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The polska is a dance form exclusive to Sweden.
Answer: False
Explanation: The provided material indicates that the polska is a family of music and dance forms shared across the Nordic countries, including Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Norway, rather than being exclusive to Sweden.
The polska dance is typically performed in 4/4 time.
Answer: False
Explanation: The polska is predominantly performed in 3/4 time. While variants in 2/4 and compound meters exist, 3/4 time is the most common signature for this dance form.
The origins of the polska dance are believed to be linked to Polish court influences in the early 17th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical analysis suggests that the origins of the polska dance are closely associated with the influence of Polish court dances during the early 17th century.
Scholars universally agree that the polska dance originated solely from Polish influences.
Answer: False
Explanation: Scholarly consensus does not universally attribute the polska's origin solely to Polish influences; alternative theories suggest earlier Nordic roots.
The polska dance likely evolved from earlier set dances and potentially transitioned from duple to triple time.
Answer: True
Explanation: The evolution of the polska dance is theorized to include a transition from earlier set dances and a shift from duple to triple time signatures.
In the late 1600s, musicians typically notated the entire polska tune, including both fast and slow sections.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the late 17th century, musical notation for the polska often omitted the faster sections due to the cost of paper, with musicians expected to improvise these parts.
The Swedish word 'polska' means 'dance step'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Swedish term 'polska' translates to 'Polish language,' not 'dance step,' reflecting its etymological connection to Polish cultural influence.
'Visor' are a type of Norwegian fiddle used in polska dances.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Visor' refers to Nordic songs, which are considered a potential earlier influence on the polska tradition, not a type of Norwegian fiddle.
Gammaldans refers specifically to the polska dance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gammaldans, meaning 'oldtime dance,' is a broader category encompassing various traditional Nordic dances, including the polska, waltz, and polka, not solely the polska.
In Estonia, the polska dance is known as the 'pols'.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Estonia, the polska dance form is referred to as either 'polka' or 'polska,' not 'pols'.
The Swedish word 'polska' is unrelated to the dance's name or origins.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Swedish word 'polska,' meaning 'Polish language,' is directly related to the dance's name and supports the theory of its origins stemming from Polish court influences.
The polska dance is primarily found in Eastern European countries like Poland and Hungary.
Answer: False
Explanation: The polska dance tradition is primarily situated in Northern Europe, specifically the Nordic countries and Estonia, not Eastern Europe.
The minuet is cited as a potential influence on the evolution of the polska dance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The minuet is identified as one of the court dances that may have influenced the evolution of the polska dance form.
Which of the following countries is NOT typically associated with the polska dance tradition?
Answer: Ireland
Explanation: The polska dance tradition is prevalent in Nordic countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Norway, as well as Estonia. Ireland is not typically associated with this dance form.
What is the most common musical time signature for the polska dance?
Answer: 3/4 time
Explanation: The polska dance is most commonly performed in 3/4 time, indicating a triple meter, although variants exist.
According to historical theories, what external influence significantly shaped the early polska dance?
Answer: Polish court dances
Explanation: Historical theories indicate that the early development of the polska dance was significantly shaped by the influence of Polish court dances.
What does the Swedish word 'polska' mean, relating to its historical context?
Answer: Polish Language
Explanation: In Swedish, the word 'polska' signifies 'Polish language,' directly linking the dance's nomenclature to its historical context of Polish cultural influence.
What does the term 'Gammaldans' refer to in Nordic folk dance?
Answer: A category of 'oldtime dances' including polska, waltz, and polka.
Explanation: In Nordic folk dance, 'Gammaldans' refers to a category of 'oldtime dances,' which includes the polska, waltz, and polka.
Which of the following is a plausible, but incorrect, statement about the polska's origins?
Answer: It originated exclusively in Denmark.
Explanation: While influenced by Polish court dances and potentially earlier Nordic songs ('visor'), and named after the Polish language, the polska did not originate exclusively in Denmark.
The polska dance form is found across which general geographical area?
Answer: Northern Europe (Nordic countries and Estonia)
Explanation: The polska dance form is geographically situated across Northern Europe, encompassing the Nordic countries and Estonia.
What is a potential, though debated, earlier influence on the polska dance mentioned in the source?
Answer: Nordic songs known as 'visor'
Explanation: Nordic songs referred to as 'visor' are mentioned as a potential, albeit debated, earlier influence on the polska dance.
The term 'polska' is found in multiple Nordic countries. Which country uses 'polska' or 'polka' for this dance form?
Answer: Estonia
Explanation: Estonia is noted as a country where the polska dance form is referred to using the terms 'polska' or 'polka'.
What is a potential reason for the transition from duple to triple time in polska evolution?
Answer: Influence from court dances like the minuet.
Explanation: The transition from duple to triple time in polska evolution may have been influenced by court dances such as the minuet.
The three main styles of Swedish polska music are the semiquaver, quaver, and triplet polska.
Answer: True
Explanation: The principal stylistic classifications within Swedish polska music are the semiquaver (sixteenth-note), quaver (eighth-note), and triplet polska.
The semiquaver polska style is characterized by syncopated rhythms and is common in western Sweden.
Answer: False
Explanation: The semiquaver polska style is typically characterized by smooth, even rhythms and is associated with southern Sweden and the eastern Baltic coast, rather than syncopated rhythms or western Sweden.
The quaver polska style is particularly prominent in the Dalarna region of Sweden.
Answer: True
Explanation: The quaver (eighth-note) polska style holds particular prominence within the Dalarna region of Sweden.
The triplet polska style in Sweden shows influences from Danish folk music.
Answer: False
Explanation: The triplet polska style in Sweden primarily exhibits influences from Norwegian folk music, particularly in its western mountainous regions.
The 'triplet polska' style is mainly found in southern Sweden.
Answer: False
Explanation: The triplet polska style is predominantly found in the western mountainous regions of Sweden bordering Norway, such as Värmland and western Dalarna.
The semiquaver polska is known for its smooth character and even rhythm.
Answer: True
Explanation: The semiquaver (sixteenth-note) polska is recognized for its smooth character and even rhythmic execution.
Asymmetrical rhythms, like the 'early two' beat, are common in the Swedish semiquaver polska.
Answer: False
Explanation: Asymmetrical rhythms, such as the 'early two' beat, are more characteristic of the quaver (eighth-note) polska, particularly in regions like western Dalarna, not typically the semiquaver polska.
The quaver polska style often features asymmetrical rhythms and is prominent in western Dalarna.
Answer: True
Explanation: The quaver (eighth-note) polska style frequently incorporates asymmetrical rhythms and is notably prominent in the western Dalarna region of Sweden.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main styles of Swedish polska music?
Answer: Duple meter polska
Explanation: The three main styles of Swedish polska music are the semiquaver, quaver, and triplet polska; duple meter is not listed as one of these primary styles.
The semiquaver polska style is typically associated with which region of Sweden?
Answer: Southern Sweden and the eastern Baltic coast
Explanation: The semiquaver polska style is typically associated with southern Sweden and the eastern Baltic coast.
The 'triplet polska' style in Sweden often incorporates dance elements similar to which other Nordic dance?
Answer: Norwegian Pols
Explanation: The triplet polska style in Sweden frequently incorporates dance elements analogous to those found in the Norwegian pols.
Which statement best describes the rhythmic nature of the semiquaver (sixteenth-note) polska?
Answer: Smooth and even-rhythmed.
Explanation: The semiquaver (sixteenth-note) polska is best described rhythmically as smooth and even-rhythmed.
A standard Swedish polska tune consists of four repeated eight-measure phrases.
Answer: False
Explanation: A standard Swedish polska tune typically comprises two related eight-measure phrases, each repeated, totaling 32 bars for a complete rendition.
Storpolska tunes are shorter than the standard Swedish polska tunes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Storpolska tunes, meaning 'big polska,' are characterized by being longer than standard tunes, often featuring three or four phrases instead of the usual two.
In Swedish polska music, the first beat is typically stressed.
Answer: False
Explanation: Generally, the first beat is not stressed in Swedish polska music, with the notable exception of the Hambo, which emerged later.
The Hambo dance is considered the national dance of Sweden and is derived from the polska.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Hambo is recognized as Sweden's national dance and is understood to be derived from the polska tradition.
A slängpolska typically involves couples dancing in a line formation.
Answer: False
Explanation: A slängpolska typically involves couples dancing on a spot, often with intricate turns, rather than in a line formation.
What is a 'storpolska' in the Swedish tradition?
Answer: A longer polska tune with more phrases than usual
Explanation: A 'storpolska' refers to a longer variant of the Swedish polska tune, typically featuring three or four phrases as opposed to the standard two repeated eight-measure phrases.
The Hambo, Sweden's national dance, is rhythmically distinct from the polska primarily because:
Answer: It stresses the first beat of the measure.
Explanation: The Hambo, while derived from the polska, is rhythmically distinct primarily because it stresses the first beat of the measure, unlike most Swedish polska music.
What is the typical structure of a standard Swedish polska tune?
Answer: Two related eight-measure phrases, each repeated.
Explanation: A standard Swedish polska tune is typically structured as two related eight-measure phrases, with each phrase being repeated.
Which statement about the structure of Swedish polska tunes is accurate?
Answer: They typically have two repeated eight-measure phrases.
Explanation: Swedish polska tunes are accurately described as typically consisting of two repeated eight-measure phrases.
The main types of polska dances in Norway are the pols and the springar.
Answer: True
Explanation: The primary classifications of polska dances in Norway are the pols and the springar, each possessing distinct musical and choreographic attributes.
The Norwegian pols dance is predominantly found in western Norway and the fjord areas.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Norwegian pols dance tradition is primarily situated in eastern Norway and its bordering mountainous regions, not western Norway and the fjord areas.
In Norway, the polska dance is known by names such as pols and springar.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Norway, variants of the polska dance are recognized under several designations, including 'pols' and 'springar'.
Pols dances are primarily found in western Norway.
Answer: False
Explanation: Pols dances are predominantly found in eastern Norway and its adjacent mountainous areas, contrasting with the distribution of springar dances.
The springar dance tradition is most common in eastern Norway.
Answer: False
Explanation: The springar dance tradition is most prevalent in western Norway and the fjord regions, rather than eastern Norway.
The term 'springleik' is a designation for the Norwegian pols dance in the Gudbrandsdalen region.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the Gudbrandsdalen region of Norway, 'springleik' serves as a specific designation for a dance variant that aligns with the Norwegian pols tradition.
The Norwegian 'springdans' is another name for the springar dance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Norwegian term 'springdans,' meaning 'running dance,' is indeed another designation for the springar dance.
Which region in Norway is the primary area for the springar dance tradition?
Answer: Western Norway and the fjord areas
Explanation: The springar dance tradition is primarily concentrated in western Norway and its fjord regions.
The 'pols' dance in Norway is predominantly found in which part of the country?
Answer: Eastern Norway and bordering mountainous areas
Explanation: The Norwegian 'pols' dance is predominantly found in eastern Norway and the mountainous areas bordering Sweden.
In which country is the polska dance known by names such as 'pols' and 'springar'?
Answer: Norway
Explanation: The polska dance is known by names such as 'pols' and 'springar' within Norway.
What is the 'springar' also known as in Norway?
Answer: Springdans (running dance)
Explanation: In Norway, the 'springar' is also known by the designation 'springdans,' which translates to 'running dance'.
Some Norwegian springar dances feature measures with symmetrical beats, making them easy to follow.
Answer: False
Explanation: Certain Norwegian springar dances incorporate measures with asymmetrical beats, which deviate from simple symmetrical patterns and require adaptive execution.
The Norwegian pols dance structure includes a section called 'bakmes' for a counter-clockwise turn.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Norwegian pols dance structure incorporates a specific movement known as the 'bakmes,' which involves a counter-clockwise turn where partners face each other.
The Norwegian springar dance is known for its highly structured and predictable sequence of movements.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Norwegian springar dance is generally characterized by its freer form and spontaneous movements, rather than a highly structured and predictable sequence.
The 'bakmes' turn involves partners rotating clockwise while facing each other.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'bakmes' turn involves partners rotating counter-clockwise while facing each other, typically occurring over two measures.
The 'pols turn' in Norwegian dances involves a clockwise rotation of the couple.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'pols turn' in Norwegian dances is characterized by partners facing each other and executing a full clockwise rotation within each musical measure.
The springar dance is characterized by its freer form and music based on short, repeated motifs.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Norwegian springar dance is defined by its flexible structure and music derived from the repetition and elaboration of short motifs.
The music for the Norwegian springar typically uses two long, eight-bar phrases.
Answer: False
Explanation: The music for the Norwegian springar is typically constructed from short, repeated motifs, rather than two long, eight-bar phrases.
The 'pols turn' is a standard section in the Norwegian springar dance.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'pols turn' is a characteristic section of the Norwegian pols dance, not typically found in the Norwegian springar.
What characteristic rhythm is sometimes found in Norwegian springar music?
Answer: Measures with asymmetrical beats
Explanation: Norwegian springar music sometimes features measures with asymmetrical beats, deviating from standard rhythmic structures.
How is the dance style of the Norwegian springar generally described compared to the pols?
Answer: Freer in form, led by spontaneous movements from the male partner.
Explanation: The Norwegian springar is generally described as having a freer dance form, often led by the male partner's spontaneous movements, in contrast to the more structured sequence of the pols.
What dance movement involves partners facing each other and rotating counter-clockwise, often found in Norwegian pols?
Answer: Bakmes
Explanation: The 'bakmes' is a dance movement where partners face each other and rotate counter-clockwise, a feature found in Norwegian pols dances.
What is a key characteristic of the music for the Norwegian springar dance?
Answer: Repetition and elaboration of short musical motifs.
Explanation: A key characteristic of Norwegian springar music is its construction through the repetition and elaboration of short musical motifs.
Which of the following is a correct description of the 'bakmes' turn?
Answer: A counter-clockwise turn where partners face each other.
Explanation: The 'bakmes' turn is correctly described as a counter-clockwise rotation where partners face each other.
The 'pols turn' in Norwegian dances is characterized by:
Answer: A full clockwise rotation within each measure.
Explanation: The 'pols turn' in Norwegian dances is characterized by partners executing a complete clockwise rotation within the span of a single musical measure.
What is a key characteristic of the Norwegian pols dance?
Answer: A specific sequence including promenade, bakmes, escort, and pols turn.
Explanation: A key characteristic of the Norwegian pols dance is its specific sequence of movements, including the promenade, bakmes turn, escort position, and pols turn.
The Norwegian springar dance is often accompanied by music played on the hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Norwegian springar dance is frequently accompanied by music performed on the hardingfele, also known as the Hardanger fiddle, an instrument integral to its characteristic sound.
The hardingfele has only four bowed strings, similar to a standard fiddle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The hardingfele possesses sympathetic strings in addition to its standard four bowed strings, distinguishing it from a conventional fiddle.
The hardingfele is the primary instrument for Norwegian springar music.
Answer: True
Explanation: The hardingfele, or Hardanger fiddle, serves as the principal instrument for accompanying Norwegian springar music.
The hardingfele is a standard violin with no unique features.
Answer: False
Explanation: The hardingfele is distinct from a standard violin due to its unique construction, most notably its sympathetic strings.
The hardingfele's sympathetic strings contribute a clear, sharp tone to the music.
Answer: False
Explanation: The sympathetic strings of the hardingfele produce a characteristic droning resonance, rather than a clear, sharp tone.
Which instrument is uniquely associated with the Norwegian springar dance?
Answer: Hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle)
Explanation: The Hardingfele, or Hardanger fiddle, is uniquely associated with the Norwegian springar dance due to its distinctive sound produced by sympathetic strings.
What unique feature of the hardingfele contributes to its characteristic sound?
Answer: Additional sympathetic strings
Explanation: The characteristic sound of the hardingfele is significantly attributed to its additional sympathetic strings.
The unique droning sound of the hardingfele is produced by:
Answer: Resonating sympathetic strings.
Explanation: The distinctive droning sound of the hardingfele is produced by its resonating sympathetic strings.
Swedish polska dance traditions remained strong and continuous into the 21st century without significant decline.
Answer: False
Explanation: Swedish polska dance traditions experienced a significant decline in the early 20th century, necessitating documentation from older generations to preserve knowledge.
The introduction of the waltz may have influenced Swedish polska dances to adopt counterclockwise movement patterns.
Answer: True
Explanation: The proliferation of the waltz is posited as a potential influence on the adoption of counterclockwise movement patterns in certain Swedish polska dances.
It is easy to establish clear, sharp distinctions between all polska styles due to their distinct regional variations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Drawing sharp distinctions between polska styles is challenging due to significant overlap and mutual influence among regional traditions.
Most knowledge of Swedish polska dances today comes from contemporary dancers actively performing them.
Answer: False
Explanation: Current understanding of Swedish polska dances largely derives from documentation gathered in the mid-20th century from older dancers, rather than solely from contemporary practitioners.
What challenge did Swedish polska dance traditions face in the early 20th century?
Answer: Significant decline due to industrialization.
Explanation: In the early 20th century, Swedish polska dance traditions faced significant decline, largely attributed to the societal impacts of industrialization.
Why is it difficult to draw sharp distinctions between different polska styles?
Answer: Traditions overlap and influence each other significantly.
Explanation: The difficulty in establishing sharp distinctions between polska styles arises from the significant overlap and mutual influence among regional traditions.
What might have influenced the shift towards couples moving counterclockwise around the room in some Swedish polska dances?
Answer: The rise of the waltz
Explanation: The increasing popularity of the waltz is suggested as a potential influence on the adoption of counterclockwise couple movement patterns in certain Swedish polska dances.
The documentation of Swedish polska dances primarily relies on:
Answer: Descriptions from older dancers documented in the mid-20th century.
Explanation: The primary source for documenting Swedish polska dances involves descriptions gathered from older dancers during mid-20th century research efforts.