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This particular page was created 16/11/2003 and last updated 28/08/2004
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| | The polka is originally a Bohemian dance and was introduced to Irish music fairly recently.
Basic polka rhythmThe polka is usually notated in cut or in common time:
sometimes in 2/4 time with the 8th note as the beat: 
Tempo and FeelThere are different variants of the polka in different regions of Ireland.
In Cork and Kerry they play it quite similar to the reel, but with a sharper and more accentuated beat. The Sligo or Clare polka (sometimes called the double polka) tends towards a march feel - more similar to polkas from other parts of the world.In any case the polka is a fairly fast dance - 180 beats per minute or more.
Rhythm patternsNo need for special rhythm patterns for the polka. Just play a reel with extra strong accents if you want the Cork/Kerry kind of polka. The Sligo/Clare polka you play like a march only much, much faster.
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