How to Polka - Texas Style
Doing the polka is fun and great exercise.
Texas style polka is a little slower than Northern style and not as strenuous
as the Polish style.
You can practice it by yourself or preferably
with a partner. In Texas, there are two ways to do the polka: the
very simple way, which I call the "Straight dance" and the little more
complicated Czech style which I call the "Double shuffle". I will describe
each in detail. If you are a beginner, start with the "Straight dance"
first until you get the rhythm down pat. Then go to the "Double shuffle",
which is a lot more fun.
Preliminary Steps:
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First stand up and listen to the music,
concentrate on the polka beat
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Use your finger as a baton to conduct
the imaginary polka band
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Sway your upper body to the polka beat
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Walk in place, swaying hips, to the
polka beat
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Repeat the above with different polka
tunes until you have the polka rhythm down pat
Dance Positions:
-
Left arm up and out, about shoulder
height. Slight crook at the elbow.
-
Gentlemen - Right arm around partners
waist
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Ladies - Right arm around partners
shoulder.
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The gentleman usually leads the dance
by signaling his intentions with slight pressure from his hands.
Straight Dance:
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Gentlemen's steps described.
Ladies go backwards and opposite.
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Are you sure you got the beat??? On
your toes; do the straight dance on the balls of your feet, not your heels.
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To the beat, start a rapid, forward
walk, swaying both the upper body and the hips. (Ladies - go backwards!)
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To turn, take a longer step with the
left foot, and a short step with the right, turning your body to the right.
Just the opposite for a right turn.
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Keep that polka beat - enjoy.
Double Shuffle:
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Gotta keep the polka beat. Count out
1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3
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Do this fast
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On 1-Step out with left foot
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On 2-Slide right foot about 3" towards
left foot
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On 3-Hop about 2" with left foot
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On 1-Step out with right foot
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On 2-Slide left foot about 3" towards
right foot
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On 3-Hop about 2" with right foot
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Repeat left foot sequence
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Repeat right foot sequence
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Turn frequently with your entire body,
leading with your shoulder.
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Ah, you got it now - - enjoy.
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