How to Polka

This is a German polka. A Mexican polka is danced differently.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dancing Shoes
• Polka Favorites CDs
• Dance The Polka Video

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

12. Place your left hand on the leader's right shoulder.
13. Bend your right elbow and place the palm of your right hand lightly on your partner's outstretched palm.
14. Stand with your feet together.
15. Do the opposite of what your partner does.
16. Just prior to the first beat, do a small hop off your left foot.
17. Step back with your right foot when the leader moves his left foot forward on the first beat.
18. Continue following, in reverse, the directions for the leader.

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.