For better or worse!
Polka became very popular in South America as well, especially in the Peruvian capital of Lima and in southeastern Argentina. Polka is also popular on the Caribbean island of Curaçao.
Polka became hugely popular in the US, with several different styles. In regions with more Central and Eastern European immigrants, the sound became more oompah-influenced. And in regions with more Mexicans, the sound is much more Latin.
In Argentina, as well as in southern Brazil, the lyrics always praise the gaucho, which are the brave and skilled horsemen of the region.
Now a polka anthem, 'Beer Barrel Polka' was adapted from an instrumental folk tune written by Czech composers Jaromír Vejvoda (pictured) and Eduard Ingrid in 1927.
Besides the original Czech polka, there are many different styles that developed across the world.
Polka is known for the distinctive sound of the accordion, which acts as the foundation of the music. Basically, it's the star of polka music.
Popular today across various cultures, polka originated in 19th-century Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic.
The song 'Beer Barrel Polka' achieved worldwide popularity during World War II. A hit among soldiers, it had many versions in different languages.
Including a tuba and a banjo, this style has roots in the American Midwest. It also produces the famous "oom-pah" sound.
As polka became popular again, American bands started to combine polka with various styles of rock music. These styles are sometimes referred to as alternative polka or San Francisco style.
However, polka bands can also include fiddles, clarinets, trombones, tubas, and a rhythm section, depending on the region. No matter what, it always has an upbeat sound that gets people dancing.
The highly energetic style spread even more with the introduction of jazz, ragtime, and other fresh dances of the time.
Although it seems like a relatively simple style, one thing is for sure: when there's polka involved, celebrations reach ultimate levels!
See also: The surprising health benefits of listening to music
There are two theories about the origin of the word "polka." Some believe that it's derived from the Czech word Polka, meaning "Polish woman."
Characterized by its high energy and lively steps, it became a hit in Europe after a Prague dance instructor performed the polka in Paris.
After World War II, polka experienced a revival when Poles who immigrated to America claimed it as their nation's official dance.
To promote polka, musicians in Chicago organized the first ever Polka Music Month in 1968. A tradition that is held to this day, the celebration takes place every January.
After spreading across the region, polka music, and dancing, made its way to the elite. By 1835, people danced polka in the ballrooms of Prague.
Apart from the characteristic music, polka is also a distinctive couple dance, which combines three rapid steps and a hop.
Polka also migrated to the Nordic countries, where the beats became less heavy when compared to those from Central Europe.
During the Romantic Period, Eastern and Central European composers, like Bedřich Smetana, composed polkas. These masterpieces are still being performed today, keeping the mix of folk and classical music alive.
Music teacher Josef Neruda noticed how Slezáková danced unusually while singing to the local folk song strýček Nimra koupil šimla, or "Uncle Nimra Bought a White Horse."
Many Poles claim that polka was actually created in a Polish village, and later popularized when a Czech individual passed by and saw the dance.
Others believe that polka may come from the Czech word půlka, which means "half." It refers both to the half-tempo and the half-jump step of the dance.
Polka's origin story first appeared in the periodical 'Bohemia' in 1844. It attributed the style to Anna Slezáková, a young farmworker who created the "polka step." It's actually the only new dance from the 19th century that survived.
In 1936, Will Glahe, a German accordionist, recorded a cover titled 'Rosamunde.' It became an instant hit, and topped the US Hit Parade.
The Slovenian style is associated with Cleveland and features a piano accordion, chromatic accordion, and a diatonic button box accordion.
With roots in northern Mexico and Texas, the dances are similar to the traditional ones from European immigrants, despite the music having more of a Latin flavor.
Polish-style polka originated in Chicago with Czech and Polish minorities. It has two sub styles: the "Chicago Honky" and the "Chicago Push."
Polka is a dance and music genre, which originated in Bohemia, an area found in today's Czech Republic. And while you've probably heard your fair share of polka, there's probably a lot you don't know about this lively genre. Popular to this day, it migrated to the Americas with Eastern European immigrants. Today, this popular genre has found its way into various cultures, as well as in both folk and classical repertoires. So it's no wonder that just the thought of polka makes us immediately want to dance!
From its humble origins to looking at the traditional accordion, click through this gallery for everything polka.
Fascinating facts about polka music
You can probably already hear the sound of the accordion!
MUSIC Arts
Polka is a dance and music genre, which originated in Bohemia, an area found in today's Czech Republic. And while you've probably heard your fair share of polka, there's probably a lot you don't know about this lively genre. Popular to this day, it migrated to the Americas with Eastern European immigrants. Today, this popular genre has found its way into various cultures, as well as in both folk and classical repertoires. So it's no wonder that just the thought of polka makes us immediately want to dance!
From its humble origins to looking at the traditional accordion, click through this gallery for everything polka.