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Czech roots -

Popular today across various cultures, polka originated in 19th-century Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic.

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Origin story -

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.

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The first polka song -

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."

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From the countryside to the ballrooms -

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.

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A continental hit -

Characterized by its high energy and lively steps, it became a hit in Europe after a Prague dance instructor performed the polka in Paris.

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Etymology -

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."

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Another theory -

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.

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The Polish believe in a different story -

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.

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The sound of polka -

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.

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Instruments -

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.

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Polka dance -

Apart from the characteristic music, polka is also a distinctive couple dance, which combines three rapid steps and a hop.

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'Beer Barrel Polka' -

The song 'Beer Barrel Polka' achieved worldwide popularity during World War II. A hit among soldiers, it had many versions in different languages.

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A polka anthem -

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.

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A true hit -

In 1936, Will Glahe, a German accordionist, recorded a cover titled 'Rosamunde.' It became an instant hit, and topped the US Hit Parade.

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Polka styles -

Besides the original Czech polka, there are many different styles that developed across the world.

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Polka in South America -

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.

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Polka in Argentina and Brazil -

In Argentina, as well as in southern Brazil, the lyrics always praise the gaucho, which are the brave and skilled horsemen of the region.

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Scandinavian polka -

Polka also migrated to the Nordic countries, where the beats became less heavy when compared to those from Central Europe.

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Polka in the US -

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.

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Polish style -

Polish-style polka originated in Chicago with Czech and Polish minorities. It has two sub styles: the "Chicago Honky" and the "Chicago Push."

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Slovenian style -

The Slovenian style is associated with Cleveland and features a piano accordion, chromatic accordion, and a diatonic button box accordion.

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Dutchmen style -

Including a tuba and a banjo, this style has roots in the American Midwest. It also produces the famous "oom-pah" sound.

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Conjunto style -

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.

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The revival of polka -

After World War II, polka experienced a revival when Poles who immigrated to America claimed it as their nation's official dance.

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Alternative/San Francisco style -

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. 

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Jazzy polka -

The highly energetic style spread even more with the introduction of jazz, ragtime, and other fresh dances of the time.

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Polka in the classical repertoire -

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.

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Polka Music Month is born -

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.

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Polka party -

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

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