Polish folk dances

Bohemian Polka had a profound impact on Polish dances and became widespread
The Polonaise is the national dance of Poland and is performed at formal occasions

Polish folk dances are a tradition rooted in ten centuries of Polish culture and history. Many of the dances stem from regional customs and historical events and are distinct from Czech, Slovak and Germanic styles. National dances include formal ballroom or ballet elements. Nowadays, the dances are only performed during major events, holidays or in tourist-oriented public spaces.

The most notable and renowned dances of Poland, also known as Poland's National Dances, are the Krakowiak, Mazurka, Oberek, Polonaise and Bohemian Polka. A great promoter of Polish folk music abroad was pianist and composer Frédéric Chopin, who often incorporated folklore into his works.