How to Polka
This is a German polka. A Mexican polka is danced differently.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
Leader
-
1
Stand opposite your partner.
-
2
Place your right hand on your partner's waist. Extend your left hand, palm up, to your side with your arm bent.
-
3
Grasp your partner's hand in a loose grip.
-
4
Stand with your feet together.
-
5
Just prior to the first beat, do a small hop off your right foot.
-
6
Step forward with your left.
-
7
Step forward with your right foot and bring it together with your left.
-
8
Do a little hop with your left foot.
-
9
Step forward with your right foot.
-
10
Step forward with your left foot and bring it together with your right.
-
11
Repeat.
Follower
-
1
Place your left hand on the leader's right shoulder.
-
2
Bend your right elbow and place the palm of your right hand lightly on your partner's outstretched palm.
-
3
Stand with your feet together.
-
4
Do the opposite of what your partner does.
-
5
Just prior to the first beat, do a small hop off your left foot.
-
6
Step back with your right foot when the leader moves his left foot forward on the first beat.
-
7
Continue following, in reverse, the directions for the leader.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
This dance may look a little strange to the uninitiated, but it can be fun with the right music.
New England-style contra dancing is far more complicated than a simple polka.
