The polka is a dance for couples which originated in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). It was a "craze" in Europe for a time in the mid to late 19th century. and in the United States. The craze spread in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, of which the Czechs were part.

The dance is done with a one-two-three-hop style: The dance soon spread to London and was introduced to America in 1844. It remained a popular ballroom dance until the late 19th century. view more...