Landesverband der Donauschwaben, USA

 

   

TANZGRUPPEN BERICHTEN

OCTOBER  2008

 

AKRON TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From Akron Donauschwaben, German Family Society

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

photos to follow

 

    The German Family Society's “Kindergruppe” is a children's folkdance group presently consisting of approximately 35 girls and boys ranging in ages from 3 to 7 years. The “Kindergruppe” has weekly dance practices that are held inside the main clubhouse on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm, typically lasting for only one hour, followed by a short social “fun-time”.

    In the years past, the” Kindergruppe” has performed at many of the German Family Society's events such as the “Old European Festival”, the “Oktoberfest”, and at the German-American Day Celebration (a more formal dance held inside the ballroom). We also entertained for the club’s annual “Mother's Day” and “Christmas” programs, where the children sing and recite poems often in the German language. The “Kindergruppe” also enjoyed performing at locations other than the GFS, such as at area nursing homes, numerous church sponsored events, and even for the “Oktoberfest” at the Geauga Lake Amusement Park.
 
    Having fun is always a priority with our “Kindergruppe”, but we also hope to teach our youth about their heritage and culture. This is accomplished not only through traditional song and dance but also with occasional German language lessons taught during our practices. We do, however, realize that the “Kindergruppe” members are very young, so we try not to overwhelm them. Currently we are instructing them in translating items like colors and numbers, and teaching them how to say “hello”, “good-bye”, and most importantly “please” and “thank-you” in the German language. Aside from dance practices, the “Kindergruppe” also sponsors many social events with parties at Valentine's Day, a traditional egg hunt at Easter with a special appearance of the “Easter-Bunny”, at Halloween we have a costume party, and at Christmas there are gifts given by our own St. Nicholas (Santa Claus).
 
    The “Kindergruppe” accepts new members whose parents and families appreciate and understand our objectives (a child does not have to be of direct “German” decent). We realize that by instructing our children about their culture and traditions, and by socializing in a wholesome environment at a young age, we hope to instill good “family values” and an appreciation for our heritage while providing the ground work for a future model American citizen. For more information, feel free to contact our any of our group leaders or GFS Board members, or better yet, just visit at one of the “Kindergruppe” practices.

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

photos to follow

 

    The German Family Society’s Youth Group consists of teenagers and young adults ranging from 13 to 25 years of age that are interested in promoting their ethnic heritage by learning and performing traditional folk dances and songs. Meetings are typically held on Sunday evenings, and include time for socializing amongst friends as well as rehearsing for future performances presented at our clubhouse and at numerous other events throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

    Some of our most beloved performances include “A Night in Vienna” (an annual dance held every January in our ballroom) with an elegant show of Strauss waltzes and Mozart minuets. We also perform at many other events such as at our own “Old European Days” festival, the “Kirchweihfest” (a traditional festival celebrated for over hundreds of years together with churches in many small towns of Europe inhabited by Danubeswabians – Folk Germans), and of-course at the famous “Oktoberfests”.

    Each Labor Day weekend our youth group also travels to various cities throughout the U.S.A. and Canada for the National Danubeswabian “Trachtenfest” and “Tag der Donauschwaben” where youth groups from across the country have an opportunity to meet, make friends, and take pride in their German heritage by dancing for the festival. (Check out links to related German youth groups). Additionally, on every third year, the National Danubeswabian Organization sponsors a first-class and very elite folk-dance competition named after Dr. Awender, one of our founding fathers.  Proudly, our own Akron GFS youth were the first dancers in over 25 years of very difficult competitions to win the coveted first place prize twice in a row, while also receiving the first “Cristine Burmeister - Most Congenial Group” award that very same year.

    The authentic costumes such as the “Dirndls” and “Lederhosen” worn during many of our shows come directly from Europe and are very costly (as is traveling around the country and to Europe), so we often have fundraisers to help defray some of our expenses.  Making and selling traditional homemade German sausage is by far our most successful fundraiser, and is another way that our young people have fun together while experiencing another piece of their culture and heritage.  The Youth Group typically makes sausage twice a year. (Link to Sausage Information) Aside from rehearsing for performances, the GFS Youth Group also sponsors other social events such as camping trips, holiday parties, and field trips in order to promote friendships and family values. These have always been great ways to meet new people and make friends that last a lifetime! If you are interested in joining the Youth Group, feel free to contact our club leaders at any one of our events or by sending an inquiry through this website:    http://www.germanfamilysociety.com/

 

 

Kulturgruppe Updates

photos to follow

 

    The Junior Youth Group is a dance and cultural group for children between 8 to 13 years of age. The group’s primary objective is to educate our children on, and promote an appreciation for, the cultural heritage of our Germanic and Danubeswabian (folk-German) ancestors. Formerly known as the Middle Group, it was initially founded in the 1980’s by the prompting of Mrs. Maria Rickert (our Ladies Auxiliary Honorary President), and under the energetic and knowledgeable leadership of Mrs. Barbara Tonhaeuser, the original Middle Group Dancers grew to become one of the most entertaining and successful young performing groups at the GFS.

    Today, our primary activity is still dancing! However, we also occasionally sing traditional ethnic folk songs and provide German lessons that are taught by professional instructors.  At the weekly meetings our members learn about their heritage and culture, and practice lively German and Austrian folkdances based on waltz and polka music, while also getting a healthy dose of exercise, building self-confidence and developing a sense of rhythm and balance. Of-course, this is all done while having fun and making many new friends. The Jr. Youth Group primarily dances at GFS club functions throughout the year, including the annual “Old European Days Festival (typically held on the last weekend in June), the “Oktoberfest (held on the weekend after Labor Day), and at the German-American Day commemoration dance. We also perform at other GFS events such as at the Mother’s Day and “Weihnacht” (Christmas) programs. We have also been invited to entertain at nursing homes, and at various other festivals including local area “Oktoberfests”.  The Jr. Youth Group also plans several parties and outings each year just for fun which have included trips to Fun N Stuff, Geauga Lake Amusement Park and bowling at Kent lanes.
The Jr. Youth Group typically meets on Sunday evenings from 5 to 6pm at the German Family Society, and anyone with an interest in joining is welcome to visit during that time, or for more information you can contact the present group leaders, Carolyn Langenfeld and Carri Sensius.

 

 

CARPATHIA TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From Carpathia Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

 

The Kindergruppe are busy preparing for their busy fall schedule. The kids will be performing at Deutscher Tag at the Austrian Park on August 10th. A couple of weeks later, the group will be in Cleveland for the Landestrachtenfest. Following the Landestrachtenfest, the group will be performing a special dance at Mexican Abend. At the end of September, the kids will be dancing at the Rochester Mills Brewery Oktoberfest.  

Chris Pesta

 

 

Kulturgruppe Updates

 

 

 

Hello from Carpathia’s newest Untergruppe, the Kulturgruppe

 

We are currently 27 members strong, and are always looking for new people to help the group grow.  We hope to see all of you at these up coming events, and if you’re passionate about both your culture and dancing, feel free to join us at our practices at the Carpathia Club on Sundays, or email us at: donaudancers@sbcglobal.net for more information.

 

 

 

Reprinted with Permission

Carpathia Club

38000 Utica Road

Sterling Heights, Michigan

 

 

CHICAGO AID SOCIETY TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From Chicago Aid Society Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

 

    The Kindergruppe (Children's Group) of the American Aid Society was formed in 1968.  Our children range from preschool to 8th grade.  Knowledge of German is not required.  Children do learn some German vocabulary through our activities.  The Kindergruppe performs German folk dances at various events throughout the year.  They also sing German songs and perform skits and poems in German at our Mother's day and Christmas programs.  We are very proud of our kids - they do a great job.

    The Kindergruppe usually meets twice a month on Friday nights at 7:30 at our clubhouse in Chicago.  If you are interested in joining, please contact Angela Balcerak (630)329-2877, Linda Byrom (773)774-6478, or Erika Cwan (773)774-3952. 

    Our Kindergruppe is currently selling cookbooks, titled "Was Gibt's zum Essen?" with a mixture of German and American recipes.  Cookbooks sell for $12 each.  For more information, please contact Christine Slabinger at 847-692- 2416.

 

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

 

 

    Our Youth group was established in 1953 to carry on our great tradition and customs.  The Jugendgruppe ranges in age from High school to their early twenties.  They do a variety of skits, sing traditional German folk songs and perform various ethnic folkdances.  They perform throughout the Chicago land area and travel to many other city's within the United States.  They have also performed in other countries as well.

    Every three years they compete in the national folkdance competition for prestige and honor.  They are a great, talented and enthusiastic group that makes us very proud of our German heritage.

    The Jugendgruppe gathers every Friday at our Chicago location to socialize and practice for upcoming events.  Come join Ron, Renee and the gang. Interested parties are always welcome at The American Aid Society.

 

 

CHICAGO DONAUSCHWABEN TANZGRUPPEN

 

Heim der Donauschwaben

Forwarded From Chicago Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

 

    Our children’s folk dance group is for children 3 to 13 years of age who are interested in folkdance, songs and German culture. The group meets twice a month on Friday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm. The group performs at fundraising events and also at various community events in the area. We also offer fun social events for the entire family, such as bowling, swimming and roller skating parties.

    The children are also involved in community service, by visiting area nursing homes and supporting the Des Plaines Self Help Closet and Food Pantry. An annual toy collection is organized for the needs of the community.

 

Children's Services

 

 

CINCINNATI DONAUSCHWABEN TANZGRUPPEN

 

http://www.donauschwaben.com

Forwarded From Cincinnati Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

    The children are between 7 and 13 years old. They meet Mondays at the Donauschwaben Haus to practice dances, as well as poems and songs. The Children's Group is an important part of our club, not only because of its beautiful performances, but also because it supplies the Youth Group with members and, in so doing, insures the future of our club.

 

Kleine Kindergruppe Updates

    The Little Children's Group was brought into being in 1996 in order to teach our smaller children the customs and way of life of our forefathers. Linda Igel and Erin Sucher took over the leadership of this new group. In 1998, Mrs. Barbara Waldeck came on board as a leader of the group. At this time, the Little Children's Group consists of 35 members. The members of this group are between 4 and 7 years old and meet every Monday in the clubhouse to practice German folk dances and songs. Wherever our children perform, the crowd is always enthusiastic and the praise for their performances has no end.

 

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

 

    At this time, our youth group consists of more than 30 members. The goal of the Youth Group is to maintain the customs and way of life of the old country through songs, folk dances, and performances of plays. The biggest events of the year for the youth are the Kirchweih and the Strauss Ball. In the future, it will be the job of the club to preserve and promote the youth, for the youth is the cornerstone of the club's future existence.

 

 

CLEVELAND DONAUSCHWABEN TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From Cleveland Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 


    Our goal is to make this a fun experience for your children, to learn the Donauschwaben folk dances and little about our German Heritage. We would like to teach the children folk dances, songs, and poems that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents danced, sang and recited when they were little.

    History of the Kindergruppe:  The children’s dance group, the Kindergruppe, was started in 1971, by a committee that saw that there was an interest among younger children to dance. The Kindergruppe originally was formed for children between the ages of 7 — 12. Interest has not diminished and today the kids are interested at an even younger age. They perform many times throughout the year.

    The Kindergruppe is a self-supporting group. That means we have fund-raisers throughout the year. Some of the fundraisers include our Mother’s Day Luncheon and Program, Sommer Oktoberfest activities, and our Santa Brunch. We also perform at all the Donauschwaben functions. Other performances throughout the year may be at various locations (nursing homes, IX Center, church festivals). We also keep things fun for the kids, with parties and travels and fun summer things.

 

Contact Information:
Phone: Anneliese Julian 216-476-9723 after 5pm

 

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

 

 

    In 1997, the role of leadership passed to Elisabeth Filippi with Anneliese Julian. Margot Maurer took on the responsibilities of dance instructor and moved into the leadership role in 1998. Under the direction of Anneliese and Margot, the group traveled to Los Angeles for the first time in 1999, to take second place in the Jakob Awender Wander Kulturpreis competition. In 2002, the group traveled to Milwaukee for the same competition, and won first place in the Jakob Awender Wander Kulturpreis for the third time. The Jugendgruppe will hold this title until the summer of 2005. Furthermore, the Jugendgruppe will travel to Germany, Austria, and Hungary in the summer of 2004 to perform a program featuring the music, songs, poems of our heritage.

 

Leiterin / Group Leader

Margot Maurer

 

 

Kulturgruppe Updates

 

 

    To promote and carry on the heritage and traditions of our Danube Swabian forefathers through dancing, music, plays, literature and other various cultural events.  Founded in 1981

 

 

LOS ANGELES TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From LA Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

Age Range:

 Boys and girls ages 4 through 9 

Group Leaders:

 Annette Goldbach & Tina Gabriel 

     

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

 

 The dancers of the "Youth" dance group are between the ages of 14 and 25.

Group Background

Group Leaders - Elisabeth Burmeister and Ray Friedrich.

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From German Cultural Society St. Louis

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

We provide instructions for children ages 3-9 in German dances.

Coordinators:
Monika Lorenz and Cathy Brinkley

 

 

 

Mittlere Tanzgruppe Updates

 

 Intermediate Dance Group of the German Cultural Society   

 

    Our group consists of boys and girls ages 10 through 14 interested in folk-dancing. It is a relaxed, yet serious atmosphere as you learn dances from the different regions of Europe. We would love to have you come down and see how much fun it really is to dance, and become part of our group.  The group is led by Ruth Vanderpluym.

 

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

 

Youth Group of the German Cultural Society  

 

    This group is for anyone interested in folk-dancing. It is a relaxed, yet serious atmosphere as you learn dances from the different regions of Europe. We would love to have you come down and see how much fun it really is to dance, and become part of our group.

 

Dance Instructor: John Unterreiner
Coordinators: Terry & Rosemarie Ficken - 314-487-3969

Practice: Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

PHILADELPHIA TANZGRUPPEN

 

Danube Swabian

Forwarded From Philadelphia Donauschwaben

 

 

Kindergruppe Updates

 

 

    Children from toddlers to 12 years of age are taught traditional folk dances, songs, and poems. The children then get a chance to perform at various club events, including Mother's Day Dinner, to an audience of proud parents and grandparents. Each year during the Christmas season, the children have a festive party, with a show that includes both traditional German and American music, poems and skits. For more information, please call Connie Sommers at (215) 671-9778.

 

 

Jugendgruppe Updates

 

 

 

    In the Jugend (Youth) group, traditional songs and dances are taught to members, who are primarily second and third generation descendants. The Jugend, from 13 years of age to 25, participate in many cultural activities in the Philadelphia area, including the Steuben Day German American Parade and the Sommerfest at Penn's Landing. They have also danced at festivals in the Pocono Mountains and at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.  For more information, please call Fred Gauss at (215) 722-4253.

 

 

KITCHENER TANZGRUPPEN

 

Forwarded From Kitchener Donauschwaben

 

 

Kulturgruppe Updates

 

Ladies- Mens Trachts

Our Repertoire

 

    The Schwaben Dancers currently have a repertoire of about 20 dances, with new ones constantly being learned.  We are famous for our aerial maneuvers, which are featured in several of our dances, and for the fast pace and quick beat to which most of our dances are set.

 

 

 

 

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