(KRÜS-polka)
(ü = say oo and ee at the same time)
Skandia CD, track 11
| Credible English Title | Cross-polka (see Background Information). |
| Heritage | Variant from Viksta, Uppland, Sweden. |
| U.S. Source | Gordon E. Tracie, 1948. |
| Category | |
| Motivation and application | Elementary individual couple dance. |
| Type | 2/4 meter, special polka melody. |
| Function | |
| Character and form | |
| Footwork | Opposite. |
| Specific steps | Druff-polka, which is a polka step with very flexed knees but no hop preceding the first beat. Two smooth knee bends for each measure. The R knee is bent between the partners knees. Turning druff-polka step described following Version 2. |
| Dance holds | When turning as a couple use waltz position, but the man's L hand and the W's R hand are held close to the shoulders and the elbows close to the body. Otherwise simple hand hold: W places her L hand in the M's R hand which is turned up, hands held at shoulder height. |
| Formation | Couples in open circle, LOD=CCW. |
| MEASURES | ACTION |
| Part I: 1 - 8 |
In closed waltz hold, beginning M with L foot and W with R foot, 4 druff- polka turns CW (8 druff-polka steps, using 2 druff-polka steps for each turn) as a couple moving in LOD (CCW). |
| Part II: 9 - 10 |
A. Forward: M and W beginning with outside foot, partners facing each other, M's R hand holding W's L, both with free hand on hip, palm down, fingers forward; dance 1 druff-polka step diagonally forward in LOD. Then inside foot is brought forward to tap the floor two times with the ball of the foot. |
11 - 12 |
B. Back: M holding W's R hand in his L hand: repeat the same steps as in Part II A., but with opposite footwork and direction. |
13 - 16 |
C. Druff-polka turn: Turn CW as a couple in waltz hold for 2 complete turns using 4 druff- polka steps. |
| Part III: 17 - 24 |
Repeat Part II A., B. and C., but in C. turn CCW as a couple; 2 full turns using 4 druff-polka steps. |
Using the music on the "Skandia" double-album, the music fits the Viksta varient if you dance the dance 4 times with an extra Part II inserted following the first and fouth repeat. Use this sequence:
| Part I: Part II: Part III: Part II: |
4 druff-polka turns. A, B, C (CW polka turn) A, B, C (CCW polka turn) A, B, C (CW polka turn) Only on the 1st and 4th repeat. |
Inexperienced dancers may find remembering where the additional Parts II fit confusing. They might prefer this more common version with only 4 counts of polka turn.
| MEASURES | ACTION |
| Part I: | Couple facing each other, M's R hand holding W's L, both with free hand on hip, palm down, fingers forward. |
| 1 - 2 | Beginning outside foot, step-close-step (measure 1, counts 1 and 2) in LOD, point with toe of inner foot, first out (across leg) then in (measure 2, counts 1 and 2) |
| 3 - 4 | Changing hands repeat above with opposite footwork and direction. |
| Part II: 5 - 8 |
In closed position described above: dance 2 complete turns using 4 druff-polka steps. |
| Repeat Parts I and II indefinately. |
| COUNT | ACTION |
1 |
First ½ turn: M (W opposite footwork): with L side to LOD, sneaking a gentle lift on R foot just before, Step L LOD. |
| 1+ | Close R foot next to L. |
| 2 | Step L turning L heel strongly into LOD such that a complete individual ½ turn CW can be completed in the following count with only a gentle lift. |
| 2+ | Pivot on ball to finish ½ turn. L heel will come off floor slightly as L knee is straighteded slightly. Retain enough knee bend to be able to easily bend and lift in preparation for the next count 1. |
1 |
Second ½ turn (completing turn): M (W opposite footword): with R side to LOD, sneak a lift on L foot and step R in LOD. |
| 1+ | Close L foot next to R. |
| 2 | Step R turning toe strongly toward LOD such that a complete individual ½ turn CW can be completed in the following count using only a gentle lift. |
| 2+ | Pivot on ball of R using a gentle lift. Retain enough knee bend to be able to easily bend and lift in preparation for the next count 1. |
Frequently called the Wienerkreuz, or Kreuz-Polka -- alluding to its likely Austrian origin - - this simple polka has cognates throughout Europe. In Gunnar Hahn's rendition three melodies are used: the first from Sweden (employing the arranger's own quartet instrumentation), the second from Denmark, and the third from Norway, making the selection nearly all-Nordic.
| Copyright © 1997 Skandia Music Foundation | Kryss-Polka |
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