What is "varsovienne"

Varsovienne \Var`so`vienne"\, n. [F., prop. fem. of varsovien pertaining to Warsaw, fr. Varsovie Warsaw, Pol. Warszawa.]

1. A kind of Polish dance.

2. Music for such a dance or having its slow triple time characteristic strong accent beginning every second measure.

n. 1 A polka-like Polish dance. 2 A piece of music for such a dance, or having its slow triple time characteristic strong accent beginning every second measure.

The varsovienne, also known as the varsouvienne or varsoviana, is a slow, graceful dance in time with an accented downbeat in alternate measures. It combines elements of the waltz, mazurka, and polka. The dance originated around 1850 in Warsaw, Poland. The words varsovienne and varsoviana are French and Spanish feminine adjectives, respectively, meaning 'from Warsaw'. The dance was popular in 19th-century America, where it was danced to the tune Put Your Little Foot. It quickly became a favorite folk dance in the Scandinavian countries as well. The unique armhold by the same name – also known as the promenade hold – is used in other dance styles such as the American square dance, contra dance, and some ballroom dances.

The Albion Dance Band recorded a varsoviana tune on their 1977 album The Prospect Before Us.

A varsoviana tune plays an important role in Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire.

Category:Polish dances