BOSCOLA TO INTRODUCE MEASURE RECOGNIZING POLKA, SQUARE DANCE

HARRISBURG, JUNE 13 – State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola plans to introduce legislation that would designate the polka as the official state dance of Pennsylvania and the square dance as the official American folk dance.  

         “The polka has a long history for being a favorite form of entertainment throughout the state,” Boscola said. “Likewise, the American folk dance and associated activities are extremely popular in Pennsylvania.”

The modern American polka is distant from its early 1800s European roots. There are approximately six different polka styles, some of which intermingled into the United States in the 1920s. This mixture evolved into the present-day polka that has become a cornerstone in Pennsylvania, especially in the Lehigh Valley area.  

“The tradition of polka continues to have important significance throughout our state and especially in our community,” Boscola said. “Polka continues to play a major rolein Pennsylvania’s dynamic culture, and it should be officially recognized.”

Square dancing is a historically popular dance across the country, as well.

“Clearly, square dancing is a long tradition throughout the country, and should also be officially declared as the American folk dance,” Boscola said.

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