PolkMusic

Dance steps

How to dance the basic polka step

The polka step is a quick "step, close, step" with a small hop in front of it. Learn it alone without the hop first, then add the hop, then a partner.

Before you start

Wear shoes with smooth soles that let you turn, and clear some floor space. Put on a polka with a steady beat and spend a minute clapping along until you can feel the "one and two and" count. The rhythm guide explains the count if it is new to you.

Step one: step, close, step

Start without the hop. Step forward on your left foot on "one," bring your right foot up to meet it on "and," and step forward on your left again on "two." Pause on the next "and." Then do the same starting with the right foot. The lead foot changes every bar.

Polka without the hop2/4A gentler version many beginners start with.
  1. 1Lstep
  2. &Rclose
  3. 2Lstep
  4. &·pause
  5. 1Rstep
  6. &Lclose
  7. 2Rstep
  8. &·pause

Practice this moving forward around the room until it feels natural. Keep the steps small. Many dancers use this version all evening, especially at a fast tempo.

Step two: add the hop

The full polka step adds a small hop on the "and" before each bar. You hop on the foot that just finished the last bar, then start the step, close, step on the other foot. Said out loud, it sounds like "hop, step, close, step."

Basic polka step2/4Lead part. The follower mirrors it, starting on the other foot.
  1. &Lhop
  2. 1Rstep
  3. &Lclose
  4. 2Rstep
  5. &Rhop
  6. 1Lstep
  7. &Rclose
  8. 2Lstep

The hop is small, more of a lift through the ankle than a jump. Keep your feet close to the floor. If you get lost, drop the hop for a few bars and pick it up again.

Step three: dance with a partner

Polka is usually danced in a closed hold like a waltz. Partners face each other. The lead's right hand rests on the follower's back, near the shoulder blade, and the follower's left hand rests on the lead's shoulder. Their other hands join at about shoulder height. Keep arms firm enough that you can feel each other's movement, without gripping.

The lead starts the hop on the right foot and steps off with the left. The follower mirrors this, hopping on the left and stepping off with the right. Start by traveling forward together, the lead moving forward and the follower backward, before you try turning.

Step four: turning

Most polka couples turn clockwise as they travel counterclockwise around the room. Each bar, the couple makes about a half turn. This takes practice, and it is easier with someone who already knows the dance. Tips:

  • Keep the turn small at first. A quarter turn per bar is fine.
  • Look at your partner's shoulder, not at your feet, to avoid dizziness.
  • Stay in the line of dance, the counterclockwise flow around the floor, so you don't collide with other couples.
  • If you start to feel dizzy, travel straight for a few bars.

Common beginner problems

ProblemWhat usually helps
Running out of breathSmaller steps and hops. Sit out every other dance at first.
Losing the countListen for the tuba or bass, which plays on "one" and "two."
Stepping on toesKeep your feet under you and stay a little to the side of your partner.
Both partners leadingAgree who leads before the music starts. Anyone can take either part.

Where to go next

Once the polka feels comfortable, learn the waltz, schottische and mazurka, which you will often hear at the same dance. The easiest way to improve is to dance with people who know it; the finding groups guide shows where to look.

Polka is energetic, and hopping puts load on knees and ankles. Warm up, start slowly, and drop the hop if anything hurts. If you have heart, joint or balance problems, ask your doctor whether this kind of exercise suits you.