2006-09-24 07:12:26 · 7 answers · asked by joe me highhhhh hah high 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Dancing
Polka is a type of dance and genre of dance music. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia, and is still a common genre of Czech folk music; it is also common both in Europe and in the Americas. In classical music, many polkas were composed by both Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II; a couple of well-known ones were composed by Bedřich Smetana and Jaromír Vejvoda, the author of Škoda lásky ("Roll Out the Barrel").
The name comes from Czech word půlka, which means a half, and is related to a half rhythm in the music. Later it changed to polka, to show sympathy for the neighbouring Polish nation during the November Uprising. Due to its name it is often mistakenly attributed to Poland. It should also not be confused with the polska, a Swedish 3/4-beat dance with Polish roots; cf. polka-mazurka. A related dance is the redowa.
Polkas are played in Hungary as well; in Hungarian they're called polkák (plural).
2006-09-24 09:09:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A polka is a fast three step dance that is popular across northern and eastern Europe. There is some similarity to a waltz, but the music and steps are much faster. The basic pattern for a male is lead left toward the female (the big step) followed by 2 small steps while pushing the female's left arm. The male then takes a step backward with the right foot followed by 2 small steps while pulling the female with his right hand (on his partner's back). The steps in combination make a circle. There are regional variations as to whether the motion is more side to side or back and forth. As an indication of the pace of a polka, compare "Orange Blossom Express" with a waltz.
2006-09-24 15:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by d/dx+d/dy+d/dz 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Polka is a type of dance and genre of dance music. It originated in the middle of the 19th century in Bohemia, and is still a common genre of Czech folk music; it is also common both in Europe and in the Americas. In classical music, many polkas were composed by both Johann Strauss I and his son Johann Strauss II; a couple of well-known ones were composed by BedÅich Smetana and JaromÃr Vejvoda, the author of Å koda lásky ("Roll Out the Barrel").
The name comes from Czech word půlka, which means a half, and is related to a half rhythm in the music. Later it changed to polka, to show sympathy for the neighbouring Polish nation during the November Uprising. Due to its name it is often mistakenly attributed to Poland. It should also not be confused with the polska, a Swedish 3/4-beat dance with Polish roots; cf. polka-mazurka. A related dance is the redowa.
Polkas are played in Hungary as well; in Hungarian they're called polkák (plural).
2006-09-24 14:18:28 · answer #3 · answered by Norah 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a dance - you will see it done at Octoberfest! It is a lot of fun! Many times there is an accordian player in the band. And you may hear some yodeling also. It is a couple's, three-step, fast dance with the emphasis on the first step. Just attend any Octoberfest, coming up, and you will see the polka being danced. Try it - it's fun!!!!
2006-09-24 14:21:05 · answer #4 · answered by amora 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An ethnic dance from Poland and eastern Europe. It is possibly the happiest music I know of except for Zydeco. Cleveland is the home of Polka since Frankie Yankovic came from here.
2006-09-24 14:48:35 · answer #5 · answered by chris B 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
ice cream brand in asian countries
2006-09-24 14:23:07 · answer #6 · answered by imranrashid1 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You don't want to know.
2006-09-24 14:14:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋