1. Habañera
2. Ballerina's Waltz
3. Southern Polka

The Three Dances are based on original, related melodies. The "Habañera" uses a variant of the form's original rhythm, which itself was based on the French "contradanza." It is in ABA form, the B section acting as a retreat from the sharp rhythm of the A section before it returns to a reprise of the A material. The "Ballerina's Waltz" is again in ABA form, but is in a lighter and more delicate mood. The "Polka" is thought to have originated in 1834 in Bohemia as a quick 2/4 dance. It soon spread to Prague, and then to Vienna and Paris. By 1844 it had been introduced to America where it eclipsed the popularity of the waltz. This polka encompasses 3 melodies or figures, each of which is introduced and then embellished with a counter melody or opposing figure. In the final segment, all three melodies are combined into a slightly pompous march.

—Olivia Margaret Ontko