Polonaise 15th century. In later centuries it gained popularity among the nobility and townspeople. Polonaise in French Courts The polonaise or "polonez", was first introduced in the 17th century in French courts, although the form originated in Poland and was very popular throughout Europe. This dance in 3/4 meter was designed to entertain the French royal court. The term polonaise was used over the term "polonez" at the start of the 18th century. Princess Anna Maria of Saxony Princess Anna Maria of Saxony collected polonaises throughout her life time, collecting over 350. Her collection was focused on the finest examples of
Polonaise (clothing) one with the gathered-up skirt. "Peterson's Magazine" also described a 'Polonaise basque' as being gathered fully on the hips and forming a deep tunic in the back. "Godey's Magazine" for August 1871 identifies the term "polonaise" with two separate garments, a bodice and an overskirt: The second paragraph quoted describes a specific style of dressing "à la polonaise" which was popularly known as "Dolly Varden" after the heroine of Dickens' historical novel "" (set in 1780). By the end of the 1870s and into the 1880s, the term 'polonaise' also described an overdress which resembled a long coat worn over