Streams of Culture Polka dance

The history of polka dance Bohemian historians believe that the polka was invented by a peasant girl (Anna Slezak, in Labska Tynice in 1834) one Sunday for her amusement. It was composed to a folk song "Strycek Nimra Koupil Simla (Uncle Nimra brought a white horse)." The Polka is primarily a fast dance. It is danced to music written in 2/4 time with the first beat more heavily accented. Polka music may also be written in 4/4 time. It is generally danced to a quick, quick, slow rhythm. The basic polka step consists of a preparatory hop followed by chasse done first to the left and then to the right.

Polka - Kominíček Folk Dance Little Chimney Sweep is a typical Czech dance for young people. It comes from a collection of dances: K.V. Adámek - Folk dances in the district Hlinsko, 1897-1904. It is a craft dance in 2 / 4 time , alternating form A and B. Part A is a polka step, part B is a body game – clapping. It was danced at the country balls , where the various guilds of craftsmen were presented. Each craft had its favorite type of dance. „Kominíček“ is a diminutive of the word „ kominík“ – chimney sweep. Chimney sweep wore black clothes and white cap. He also had a chimney brush on a long curved string which he wore over his shoulder. According to the Czech superstition ,Chimney sweep brings good luck when you touch his blackened clothes.

Traditional folk costume Traditional musical instrument District „Hlinsko“ Clarinet

Part A 1 : There are four girls and four boys standing in a circle.

Part A 2: The girls goes round the circle with polka step( anticlockwise.) The boys stands and clap their hands .

Part A 3: The girls make a circle then they stop and clap both hands straight across with a partner.

Part A 4: The girls goes round the circle with polka step again ( clockwise). The boys stand and clap their hands.

Part B: Clapping 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Part B: Clapping 9 10 11 12

Part A : 2.1 Two couples change their sides.

Part A 2.2: Two other couples change their sides. Then repeat part B again - clapping

Watch and learn how to dance polka! Have fun!