Kryss Polka

(KRÜS-polka)
(ü = say oo and ee at the same time)

Skandia CD, track 11

NOMENCLATURE

Credible English Title

Cross-polka (see Background Information).

ETHNO-CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES

Heritage	Variant from Viksta, Uppland, Sweden.
U.S. Source	Gordon E. Tracie, 1948.
Category
Motivation and application	Elementary individual couple dance.

MUSICAL ATTRIBUTES

Type

2/4 meter, special polka melody.

CHOREOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES

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.

THE DANCE ROUTINE - Viksta Version

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.

Viksta version - Special Comments

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.

THE DANCE ROUTINE - Common Version

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.

The turning Druff-polka step

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.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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.

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