National Polka Day in the U.S.A.

Get ready to grab the accordion and put on those dancin’ shoes – Aug. 9 is National Polka Day!

The polka, a fast-paced couple’s dance that is still popular today, is a snappy dance that originated in Bohemia in the 1800s. Some believe a peasant girl named Anna Slezak actually “invented” the dance in 1834. The dance quickly spread to ballrooms around the world and the rest, as they say, is history.

The basic step consists of a continuous series of triple “step-close-steps” accompanied by polka music. Not only is the dance loads of fun, it’s great exercise too!

Tday is also Book Lover's Day and Betty Boop's birthday!