The polka is danced in
two-four time, to a march movement, and rather slow
I shall now endeavor
to give an idea of the step, but I must again pray my readers to excuse
the dryness of these details, as of all others of the same kind. Here,
more than ever, I must lay aside all pretensions to elegance of style,
and attend only to clearness and exactitude.
The step of the polka
is divided into three measures.
For the first, the left
heel should be raised to the side of the right leg, without passing it
behind, and so as to slightly touch the calf. In this position you jump
upon the right foot, in order to give the spring to the left, which makes
a glissade forward, in fourth position.
The second and third
times are composed of two short steps, made lightly by either foot, care
being taken that both feet should find themselves nearly in the same line.
At the second short step,
the right leg is raised, the heel being near the lower part of hte left
calf, and the fourth bar is suffered to pass, which occasions three bars
only to be marked. You then recommence with the other foot, and soon with
the rest.
The gentleman should
always begin with the left foot, and the lady with the right, as in the
ordinary waltz.
The Drawing Room Dances Cellarius, New York, 1858. p.20
