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polka-galopka

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Polka-galopka was danced in Podlasie, Suwałki, Mazowsze, Kurpie, Lublin, Rzeszów and Małopolska regions. It was also popular at parties in the cities. Like other polkas, it is a fast dance (2/4 metre) for pairs who rotate in four directions along a circle line. Its name comes from the sideways gallop step similar to that in krakowiak, performed alternatingly with rotations (a few bars of rotation along a circle line, then a few bars of galloping in the same direction).

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The gallop step is not obligatory, since the name polka-galopka used to be applied to very fast polkas with running steps or ample steps performed during rotation. In that case, the dancers alternate rotation with light running steps along circle line in the same direction, and the tempo slows down slightly. In Podlasie, this polka also features man’s ample steps and turns, often combined with slight squatting during the rotation. In Lublin area, at the end of the dance the man often performs a two-feet jump, with landing on both feet and a strong accent.

 

Dąbrowska, Grażyna W. Taniec ludowy na Mazowszu. Kraków: PWM, 1980.

Drabecka, Maria; Krzyżaniak, Barbara; Lisakowski, Jarosław. Folklor Warmii i Mazur. Warszawa: Centralny Ośrodek Metodyki Upowszechniania Kultury, 1978.

Haszczak, Alicja. Tańce rzeszowskie. Rzeszów: Zespół Pieśni i Tańca “Połoniny”, 2012.

Januszczyk, Helena; Cieślińska, Emma. Folklor taneczny południowego Podlasia. Biała Podlaska: Podlaskie Towarzystwo Społeczno-Kulturalne, 1988.