Information and Short History


THE POLKA CLUB OF IOWA was formed 35 years ago as an educational and social organization for the preservation and advancement of old time music when accordionist Duane Pichelman organized a group of dancers who shared his love of Austrian/German-style happy music. The first meeting was held in the Duane Pichelman home near Ankeny, Iowa, on April 18, 1975.  The Polka Club of Iowa has grown, and now consists of three chapters with about 600 enthusiastic members.  The goal of the Polka Club of Iowa is to encourage and pursue the study of old time music, including polka and related traditional music.  We support and assist Iowa communities in charitable and civic projects. Each year we sponsor and present an annual polka festival in the state of Iowa. Each year the Governor of Iowa signs a proclamation declaring January as Polka Month in the State of Iowa.


Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame:
The Polka Club of Iowa is responsible for the administration and operation of the Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame ceremony honors deserving Iowans who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement and promotion of old time music. Pictures of the winners of the Iowa Polka Music Hall of Fame, along with the picture of the founder of the Club, Duane Pichelman, are displayed in the Hessen Haus German-Style restaurant that's located just across the railroad tracks north of the Science Center in Des Moines.

Polka Club of Iowa Chapters:
Cedar valley       Central       Eastern
Polka Club of Iowa Chapters are located in the Central, Eastern, and Cedar Rapids/Waterloo areas of Iowa.  In addition to polkas; Polka Club of Iowa members dance the waltz, schottische, fox trot, line dances, novelty dances and much more. It's even rumored that occasionally, the Chicken Dance and Hokey Pokey are also done!  Polka Club of Iowa members also perform at nursing homes, retirement homes, the Iowa State Fair, and other state wide festivities. 

Polka Club of Iowa Newsletter:
Polka Club of Iowa members may also subscribe to the Polka Club Newsletter which is published every other month. Besides information on chapter events and activities, the newsletter lists dance opportunities not only in Iowa, but also in Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, etc.

Welcome:
If you like dancing, watching others dance, or even just listening to the sounds of old time and modern dance music, you owe it to yourself to become a member.  Current members are glad to teach dance steps; and dancers of all skills are invited to attend dances located at ballrooms across the state of Iowa.

For an expanded history of the Polka Club of Iowa, check out this essay:
 Early History of the Polka Club of Iowa by Duane Pichelman

Dancing adds years to your life and life to your years!

For more information contact:




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