What is a polonaise?
Vienna Opera Ball The polonaise in Austrian and Austrian-American circles today often refers to a stately march in 3/4 time. Both partners of the couple begin on the right foot (for odd-numbered measures — 1, 3, 5, etc.). Unless the choreography specifically disallows it, the gentleman is on the left, holding his right hand about shoulder height, palm facing up. The lady is on the right, and she places her left hand, palm down, in his right hand. If she is not carrying a Biedermeierstrauss (nosegay, or small floral bouquet) in her right hand, she may hold out her skirt in her right hand, or a fan, especially if there is no one at her right. There is generally a leader or some arranged choreography that brings couples down the center of the hall, one couple after (behind) another. When they reach the orchestra, for example, couples will alternate turning left and right to continue walking around the perimeter of dance floor; when they meet at the other end they may walk toward the orch
