Considered to be “fast and syncopated” is an East European dance form known as Karkowiak. This “ballroom” dance has originated from Poland, and is extremely popular and commonly referred to as “Karkauer” and “Cracovienne” in Vienna and Paris respectively. This dance is essentially performed in a group, and it is the lead male dancer who sings while performing. Furthermore, this dance has famously been performed in a Russian opera called “A life for the Tsar” produced by a music composer called Mikhail Glinka.
a. History/origin of the Karkowiak Dance:
According to the cultural history of Poland, this dance is said to have originated in Poland in between the 16th and 17th century. However, it was in the year 1816 that this dance style was first performed to a music album composed by Franciszek Mirecki titled “Karowiak’s Offered to the Women of Poland”. Furthermore, gradually over time it became popular as a result of which it began to be performed as a “ballroom” form of dance in countries like Austria and France. It was eventually in the 19th century that this dance style became popular in the United States of America when a renowned Austrian dancer Fanny Elssler publically performed for the first time in the city of New York.
b. Costumes used in the Karkowiak dance:
The costume worn by the performers vary according to the gender, and they are follows:
1. For men:
The attire worn includes long, dark, and embroidered coat, white shirts, striped pants, embroidered vest, and a square hat with peacock feathers.
2. For women:
The attire worn includes white shirt with long sleeves, collars possessing decorative lace, colourful vests, flowery skirt, white lace aprons, flowery handkerchief, and a pair of red boots having heels.
c. Music involved in the Karkowiak dance:
The music involved in this dance form alternates between two eight note and one quarter note. In addition, the music used in this dance also comprises of melodies that include extra notes and dotted rhythms.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Karkowiak dance:
In terms of technique, this dance involves the male performer tapping his feet and ankles while performing. In addition, to dancing this performer also sings a song. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “ballroom” dance is mainly performed in Poland.