The Krakowiak a dance taking its name from Krakow, the old capital of Poland, located in the center of the southern part of the country "Malopolska" or little Poland. The dance dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and has its origins connected with the courtship rituals of that time. In the mid- 19th century following musician Francizek Mireki's "Krakowiaks offered to the women of Poland", (Warsaw - 1816) the Krakowiak became a popular ballroom dance in both Austria, and France, however the Krakowiak  grew to be regarded as a "National Dance" of Poland.
The "stroj krakowski"  or Krakow Costume is a favorite among the various regional costumes of Poland. The men wear, long dark embroidered coats, on top of white shirts. The red and white cotton paints are worn under the vest.