Tune example: Polkas
Polkas
Tunes in 2/4 time.
From the Czech word ‘půlka', meaning ‘half-step’, this rhythm and dance probably came from what is now the Czech and Slovak Republics and is thought to have begun as a Bohemian folk dance. It was introduced in Prague society in 1837, and a Prague dancing master introduced it to Paris in 1840. The polka went on to become a popular dance rhythm and type of tune throughout Britain and Europe.
Polkas are typically played as a lively tune, and often danced to a ‘one, two, three hop’ step. Sometimes they can be mistaken for a reel, as it is partly the way they are played that distinguishes them.
Used for dances such as:
- The ceilidh dance Three Around Three
- The morris dance Brighton Camp
- The north-west morris dance Winster Gallop
Some examples of Polkas:
- Little Polly Polka
- Astley’s Ride
- Albert Farmer’s Bonfire tune
Below, you can find an audio recording of the New Jenny Lind Polka, performed on fiddle by Laurel Swift.
Media
Audio:
