Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Explore Our Inductees

Each year, the International Polka Association recognizes select polka professionals, living and deceased, with induction into the IPA Polka Hall of Fame. The Board of Trustees reviews the qualifications of Hall of Fame nominees to determine if they meet the criteria for placement on the ballot. An academy of 195 electors from across the country uses these ballots to determine those to be inducted in the annual voting cycle.

The pages below detail the accomplishments of each of those individuals.

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Emily Pinter

Emily Pinter

Emily Pinter began her music and dancing at the early age of five, studying piano, ballet and tap dancing.  At age 16, while dancing with the Alliance of Polish Clubs group, the dancing instructor took ill, and Emily was asked to take over the class.  The following year she was hired full-time, launching her on a career of dancing.  In 1948, Emily directed her first recital.  She continued with musical lessons on piano, accordion and clarinet at Northwestern University School of Music.

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