Different Styles of Polka
It must be said with due credit that out of all the styles of dances that had their origin in the 19th century, the Polka is the only one which survived the times.
Polka dances are of various types, especially when we take into account the contemporary dance styles. One of the main types of Polka dance that is found in America is the Polish style Polka which is supposed to have originated in Chicago. This style has two further sub styles, namely the Chicago Honky and the Chicago push, which are mainly characterized by the use of different musical instruments.
Another style of Polka that we can come across the USA is the Slovenian style Polka which is normally supposed to have originated in Cleveland. This has a fast stride and steps to match.
The Dutchman style of North America is another style of Polka dancing that is deep rooted in the American Midwest. This style of Polka is characterized by its ‘oom-pah’ sound to which it is danced.
Another Polka dancing style which originated in Northern Mexico and Texas is the Conjunto style or ‘Norteno’ as it is otherwise known and which is actually influenced by the traditional dances of the region.
The 1980’s and the 1990’s are significant in the history of the Polka as it is during this period that several contemporary styles evolved such as the Rock style, Punk Polka, Alternative Polka, San Francisco style, etc. A notable Mexican style of Polka dancing is the Duranguense Style Polka which uses a variety of musical instruments as accompaniment.