Polka sa Nayon

Background

Polka Sa Nayon (POHL-kah Sah NAH-yohn) means Polka in the Village. This dance comes from the
province of Batangas in the Tagalog Region of the Philippine Islands. In the old days it was very popular
and was usually danced at all the big social affairs and at the town fiestas. The polka, considered as the
national dance of Bohemia(Czechoslovakia). The first dances introduced by the early European
Immigrants to the Philippines and by Filipinos who had been to Europe. It was Popularized in the Islands
not later than 1859. Polka sa Nayon is also known as Ballroom polka this is because of the stance the
Dancers make.

Costume

The costume for the man is the barong tagalog (tah-GAH-lohg) and black or white pants.

The Maria Clara or balintawak (bah-leen-tah-WAHK) costume is correct for the Woman.

Formation

When performed for demonstration, dancers may be grouped into sets of four pairs in square
formation, each couple occupying a corner, or a side of an imaginary square or they may be arranged in
long ways formation. When performed as a ballroom dance, partners may face in any direction and are
scattered around the room.

Music and Count

The dance step of the polka is executed with a step-close- step pattern following the one-and-two
rhythm.

Polka sa Nayon Dance Terms

Closed Ball Room Position - Partners hold each other while facing at least approximately toward each
other.

Jaleo Position - Partners turn once around clockwise or counter clockwise with elbows almost touching
using walking or any kind of dance step. The hands are closed forming a fist on the waists.

Abracete - Girl at the right side and boy at the left side, the boy holds Left arm of partner with his Right
hand.

Saludo - Partners bow to each other.

Polka sa Nayon Dance Steps

Gallop Step – Step R to the front and then step L foot near the R foot almost like a close step. Weight is
transferred from the front foot to the back foot with a small lift before the front foot takes the next
step.

Heel and Toe Polka Step – Heel place R in front and then toe point in rear, step right forward, close L to
R and step R.

Polka Step – Step R foot right side and then close L to R and step R. This step should be done in a closed
ball room position.