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) by means of interior or exterior loops, buttons or tassels to form swags of material. This style ... was known as "à la polonaise"." This style was characterized by ankle length petticoats that revealed high-heeled walking shoes. Due to this it served as a practical garment for walking because the skirts did not drag along the ground. Since the beginning of the 18th century, middle-class women had adopted various impromptu ways of kilting their overskirts up out of the muck of the streets. The "polonaise" was a fashionable variant of this style. The name "Polonaise" (or "polonese") derives "obviously from