and forth, in squares, and back and forth again.
Do not change the alignment of the body. Your feet must face those of your partner and move only to the right or left. The back remains straight, the arms up and only the legs are working
Step 2. Start spinning
Because? Because it's time to be spirited. You've tried polka back and forth and sideways, and now it's time to turn. The driver determines whether the couple should turn left or right and both follow the same principle:
- Start with the basic polka. After one or two measures, the driver starts turning forward and at 2 o'clock to their left, right, left and then turns back (to their 7 o'clock) to their right, left, right. This is the basic right turn; the left one works in reverse. A full 360-degree turn should be completed in 4 beats. Try making several of them in one series!
- If you do the side polka, count 2 beats to make a 180 degree turn, circling around, finding yourself looking in the opposite direction. If you are the one driving, you can spin the partner over and over and over again. Watch out only for dizziness!
Step 3. With the promenade
It's an elegant way of saying open your position. Instead of holding your partner in front of you, both of you bring your foot closer to your joined hands and rotate 90 degrees. Hands and torso remain in the same position, but the feet now point forward.
If it confuses you, think about tango. The two dancers look at each other, torso erect, but the legs move to the side, bringing them forward. It's similar - but with fewer roses and bows
Step 4. Add hops
If you are doing the polka with the promenade, the legs are open and can jump! Otherwise, your partner is in front of you - and jumping would only drop your knees. So take advantage of the open pose and bring your knees a little higher with each step - and even higher with the first full step of each cycle - i.e. beat 1 and 3.
You know all those high knee exercises that make you do it in the gym? It is practically the same. For beats 1 and 3, add some spice to your step. It's really fun when you get carried away
Step 5. Swap legs
Also on the promenade, you can sometimes swap it using different legs. Since they are open, you and your partner can start with the outer legs, the inner legs, or on opposite legs. It can create an interesting mirror effect that cannot be done otherwise.
Just to be clear, this is just for the promenade. Using the same leg when your partner is in front of you would lead both of you to dance the bumper
Advice
- Always move around the edge of the dance floor counter-clockwise.
- Keep the steps small so you don't step on each other. This also helps keep you from getting tired quickly!
