The Polka

Dance Summary Type: American Country Western Character: Circular skipping Music: Polka, country (4/4) In Short: Essentially a progressive triple step, Polka is high energy but rarely seen in most social arenas
Beginner's Rating Simple: Instructional: Creative: Slow-Paced: Practical: Overall Score:
Notes on Frame Though a strict ballroom frame is unnecessary in this dance, be certain to maintain a good connection with your partner. While in closed position, the man should place his right hand is on the lady's shoulder blade and make a shelf with his left hand at about her eye level. The lady should place her left hand in opposition to his shoulder and right on the shelf created by her partner. While in open position, partners should maintain connection via hand-to-hand contact, in which case both must be mindful to provide enough resistance in their arms to communicate with one another.
Notes on Footwork All steps are taken on the balls of the feet with knees well flexed. Steps will increase in size as dancers begin to pick up speed as they progress around the dance floor. Attempt to create a steady up-and-down rolloing motion by pushing the balls into the floor on whole beats and quickly releasing that pressure on half beats.
Notes on Movement Move in a counterclockwise fashion around the ballroom, staying to the outer ring of the room. When traversing the ballroom, follow the line of dance as much as possible. Never travel against the line of dance or collisions will occur. Anticipate other couples on the floor and plan the dance accordingly.

Practice Points

Characteristic of Polka is the springing motion, which sends its dancers quickly skipping around the room. In order to create this motion, dancers should be sure that they bend their knees while pressing into the floor with the balls of their feet. Also helpful in creating a full 180 degree turn as is necessary to follow the line of dance, each partner upon crossing in front of the other should be sure to turn the head to look down the line of dance. This will help with body rotation and clear the way for another pass. Finally, be especially considerate of other dancers. Polka's high speed can easily cause collisions when not properly controlled.

Recommendations

Polka has largely gone out of style in recent years with the rise of other dances which tend to be better suited to the popular music of the modern era. Still it is a highly energetic dance and great for getting a workout. Beginners who are learning to dance as a means to better fitness may want to give the Polka a try. The basic of the Polka travels counterclockwise around the whole room, requiring a lot of space, and uses large leaping steps, requiring a lot of energy. Beginners may start with the East Coast Swing to become familiar with the triple step and move to Polka a bit later.

This dance would be well suited for any of the following occasions:

Anniversary Evenings Ballroom Dances Class Reunions Corporate Events Cruises Dance Clubs

Fitness Centers College Formals In-home Parties Marriage Programs Marriage Retreats Outdoor Dances

Regional Vacations Social Dances School Proms School Talent Shows Wedding Receptions Youth Events