Helau, Alaaf and up the leg!
As a kid, I really wanted to be a ballerina with pink bows in my hair. So, off to ballet lessons. But somehow ballet did not fit my bright mind and soon it got boring. I wanted to continue to dance, but at a faster pace. Thought, done. Shortly thereafter, I found myself in a carnival club, which was completely committed to the Carnival, Gardetanz and everything that belonged to it. From then on, I was officially a gardner and danced to marching music, which took some getting used to, two to three times a week in four-four time.
Sporty at a high level
Now some will think: Guard dance? Is that a real sport? And if - a competitive sport even. If you do not believe it, you can try the following exercise: jump on the spot for three to four minutes at a time, alternately swinging your legs alternately up to the tip of your nose, including a few twists and a highly complicated sequence of movements. Oh yes, the whole thing is, of course, complete at least with a balancing act or a lifting figure. Ouch! Exactly. Hard training is just as much part of the everyday life of a guard girl as confetti and camels. If you rest, it rusts very fast, because in addition to the condition training, ligaments and muscles must always be stretched and in good shape.
What tends to take a back seat to other sports is, by the way, the be-all and end-all: the outfit. In addition to uniform, lace panties and a mostly scratchy wig, the boots with a high heel are a real challenge. Especially in the beginning, it's an art to jump on stage, not slip and at the same time look elegant. Again, the old motto applies: Only exercise makes a Gardemädel.
March meets modernity
Once you get used to it, the fast turning and hopping on the stage is really fun. But do not worry, we are not here in the training camp of the Bundeswehr. Guards dance is not just marching, saluting and a bit of "hello" screaming. In addition to the original marching dances, modern dance elements from jazz and modern dance as well as ballet flow into the so-called show dances. Whether innovative step combinations or experimental lifting figures in combination with modern music styles from dance to hip hop - the dance-like creativity knows no bounds.
Carnival all year
I've been a gardant for about eight years and recommend it to all dance enthusiasts who want to keep fit regularly. Training and marching is done in most carnival clubs not only during the carnival season, but throughout the year.
But one thing has to be said. Not everyone is suitable for this dance sport. One should like the "fifth season" with all its carnival sessions, parades and a really weird human flair to be able to develop fun at the Gardetanz. If you like to perform in front of an audience, if you are not afraid of marching music, if you would like to contribute your own ideas for dances and if you have no problems with your health or your joints, the Gardetanz could not only be the right sport, but a real foolish passion.
