THE POLKA. 



in .^rict time. The head and shoulders should be kept still, not jerk eJ 

 and turned at every step, as is the manner of some. The feet should 

 glide swiftly along the tioor not hopping or jumping as if the board- 

 were red hot. 



You should clasp your partner lightly but firmly round the wai<t with 

 your right arm. 



Your left hand takes her right hand ; but beware of elevating your 

 arm ami hers in the air, or holding them out straight, which suggests the 

 idea of windmills. 



Above all, never place your hand on your hip or behind you. In the- 

 tir-t place, you thus drag your partner too much forward, whicli ma 

 her look ungraceful ; in the next, this attitude is never used except in 

 casinos, and it is almost an insult to introduce it in a respectable ball- 

 room. 



Let the hand which clasps your partner's fall easily by your side in a 

 natural position, and keep it there. Your partner's left hand rests on 

 your riirlit shoulder; her right arm is thrown a little forwards toward- 

 your left. 



The Polka is danced in | time. There are three steps in each bar ; the 

 fourth beat is always a rest. 



It is next to impossible to describe in words the step of the Polka, or 

 of any circular dance : nothing but example can correctly teach it ; and 

 although we shall do our best to be as clear as possible, we would ear- 

 nestly recommend tho v se of our readers who desire to excel whether in 

 this or the following dances, to take a few lessons from some competent 

 instructor. 



The gentleman starts with his left foot, the lady witli her ri^lit. We 

 shall describe the step as danced by the gentleman; the same directi- 

 the order of the {Vet, will apply to the lady. 



1st beat. Spring lightly on right foot, at the same time slide left foot 

 forward. 



'1-1 heat. firing ri^ht foot forward by glissade, at the same time raising 

 left foot. 



:>/ beat. Brini: left fo,,t -lightly forward and/aW upon it, leaving ri.irht 

 foot raised, and the knee slightly Lent, ready to begin the step at the tir>t 

 beat of the m-\t bar. 



4/// twit. Remain on 1,-ft foot. Begin QOXi 1-ar with the ri-ht foot, 

 and repeat the step to the md of third beat. Begin the f,,ll,,\vin^ bar 

 with left foot, ai immeneing each bar with right or left foot 



alternately. 



