Day 13

In addition to performing throughout the USA and Ontario, and most recently Austria and Germany, they have taken on the responsibility of being ambassadors for the club during visits of youth from across Europe and the United States. Their president for 2017 is Justin Schatz.

For more information visit the Dance Group page on their website.

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You may have seen them perform at numerous events throughout the years such as Oktoberfest, Trachtenfests, weddings, etc. They have even been fortunate to travel to Germany and throughout North America to compete in many events.

They are a social group with a dancing habit and the spirit of gemutlichkeit continues throughout the year.

For any further information, please visit their Facebook page.

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The cultural richness is further enhanced by several centuries of Hapsburg influence. In addition to a classical repertoire they have a selection of non-traditional choreographed compositions. By merging long-established steps and patterns with contemporary music they demonstrate a variety of styles and tempos. From the leisurely and uncomplicated to the nimble and intricate, a group engaged in extending the horizons of folk dance.

The Men's ‘Tracht’ is typical for many cultures in the region. It consists of a black vest with silver buttons and black pants. The modest ensemble is completed with a white shirt and black shoes. Men also have the option to decorate their vests with pins.

The Ladies' ‘Dirndl’ is the standard costume for performances. It consists of a black bodice with an aubergine skirt. Accenting trim lines of the outfit an aubergine rope with black and aubergine ruffle. Under the dirndl, a white cotton blouse is donned and petti pants (bloomers). The apron worn over the dirndl is an aubergine satin with black lace tied in the front, on the left side. The side the apron is tied on determines their marital status. The dirndl is worn with white ‘trachten’ socks and black character shoes with 1-2" heels. Ladies also have the option of decorating the top portion of the dirndl with pins.

An exquisite piece, the Ladies' ‘Tracht’ is worn for more formal occasions and performances. It consists of a burgundy skirt worn with a black lace apron tied in the back. Under the skirt, there are two starched white petticoats to add additional fullness. On top, a black velvet vest with a white cotton blouse is worn. White ‘trachten’ socks and black character shoes finish this costume.

In the past, they have travelled as far as Germany and Hungary to demonstrate and learn about their culture. They were co-participants at the opening celebrations of the Donauschwäbisches Zentralmuseum in ULM in 2000. They journeyed to competitions and gatherings in Los Angeles, Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Detroit and most recently Cincinnati.

They perform numerous times throughout the year, at many different locations and events. Locales closer to home include Niagara Falls, Orillia, Toronto, Windsor, Leamington, Delhi and Milverton (just to name a few). They have performed at Casino Rama, the main stage at the Vancouver Olympics Torch Relay 2010, and at the Toronto Waterfront Festival: Tall Ships Challenge. They are especially busy during Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, North America’s largest Bavarian festival, where the Schwaben Dancers perform throughout the region — and march in Canada’s greatest Thanksgiving Day parade.

And finally, to end the year, volunteering to perform at the Kitchener Christkindl Market. 

For more information visit the Schwaben Dancers webpage. And the Donau Dancers webpage. 

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Since 2008, we have also competed in the So You Think You Can Tanz competition. We have been crowned champions of this annual showcase in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2017. This friendly competition also earns us the spot to perform at the upcoming festival opening ceremonies.

The Alpine Dancers performed at the Ontario’s Celebration of the 50th Jubilee of Her Majesty’s Reign and chatted with Queen Elizabeth II. They were featured in the Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions of “The Sound of Music” at the Centre in the Square in 2011. 

For more information, visit their website.

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