The dance – Knotentanz / Friesenrock
Knotentanz nearly fits to every kind of music
Whether rumba, salsa or tango – all these partner dances have fixed basic steps and are oriented towards certain music styles. They are rarely used at parties or disco. But Knotentanz can be! It can be danced to almost every music style, especially to the 80s, 90s and charts. It looks impressive, is a lot of fun and is easy to learn. Knotenanz is a mix of many dances, but is most similar to Discofox. Unfortunately the dance is not very well known, so most dance schools don’t offer it. In some circles, such as student fraternities or aristocratic associations, Knotentanz is very popular.
Fun is the focus
Knotentanz is not about executing the steps perfectly or dancing the figure flawlessly. The focus is on fun! That’s why the dance is not choreographed on stage, because the couples don’t dance exactly the same way. Everybody follows his own style.
How do you move when there is no fixed basic steps?
In fact, there is no fixed basic step. That is the special thing about Knotentanz! You can move freely and develop your own style. But you hold the beat with your arm or hand. The gentleman usually leads the lady with his left hand, which he swings in time with the song. The lady dances with the right hand. To the music both move towards each other and apart again and place the free palms on each other when they are close. It is important that the lady is led by the gentleman. With small signs the gentleman signals to his dance partner which figure will follow. If the lady follows this, it is perfectly possible for her to dance with her eyes closed.
Which figures are there?
There are lots of figures! But most of them are derived from three basic figures. The Jojo, the Fly and the Gordi. In addition there are turns, hand changes, throwing, lifting and falling figures. With some figures you can knot yourself endlessly with your arms. You want to know how they work? Then come to one of my courses.
What do I wear?
Clothes?
Dancing Knotentanz you move a lot and fast. That means you will sweat. So don’t dress too warm!
Ladies: Pleated skirts are super, because the gentleman usually likes to turn you, so that your skirt can fly beautifully. A tight jeans skirt or a pencil skirt, on the other hand, can restrict your mobility, especially with the lifting figures.
Shoes?
Put on comfortable shoes with smooth soles!
Ladies: Ballerina or smooth heel shoes are particularly suitable. If you decide to wear trainers, make sure the sole is smooth. Otherwise you won’t be able to turn elegantly because you will “stick” to the floor.
Have fun dancing!
