Polka in the United States Polka in the United States Polka in the United States refers to polka—a music and dance style that originated in Europe in the 1830s and came to American society when people immigrated from Eastern Europe. A fast style in 2/4 time, and often associated with the pre–World War II era, polka remains a dynamic "niche" music in America. Several polka genres exist in the United States, each with its own unique characteristics and performers. Though these polka genres vary, all are unified in the expression of ethnicity by performers and participants. Polka enthusiasts gather to enjoy their love of the
Pavane (Fauré) Passepied in his "Suite bergamasque" and Ravel's "Pavane pour une infante défunte", and "Pavane de la belle au bois dormant" in "Ma mère l'oye". The lyrics, which are optional in the orchestral version, were written by the French Robert de Montesquiou. C'est Lindor, c'est Tircis et c'est tous nos vainqueurs! C'est Myrtille, c'est Lydé! Les reines de nos coeurs! Comme ils sont provocants! Comme ils sont fiers toujours! Comme on ose régner sur nos sorts et nos jours! Faites attention! Observez la mesure! Ô la mortelle injure! La cadence est moins lente! Et la chute plus sûre! Nous rabattrons bien