Dance masters introduced their own individual variations of the polka. For example, in the 1840s, the polka-mazurka became popular. The dance was a combination of the polka three-four step with the mazurka. In western Norway, the mazurka is referred to as the polka. The dance is performed differently in Norway and Sweden with regard to form, tempos and steps. In Sweden, there has been an addition of approximately six different dance steps but is still referred to as the polka.
As the polka gained in popularity, one of the simplest forms to emerge was the polka gallop. It was a form of rapid polka with dancers adopting positions that were similar to the waltz. The music was to the two-four beat, with couples performing a series of fast chasses (a step involving one foot to the side, followed by the other foot), and an occasional turn around the dance floor. This style of polka dance became popular as the final dance of the evening.
The modern American polka dance has its roots in the European form of the dance. For the aficionados of the dance, it is a way to express individual freedom of expression. It is also a mark of individual ethnic identity expressed through the dance form. Modern American polka dancing is a popular recreational activity in Southern California. The Polka Booster's Club regularly organizes dances in Chino. Various American cultural clubs also organize dances that include a number of polkas.
The polka tramblanka (progressive) has its roots in a town called Opoczno in Poland. The trramblanka was generally performed at weddings and family events. Adopted in the 1950s by the Polish State Folk Ballet "Mazowsze," it was renamed the Tramblanka. The dance is performed by couples rotating in a circle. The basic steps involve a one-two step dance measure, followed by small jumps made on one leg with the dancer changing legs for each measure. Alternative versions of the dance involve performing two measures of polka followed by two measures of jumps, and one measure of polka and one of the jump.