What came before twerking, Harlem Shake-ing, and popping and locking? The Krakowiak, the Polonaise, and the Tarantelle (which have really cool names, now that we’re looking at it). Pianist Joel Fan teaches us all about classical dance music, the composers who made it, and the circumstances from which the dances emerged.

Pianist Joel Fan. Courtesy of the artist’s website.

Audio production by Todd “Pod God” Hulslander with moonwalking from Dacia Clay, and help from editor Mark DiClaudio and intern Nick Dulworth.

Music in this episode:

• Bill Evans Trio: “Waltz for Debby”

All other music from Joel Fan’s latest CD, Dances for Piano and Orchestra:

• Camille Saint-Saëns: Valse-Caprice in A-flat Major (“Wedding Cake”), Op. 76
• Fryderyk Chopin: Krakowiak in F Major, Op. 14
• Carl Maria von Weber / Liszt: Polonaise Brillante, Op. 72 (S.367)

For more about Joel Fan: www.joelfanmusic.com