While anecdotal evidence points to earlier folk dances sharing similar rhythmic structures, the formalized polka, as we recognize it today, emerged in the 1830s. The precise etymology of the word ‘polka’ remains debated.
Though generally associated with Czech and Central European culture, polka is popular throughout Europe and the Americas. [1] The term polka referring to the dance is believed to derive from the Czech words "půlka", meaning "half-step".
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polka, lively courtship dance of Bohemian folk origin. It is characterized by three quick steps and a hop and is danced to music in 2/4 time. The couples cover much space as they circle about the dance floor.
It originated in the middle of the nineteenth century in Bohemia, and is still a common genre in Czech and Slovakian folk music. Polka is still a very common folk music genre in Poland.
The concept of a national polka convention had been developed and pioneered originally in Chicago. From the popular yearly moonlight dances starting in 1960, which attracted thousands of polka lovers from all sections of the United States and Canada -- the first polka convention emerged in 1963.
While true origins of many modern dances have been lost to the history, with only hints of regions and times when they first started being popular, polka dance manages to distinguish itself by having a clear historical origin that is remembered to this day.