Polka

dance · Czech · music · 19th century

Born in Bohemia. Polka started in the 1800s in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic. It began as a folk dance that regular people danced at celebrations and parties.

Bouncy and bright. Polka music is played in quick 2/4 time, which means it has a bouncy rhythm that makes you want to move. The beat goes 'boom-chick, boom-chick' really fast.

Couples twirling. In traditional polka, a man and woman dance together, holding hands and twirling around the dance floor. It looks like lots of spinning, hopping, and fast footwork all at once.

Traveled the world. From its Czech roots, polka spread across Europe and then to the Americas, where people in Poland, Austria, Germany, and America all made it part of their own cultures.

Special instruments. Polka bands usually feature accordions, clarinets, and horns that play the catchy melodies. The accordion's squeeze-box sound became the signature sound of polka music.