What is polonaise? Dance that conquered the world

The dance that conquered the whole world, and in every corner of it was a solemn procession - that's what polonaise is. For many years, scientists have solved the riddle of its origin, a lot of the boldest hypotheses have been put forward. Some thought that his debut took place in the sixteenth century on the parade in honor of the ascent to the throne of King Henry III. It was also suggested that the Polonaise had a Spanish-Arab origins. Some researchers believed that the birth of the dance took place in the Poznan region. But still to understand what a polonaise is, you need to try to look into the depths of the centuries.

The origin of dance

The very definition of the word "polonaise" is quite simple - it is translated as "Polish". Indeed, it is this country that is considered the most likely birthplace of the dance described. But its formation was very long, it took a long period of time.

Approximately in the fifteenth century, this dance arose, but its name was different: "Hodzony." And danced it mainly at weddings. Some time later it changed and became an indispensable attribute of all national celebrations.

And in the seventeenth century, the "Dance of the Great" arose, which is considered a direct descendant of the polonaise. By its nature (solemn procession), it resembles Polonaise precisely in the form in which it will become known some time later.

Being borrowed from folk culture, Polonaise also penetrated into the Upper Light, having experienced the influence of high-ranking individuals. The greatest number of borrowings came from him from the chime and minuet.

Distribution in Europe

What is polonaise, Europe learned after in Stockholm it was danced by Polish King Stanislaw Leszczynski. The specific political structure of this country (the rulers were elected by the gentry and did not transfer the throne by inheritance) and promoted the spread of the dance.

Appearing in the eighteenth century in Germany, polonaise acquired those features that have been preserved for many centuries. The German version of the dance was the closest to the all-European trend of that time. During this period he was most often performed under the singing, and not under instrumental music.

In the next three decades Polonaise became popular not only on Polish balls, but also at the celebrations of neighboring countries. Without it, there was not one official dance event, as it was perceived only as a symbol of the general holiday. Polonaise music has also changed. She completely left the vocal accompaniment and became only instrumental.

At the time of the loss of independence of the Kingdom of Poland, this dance became a symbol of the homeland, so many romantic composers turned to him. It was thanks to those who wrote Polonaise that this dance became one of the most popular small forms in the instrumental music of Europe of that time.

Further development of the music of the dance in question occurred in the next century. Her bravura tones gave way to melancholic tones, acquired deep emotions. At the same time, there is a final formation of polonaise - a solemn procession, which opened the ball.

Polonaise in Russia

In our country, even before the time of Peter the Great, it was known what a polonaise was. And Peter the Great was very fond of this dance. When it polonaise was more restrained than the European version. In addition, this dance in Russia had two varieties - ceremonial and ordinary, although it was less official in the capital.

Very popular polonaise was among the youth due to the fact that it contributed to the rapprochement, which resulted in an opportunity for intrigues. The flowering of the dance took place on a time of success in the conquest policy (the end of the eighteenth century). And already in the middle of the nineteenth century polonaise was considered obsolete, it was replaced by new dances. But, despite this, he did not cease to exist.

Rules and conventions

Dance began with riturneli (musical entry), after which the host invited him to follow him. The first couple he went with the most important guest, and behind them - the hostess with a very important guest. It was unacceptable to be in one pair with your husband and wife. This dance was not only a solemn procession (as evidenced by the meaning of the word "polonaise"), it also had an improvisational moment. All the dancers were repeating the ideas invented by the first couple of movements.

According to the etiquette, the polonaise had to be danced by all present at the celebration, but at large balls this rule was neglected. Very often one could see a caricature on which along with normal dancers cripples on crutches and old men were depicted.

Polonaise in America

Polonaise was much less important in Western countries. In America, this dance was completely replaced by a more bravura and paramilitary grand march, which was more in keeping with this country. But nevertheless between these dances there is a kinship which consists in identical figures.