Performed mainly during “carnival” parties is an East European dance form known as Polonaise. This “celebratory” dance is said to have originated from Poland, and is considered to be one among five national dances in the country. Furthermore, this dance is said to have been developed from a “peasant” dance known by several names such as “chodzony”, “chmielowy”, “pieszy”, or “wielki”. In addition, this dance is supposed to have been developed during the 15th century, and quite quickly gained popularity among the nobility in the country.
a. History/origin of the Polonaise dance:
According to the cultural history of Poland, Polonaise is said to have been created during the 18th century from dance style known as “Taniec polski”. Furthermore, Taniec polski itself has been developed during the 17th century from yet another form of dancing known as chodzony/ chmieloqy/ pieszy/ wielki. In addition, according to the “New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians” the Polonaise and several other dances were supposed to have been adopted by the lower ranks belonging to the Polish upper class. It has also been mentioned in this dictionary that this dance style was initially mainly performed in reception halls.
b. Costumes used in the Polonaise dance:
The costume traditionally worn in this style of dancing varies according to the gender, and they are as follows:
1. For men:
The attire worn includes long overcoat with slit sleeves with fur called “kontusz”, satin and silk ornamental belts called “pas slucki”, fur hat with feathers, jewels, and a pair of high heel boots.
2. For women:
The attire worn includes fur lined kontusz comprising of long slit sleeves, long skirts, fur hat adorned with jewel, and pair of high heel boots.
c. Music involved in the Polonaise dance:
“Slow to moderate speed” would be the apt way to describe the rhythm of music used in this dance style. In addition, the music for this dance style is mainly composed using a “triple meter”. Furthermore, the musical instrument mainly used is the piano.
d. Training availability and technique involved in the Polonaise dance:
In terms of technique, this dance involves the performers moving around the ballroom arm-in-arm while simultaneously stopping to bow in front of each other. Furthermore, the dance also involves slight bending of the knees and maintaining of a much straighter body posture. As for training centers/schools, there are none available around the world since this “celebratory” dance is mainly performed in Poland.