January is National Polka Music Month!

Did you know that January is National Polka Music Month?

Originating in 19th century Bohemia (modern day Czech Republic), the polka is a dance that incorporates a 2/4 tempo with a half-jump step dance move. Beginning in villages in Bohemia, polka eventually landed in the ballrooms of Prague. It then spread to Vienna, Paris and America. Today, in Chicago, we have a Polka Hall of Fame, as well as a very large polka history. Such polka styles as “The Chicago Honky” and “The Chicago Push” incorporate different instrumental styles (clarinet, trombone, upright bass, drums, guitar . . . and of course, the accordion) into the traditional polka music. There are even Conjunto-style polkas with origins in Mexico and Texas! Some famous polka musicians include Frankie Yankovic and Jimmy Stur.