The Neon Cowboy

Denver born Knox Rhine a.k.a The Neon Cowboy, Mr. Nitro and Pure Energy is famed, along with Max Perry, for being one of the most prolific of the US based choreographers. He is also one of the leading lights within the US C&W dance movement and Linedancer were delighted to catch up with him at the Desert Sands Dance Festival in Las Vegas.

Knox took up line dancing over ten years ago whilst he was working on Air Force One (the Presidential Aircraft) and one of the first dances that he learnt, way back when in Wichita, Kansas, was the Tush Push (his instructor was none other than Jim Ferazzanno the dance's choreographer!) Within a year Knox had choreographed his first dance "All Stars Hustle" a 32 count, 2 wall, beginner dance. So long ago in the dim and distant past that he can't recall which music it was originally choreographed to! In the early 1990's Knox and his wife, Bette, joined the Couples Competition circuit, though Knox ruefully admits that they were only ever placed in East Coast Swing, but in January 1992 tragedy struck when Bette was diagnosed with breast cancer. After all the Chemotherapy, radiation treatment and the subsequent operation Bette, understandably, no longer had the stamina to continue with the couples competition circuit. About that time line dance competitions started springing up so Knox switched to that and Bette found her niche as an event floor co-ordinator. Although they still teach couples on occassion (beginner level Two Step and WCS) Knox says, "it's line dancing most of the time now."

Whilst Knox is a regular fixture on the competition circuit, where he acts as a judge at CWLDA, CWDI, and UCWDC events, teaching of Couples and Line Dancing remains his first love (his current favourites are "Cam-Am Crossover" and "Crazy"). Both he Bette travel extensively, mostly in the western USA and Canada, and you will invariably find them dancing and teaching no matter where they go, and believe me they go everywhere! Knox and Bette average 35 events per year, including the recent Desert Sands Dance Festival where Knox was both Line Dance co-ordinator as well as a guest instructor.

A member of the Country-Western family since he started listening to Country music over 20 years ago, "because I could understand all the words and there were more than 6 of them!" Knox and Bette have been key players in the Northwest dance community since they moved into the area back in 1989. When they are in town they teach every Monday evening at the Riverside Inn in Tukwila. However Knox is so popular that he is rarely at home indeed he is booked way in advance of many events, sometimes as much as 1 1/2 years in advance.

Knox's choreography is sought out by many individuals for use in their class as well as in competitions. Outlaw and Advanced is where he likes to write! "Beginner dances are too hard to write!" he says. He always gives the dancers more credit for their abilities and keeps playing with the new stuff till it's where he thinks beginners should be and viola! The rest of the line dance community says "Look, another advanced dance from Knox!" One such dance epic is "Chaos" which weighs in with 128 counts but Knox does occassionally throw in some shorther dances such as the 72 Count "Ranch Boogie" and the 64 count "Knox Knees"!

Knox is an entertainer above all, whether he is teaching, competing, or just dancing. You'll know he is around; just look for the guy bouncing off the walls. You will find this 49-year old grandfather of 7 always enjoying himself. Despite all you have heard, "Elvis" is not dead. He shows up every now and then to entertain you with his line dancing antics. Given the choice, Knox would rather dance than eat, teach than dance, help experienced and newer dancers whenever he can rather than sleep! All in all, you will not find a more helpful nor knowledgeable person than Knox. He is dedicated to helping the dance community in every way he can. If he comes away with new friends, his day is perfect.

Knox Rhine, 1002 51st Pl SW, Everett, WA, 98203-3004, USA.
Tel: (425) 252-7921 Fax: (425) 252-0769 E-Mail: linedncr@premier1.net
Website: http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/4114/

This web page uses Enhanced HTML attributes and JavaScript and
may consequently not be rendered as originally authored.
This page is best viewed with Netscape Navigator Version 3.0 or higher.

This page has been tested under Netscape Navigator Versions 1.22-3.0
Internet Explorer Versions 1.5-3.0 and CIS Spry Mosaic Versions 01.00-04.00.