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Peoria Volkstänzer
Our folk dance group, called the Peoria Volkstänzer (trans. folk dancers) has been in existence for about 2 ½ years.
Prior to this we had several attempts to start a folk dancing group, which were fun, but did not result in a long term endeavor. This current endeavor seems to have “jelled” and hopefully will continue into the future.
Our group usually involves 12-14 active dancers, with new dancers coming in several times a year, some dancers going on “leave of absence” and a number that have been involved for the whole time.
We are offering an important part of the German Kultur for the enjoyment of the dancers and also for those who like to watch us dance.
We have had the assistance of Pete Bachfischer, who has an active group of German folk dancers at Metamora High School, and have also had the Springfield International Dancers give us some instruction and encouragement on several occasions.
Pete, as well as Jim and Danielle Hearn, Christine Strelecky and Bob and Theresa Seitz have attended weekend folk dance instruction
sponsored by the North American Federation of German Folk Dancers.
There is a rich history of German folk dancing because of the popularity of such dancing in the preceding centuries. Also, there is such a rich diversity of dances because of the different regions of Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as ethnic German groups in other countries such as Russia and Hungary.
The North American Federation publishes a newsletter which describes a different dance each issue and also tells of old time German customs in the various regions.
For information regarding joining the group or having the Volkstänzer dance at a particular event, call Al Hedeman at 685-7217. |
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