Bohemian dance in quick duple time (2/4). Originating in the 19th century, it became popular throughout Europe. The basic step is a hop followed by three short steps. The polka spread with German immigrants to the USA, becoming a style of Texas country music. It was also used by European composers, including Bedrich Smetana in
The Bartered Bride (1866) and
Bohemian Dances (1878), Antonín Dvorák, and others.
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