The Polonez (poh-LOH-nehz) is the oldest of Poland's five national dances, and is
also known as the Taniec Wielki or Great Dance. The Polonez has no set
choreography, however due to the slower tempo and the facility of the steps and
movements, everyone can easily join in. Often done to signify the opening of a Ball or
Festivity, one couple will lead numerous couples in a walking procession around the
floor that will take them through various movements and combinations that are typical
for this dance. Although I mention that the steps are easy for the occasional
participant, when working with performing groups, the steps can in fact be quite difficult to perfect. The Basic Walking step for instance begins before the music even starts and is long and elegant with deep knee bends and no heels; the majority of people will just begin on the first count and simply walk around the floor. This is of course acceptable when our goal is to get everyone up and dancing, but if you plan to perform this choreography for stage with regular members of a troupe, then please try to teach them the proper steps, as they are so much more beautiful.

Presented by Richard Schmidt in 2008. View pdf here.