What is the typical musical time signature for the polska dance?

The polska is almost always performed as a partner dance in 3/4 time, meaning there are three beats per measure. However, variants exist in 2/4 time, as well as in compound meters, showcasing rhythmic diversity within the genre.

What historical influences are believed to have shaped the origins of the polska dance?

The roots of the polska are often traced back to the influence of the Polish court throughout the Nordic countries during the early 17th century. The name 'polska' is also the Swedish word for the Polish language, which reinforces this historical connection to Polish culture's impact on the region.

Are there alternative theories regarding the origins of the polska dance?

Yes, some scholars challenge the purely Polish origin theory by suggesting earlier evidence of the musical tradition in Nordic songs, known as 'visor'. These older Nordic traditions may have merged with the newer foreign influences when court dances began to spread to the middle and rural classes.

How did the polska dance likely evolve from earlier dance forms?

The polska dances were likely inspired by court dances such as the polonaise and the minuet. Some theories suggest an evolution from older set dances to couple dances and a transition from duple time (like 2/4) to triple time (like 3/4), potentially influenced by the structure and progression of minuets.

What was the musical practice regarding notation in the late 1600s concerning the polska?

In the late 1600s, it was common in northern Europe for musicians to only write down the slower section of a dance, often in Alla breve (4/4) time, due to the expense of paper. Musicians were then expected to improvise the faster triple-meter section based on the same melodic material as the initial dance.

What is the typical structure of a tune in the Swedish polska tradition?

A typical Swedish polska tune consists of two related eight-measure phrases, with each phrase being repeated. This structure totals 32 bars for one complete rendition of the tune, and this entire sequence is often repeated two or more times.

Are there variations in the structure of Swedish polska tunes?

Yes, while the typical structure involves two repeated eight-measure phrases, longer tunes known as storpolska exist, which may have three or occasionally even four phrases. Some tunes also feature an odd number of measures per phrase or phrases that vary in length between parts, indicating considerable musical flexibility.

What are the main types of polska dances found in Norway?

Norway features two predominant broad types of polska dances: the pols and the springar (also known as springdans or running dance). These types are distinguished by their unique music, instrumentation, and specific dance traditions.

Describe the characteristics of the Norwegian pols dance.

The pols is typically danced to music played on standard fiddles and generally follows a conventional structure of two eight-bar phrases, each repeated, with the entire structure repeated. The dance itself usually includes distinct sections for promenade, a counter-clockwise turn called bakmes, an escort position, and a concluding pols turn. It is predominantly found in eastern Norway and the mountainous regions bordering Sweden.

Describe the characteristics of the Norwegian springar dance.

The springar is primarily danced in western Norway and the fjord areas, often accompanied by music played on the hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle). Its music is built from the repetition and elaboration of short motifs, and the dance itself is generally freer in form, led by the male partner through a spontaneous sequence of movements, holds, and turns. Some springar traditions involve dancing in place, while others move around the dance floor.

What is unique about the hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle)?

The hardingfele is a specially constructed Norwegian fiddle that, in addition to the standard four bowed strings, is fitted with sympathetic strings (usually five). These sympathetic strings resonate when other strings are played, producing a distinctive droning sound that characterizes the music, particularly for the springar dance.

How does the rhythm in some Norwegian springar dances differ from standard triple meter?

While still in triple time, the music for some springar dances features measures with asymmetrical beats, such as a short first beat followed by a longer second beat. Dancers adapt their steps to these unique rhythmic patterns, contributing to the dance's distinct character.

What is the current status of polska dance traditions in Sweden?

While the tradition of polska music remains continuous and vibrant in Sweden, the dance traditions faced significant pressure during the country's industrialization and largely succumbed in the early 20th century. Consequently, most of what is known about Swedish polska dances today comes from research conducted in the mid-20th century, documenting descriptions from older dancers.

What are the three main styles of music for Swedish polska?

The three main styles of music for Swedish polska are the semiquaver (sixteenth-note) polska, the quaver (eighth-note) polska, and the triplet polska. Each style has distinct rhythmic and melodic characteristics.

Describe the characteristics of the semiquaver (sixteenth-note) polska in Sweden.

This style is typically played and danced with a smooth character and an even rhythm. It was characteristic of southern Sweden and the eastern Baltic coast. Dances like the slängpolska, often involving couples dancing on a spot with intricate turns, are associated with this style, as are dances where couples move counterclockwise around a room, focusing on a clockwise couple turn.

Describe the characteristics of the quaver (eighth-note) polska in Sweden.

This is a pervasive style found throughout Sweden, particularly prominent in the Dalarna region. The accompanying dance styles often feature a clockwise couple turn alternating with a resting step, typically emphasizing the first and third beats. Rhythms can become asymmetrical, with variations like the 'early two' or 'late third' beat placement noted in specific areas.

Describe the characteristics of the triplet polska in Sweden.

The triplet polska is most commonly found in the western mountainous sections of provinces bordering Norway, such as Värmland and western Dalarna. This style shows strong cross-border influences, often combining elements like promenading, slower counterclockwise turns (bakmes), and faster clockwise turns (polska turns), similar to Norwegian pols dances.

How might the introduction of the waltz have influenced Swedish polska dances?

The text suggests that farther up the Baltic coast in Sweden, polska dances evolved towards couples moving counterclockwise around the periphery of the room. This change in movement pattern may have been influenced by the introduction and growing popularity of the waltz.

What is a storpolska?

A storpolska, translating to 'big polska,' is a type of Swedish polska tune that is longer than the standard form. It features three or occasionally even four phrases instead of the usual two repeated eight-measure phrases, offering a more extended musical experience.

In Swedish polska, when is the first beat typically stressed?

Generally, the first beat is not stressed in Swedish polska music. This is a notable characteristic, with the exception being the hambo, a dance that emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. Swedish fiddlers often tap their feet only on the first and third beat.

Why is it challenging to establish sharp distinctions between different polska styles?

Sharp lines and distinctions between polska styles are difficult to draw because these traditions often overlap and influence each other. For instance, all three main styles of polska music are part of the historical traditions in Jämtland, sixteenth-note polskas can be found widely across Sweden, and rhythmic interpretations can vary even among musicians from the same community.

What does the Swedish word 'polska' mean, and how does it relate to the dance?

In Swedish, 'polska' literally means 'Polish language.' This linguistic connection is noted alongside the historical theory that the dance form itself originated from Polish court influences in the Nordic countries during the 17th century.

What are some Norwegian names for variants of the polska dance?

Norwegian variants of the polska are known by several different names, including pols, rundom, springleik, and springar. These names reflect regional variations and specific characteristics of the dance within Norway.

In which regions of Norway are pols dances most commonly found?

Pols dances are and were traditionally danced widely in Norway, predominantly in eastern Norway and along the mountainous spine bordering Sweden. Specific communities where this style is popular include the mining town of Røros, and many others in the provinces of Trøndelag, Østerdal, and Gudbrandsdalen.

In which regions of Norway is the springar dance primarily found?

The springar dance tradition is most prevalent in communities located in western Norway and the fjord areas of west central Norway. This geographical concentration highlights regional differences in folk dance practices.

What is the typical dance structure of a Norwegian pols?

A typical pols dance structure closely follows the music's phrasing and includes specific sections: a promenade where the couple walks elaborately, a bakmes turn where partners face each other and rotate counter-clockwise, a section in escort position, and finally, the pols turn where partners face and rotate clockwise.

How does the dance style of the Norwegian springar differ across regions?

The dance style of the Norwegian springar can vary regionally. In some traditions, such as those in Telemark, much of the dance may be performed while the couple remains near a single spot. In contrast, in areas like Valdres and Hallingdal, the couple continues moving counterclockwise around the dance floor.

What is the characteristic instrumentation for the Norwegian springar dance?

The springar dance is primarily accompanied by music played on the hardingfele, also known as the Hardanger fiddle. This instrument's unique sound, produced by its sympathetic strings, is integral to the springar's musical identity and performance.

What is the significance of 'visor' in the context of polska origins?

'Visor' refers to Nordic songs, and some theories suggest that the musical tradition of the polska may have roots in these earlier Nordic songs. These older melodies could have later merged with influences from Polish court dances, contributing to the development of the polska.

What is the meaning of Gammaldans in Nordic folk dance traditions?

Gammaldans translates to 'oldtime dance' and refers to a category of traditional Nordic folk dances. This category encompasses various dances, including the polska, waltz, polka, and mazurka, representing established social dances.

What is the relationship between the polska and the Hambo dance in Sweden?

The Hambo, often considered the national dance of Sweden, is derived from the polska tradition. While typically a 3/4 beat dance like the polska, the Hambo is noted as an exception where the first beat is stressed, distinguishing it rhythmically.

What is a slängpolska?

A slängpolska is a type of Swedish polska dance, particularly common in provinces like Småland. It is characterized by couples dancing on a spot and often involves intricate patterns of holds and underarm turns, similar to those seen in Norwegian springar dances.

What is the 'triplet polska' style in Sweden?

The triplet polska is a style commonly found in the western mountainous regions of Sweden bordering Norway, such as Värmland and western Dalarna. It is characterized by triplet rhythms in the music and often incorporates dance elements similar to Norwegian pols, including promenading and specific clockwise and counterclockwise turns.

What is the 'bakmes' turn mentioned in relation to Norwegian and Swedish polska dances?

The bakmes turn is a dance movement where the couple's upper bodies face each other while they rotate counter-clockwise, typically at a rate of one revolution per two measures. It is mentioned as a component in Norwegian pols dances and also appears in Swedish triplet polska dances influenced by Norwegian traditions.

What is the 'pols turn' in Norwegian dances?

The pols turn is a dance movement where partners face each other and complete a full clockwise rotation within each measure of the music. It serves as a concluding section in the Norwegian pols dance, providing a dynamic finish.

What is the typical tempo and character of the semiquaver (sixteenth-note) polska in Sweden?

The semiquaver or sixteenth-note polska is typically played and danced with a smooth character and an even rhythm. This style is often associated with the music and dance traditions found in southern Sweden and along the eastern Baltic coast.

What is the characteristic rhythmic feature of some quaver (eighth-note) polska dances in Sweden, such as those from western Dalarna?

Some quaver (eighth-note) polska dances, particularly those from western Dalarna, feature asymmetrical rhythms. Examples include the 'early two' or 'late third' placement of beats within the measure, which requires dancers to adapt their steps to these unique rhythmic structures.

What is the hardingfele?

The hardingfele, also known as the Hardanger fiddle, is a traditional Norwegian fiddle. It is distinctively equipped with sympathetic strings, in addition to the standard bowed strings, which produce a unique droning sound integral to the music, especially for the springar dance.

What is the springar dance in Norway?

The springar, also referred to as springdans or running dance, is a lively Norwegian folk dance primarily found in western Norway. It is characterized by its freer form, music based on short, repeated motifs, and is often performed to the distinctive sound of the hardingfele.

What is the significance of the springleik in Gudbrandsdalen, Norway?

In Gudbrandsdalen, the dance known as springleik is a local designation for a dance that follows the style of the Norwegian pols. It is characterized by its specific music, instrumentation, and dance tradition within that particular region.

What is the general approach to documenting Swedish polska dance traditions?

Due to a decline in live dance traditions, much of the knowledge about Swedish polska dances comes from research conducted in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Researchers primarily collected descriptions from older dancers who had learned the dances from previous generations.

What is the polska called in Estonia?

In Estonia, the polska dance form is referred to as either polka or polska.

How does the music for the Norwegian springar differ from that of the pols?

The music for the Norwegian springar is characterized by the repetition and elaboration of short two- or four-measure motifs, often played on the hardingfele. In contrast, the music for the pols typically adheres to a more conventional structure composed of two eight-bar phrases, each repeated, and is usually played on standard fiddles.

What does the name 'polska' signify in Swedish, beyond its connection to the dance?

In Swedish, 'polska' is the word for the Polish language. This linguistic fact is noted as being homonymous with the name of the dance, reinforcing the historical theory of Polish court influence.

What is the typical structure of a Norwegian pols dance?

A typical Norwegian pols dance structure includes sections for an elaborate promenade, a bakmes turn (counter-clockwise rotation), an escort position, and concludes with the pols turn (clockwise rotation). This sequence aligns with the music's phrasing.

What is the 'running dance' known as in Norway?

The 'running dance' in Norway is known as the springar or springdans. It is a lively folk dance primarily found in western Norway, characterized by its freer form and music based on short motifs.

What is the typical musical meter for the polska dance?

The polska is almost universally performed in 3/4 time, indicating a triple meter with three beats per measure. This rhythmic structure is fundamental to the dance.

What are some of the dance forms that likely influenced the polska?

The polska dances were likely influenced by court dances such as the polonaise and the minuet. There is also a suggestion of evolution from older triple meter dances and melodies, potentially transitioning from set dances to couple dances and from duple to triple time.

What is the significance of the term 'polska' in relation to the dance's origins?

The term 'polska' is significant because it is the Swedish word for the Polish language. This linguistic connection supports the historical theory that the dance form originated from the influence of the Polish court in the Nordic countries during the early 17th century.

How do the dance movements of the Norwegian springar differ from those of the pols?

The Norwegian springar is generally a freer dance form, led by the male partner through spontaneous sequences of movements, holds, and turns. In contrast, the Norwegian pols follows a more conventional structure with specific named sections like the promenade, bakmes turn, and pols turn.

Polska Dance Wiki: Nordic Rhythms: An Academic Exploration of the Polska Dance

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Introduction to the Polska

A Shared Nordic Heritage

The polska represents a significant family of music and dance forms prevalent across the Nordic countries. While sharing a common lineage, it manifests with distinct nomenclature and characteristics in each region: referred to as pols in Denmark, polka or polska in Estonia, polska in Sweden and Finland, and various names such as pols, rundom, springleik, and springar in Norway. Predominantly, the polska is executed as a partner dance.

Rhythmic Foundations

The musical structure of the polska is most commonly associated with ³
₄ time. However, variations exist, including dances performed in ²
₄ time and those employing compound meters, reflecting the diverse evolution of this dance form.

Historical Evolution

Polish Court Influence

The nomenclature "polska" strongly suggests origins influenced by Polish court dances, particularly during the early 17th century. The term itself is Swedish for "Polish language." This period saw significant cultural exchange across Northern Europe, leading to the adoption and adaptation of foreign dance forms.

Musical and Dance Transitions

While the Polish court influence is evident, some scholars posit earlier Nordic musical traditions, such as visor (songs), may have provided a foundation upon which these newer influences were grafted. The evolution likely involved a transition from larger set dances to couple dances and a shift from duple meter to triple meter, potentially influenced by dances like the polonaise and the 2/4 minuet. Early musical notation often only recorded the slower sections (e.g., 4/4 Alla breve), with musicians expected to improvise the faster 3/4 polska sections based on the same melodic material.

The progression from set dances to couple dances and the adaptation from duple to triple time are observable in historical dance forms. For instance, some communities in Finland and Denmark historically performed dances that began with a formal, slower section in duple time, concluding with couples dancing a faster polska section in triple time. This suggests a gradual integration and transformation of dance structures over time.

Polska in Norway

The Pols Tradition

Norway maintains a vibrant tradition of polska-related dances, often referred to as pols. These dances are typically performed to music played on standard fiddles (violins). The musical structure is conventionally composed of two eight-bar phrases, each repeated, forming a 64-measure tune. The dance itself follows a structured sequence, including an elaborate promenade, a bakmes turn (where the couple's upper bodies face each other and rotate counter-clockwise), an escort position, and concluding with the pols turn (bodies facing, rotating clockwise at one turn per measure). This style is prevalent in Eastern Norway and the mountainous regions bordering Sweden, notably in communities like Røros and provinces such as Trøndelag and Østerdal. In Gudbrandsdalen, this dance is known as springleik.

The Springar Tradition

A distinct tradition, primarily found in Western Norway and the fjord regions, is the springdans or springar. This dance is characteristically accompanied by music played on the hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle), an instrument known for its distinctive droning sound produced by sympathetic strings. The music is characterized by tunes built upon the repetition and elaboration of short motifs (two or four measures). The dance form is more improvisational, led by the male partner through a spontaneous sequence of movements, incorporating various holds and underarm turns, often described as similar in style to modern swing or salsa but executed at a slower tempo. While some springar traditions involve dancing in place (e.g., Telemark), others feature couples moving counter-clockwise around the dance floor (e.g., Valdres and Hallingdal). The music remains in triple time, often featuring asymmetrical beats, which the dancers adapt their steps to.

Polska in Sweden

Musical Continuity and Dance Evolution

Sweden boasts a continuous polska music tradition, with tunes and stylistic nuances passed down through generations. Extensive archival efforts throughout the 19th century documented numerous tunes. However, the polska dance tradition faced significant decline during industrialization, with most contemporary knowledge derived from research conducted in the mid-20th century, based on descriptions from elderly dancers.

Styles of Swedish Polska Music

Swedish polska music is broadly categorized into three main styles:

Sixteenth-note (Semi-quaver) Polska: Characterized by a smooth, even rhythm, this style was prominent in southern Sweden and along the eastern Baltic coast. Dances like slängpolsks involved couples dancing in place with intricate holds and turns. In northern coastal areas, dances often featured couples moving counter-clockwise, with a focus on the clockwise couple turn.
Eighth-note (Quaver) Polska: A pervasive style found throughout Sweden, particularly refined in the Dalarna region, where distinct local variations exist. The accompanying dances typically alternate a clockwise couple turn with a walking step in escort position. Rhythmic variations, such as the "early two" or "late third" beat emphasis, are noted. Fiddlers commonly tap their feet on the first and third beats.
Triplet Polska: Predominant in the western provinces bordering Norway (Värmland, western Dalarna, Jämtland, Härjedalen), this style exhibits strong cross-border influences. Dances often combine promenade sequences, slower counter-clockwise turns (bakmes), and faster clockwise turns, similar to Norwegian pols.

Swedish polska tunes typically consist of two related eight-measure phrases, repeated, forming a 32-bar structure. Longer tunes, known as storpolska ("big polska"), also exist. While distinctions exist, styles often overlap, and regional variations are highly nuanced.

Polska in Finland

Musical and Dance Forms

In Finland, the polska is recognized as a dance form primarily in ³
₄ time. It exists within a broader context of Finnish folk music and dance, often associated with other traditional forms such as Humppa, Polkka, Jenkka, Masurkka, Menuetti, and Vals.

Polska in Denmark

Regional Variants and Associations

In Denmark, the dance is known as pols. It is integrated within the framework of Gammeldans ("old-time dance") and shares characteristics with other European folk dances. Associated forms include Polka, Hopsa, Mazurka, Minuet, Vals, Schottische, and Reinländer. Notable figures in Danish folk music associated with these traditions include Æ Tinuser, Evald Thomsen, Rasmus Storm, and Frederik Iversen.

Associated Instruments

Diverse Instrumentation

The performance of polska and related Nordic folk music utilizes a diverse array of instruments, reflecting the distinct traditions of each region:

String Instruments: Accordion, Cittra, Drone zither, Fadno, Fiddle (Violin), Hardingfele (Hardanger fiddle), Harmonium, Hummel, Kantele, Låtfriol, Psalmodicon, Walpipe.
Wind Instruments: Bassoon, Clarinet, Drejelire, Härjedalspipa, Kohorn, Näverlur, Pitkähuilu, Säkkipilli, Spilåpipa, Svensk säckpipa, Willow flute.
Percussion/Other: Sami drum.

Musical Scales

Modal Frameworks

The melodic structures within polska music often draw from various modal scales, contributing to the characteristic soundscapes of Nordic folk traditions:

Aeolian mode
Dorian mode
Harmonic minor
Ionian mode
Lydian mode
Mixolydian mode

Related Traditions

Interconnected Folk Forms

The polska is situated within a rich tapestry of European folk music and dance. Its influences and connections extend to numerous related traditions:

Nordic Folk Music: Danish folk music, Finnish folk music, Icelandic folk music, Music of Norway, Swedish folk music, Traditional Nordic dance music.
European Dances: Bourrée, Fandango, Gammaldans, Gangar, Halling, Hambo, Ländler, Mazurka, Minuet, Polka, Polonaise, Polka-mazurka, Reinländer, Schottische, Snoa, Vals.
Other Related Forms: Bygdedans, Engelska, Gånlåt, Hopsa, Humppa, Jenkka, Joik, Les Lanciers, Menuetti, Masurkka, Polka and Polkett, Rekilaulu, Sami music, Schottis, Slängpolska, Spelmanslag, Spillemand, Spelman, Svensk säckpipa, Vals.

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References

Eva Hof: Om notsamlingen efter Anders TÃ¶rne, Stora Tuna, frÃ¥n 1690-talet. University of Trondheim, spring 1994, Only in Swedish.

Riksspelman, Bengt Ohlson, former pupil to Ingvar Norman in the 1970s, one of those who documented most variants of polska

Tore HÃ¤rdelin Polska in A minor after HultklÃ¤ppen

A full list of references for this article are available at the Polska (dance) Wikipedia page

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This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional instruction in folk dance, musicology, or cultural studies. Always consult with qualified experts or instructors for accurate guidance and practice. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of information found on this website.

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Nordic Rhythms: The Polska Dance

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Introduction to the Polska ℹ️

🌍 A Shared Nordic Heritage

🎵 Rhythmic Foundations

Historical Evolution 📜

👑 Polish Court Influence

🎶 Musical and Dance Transitions

Polska in Norway 🇳🇴

🎻 The Pols Tradition

🪕 The Springar Tradition

Polska in Sweden 🇸🇪

🎼 Musical Continuity and Dance Evolution

💃 Styles of Swedish Polska Music

Polska in Finland 🇫🇮

🎼 Musical and Dance Forms

Polska in Denmark 🇩🇰

🎶 Regional Variants and Associations

Associated Instruments 🎻

🎚️ Diverse Instrumentation

Musical Scales 🎼

🎵 Modal Frameworks

Related Traditions 🔗

🌐 Interconnected Folk Forms

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction to the Polska

A Shared Nordic Heritage

Rhythmic Foundations

Historical Evolution

Polish Court Influence

Musical and Dance Transitions

Polska in Norway

The Pols Tradition

The Springar Tradition

Polska in Sweden

Musical Continuity and Dance Evolution

Styles of Swedish Polska Music

Polska in Finland

Musical and Dance Forms

Polska in Denmark

Regional Variants and Associations

Associated Instruments

Diverse Instrumentation

Musical Scales

Modal Frameworks

Related Traditions

Interconnected Folk Forms

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice