About Us
Schuhplattler und Trachtenverein AlmrauschPreserving Bavarian and Tirolean Heritage
The Schuhplattler und Trachtenverein Almrausch was founded in 1996 to foster cultural understanding and appreciation. Based in Dallas, Texas, we are dedicated to preserving the traditional Bavarian and Tirolean dance, music, and customs through performances and educational initiatives.
Our Performances
STV Almrausch has been performing authentic dances and music from Germany and Austria for many years. Audiences watch as our dancers execute hearty Schuhplattlers (shoe-slapping dances), intricate Ländlers (figure dances), and a variety of specialty dances. And for something really unique, we even play familiar German and Austrian songs on the cow bells!
Spectators become participants as they sway back and forth to the music, sing traditional Bavarian songs, and join us in some popular dances including the “Zillertaler Hochzeitstanz”, “Alte Kamaraden”, “Anton aus Tirol”, and everyone’s favorite… the “Duck Dance”!
We add color, excitement, and an authentic flair to any festival or party by providing the dances, music, and Gemütlichkeit (happiness, camaraderie, and warm feelings) that will make your event one to remember. We would enjoy performing at your event… contact us today for the best in authentic Bavarian entertainment!
Spectators become participants as they sway back and forth to the music, sing traditional Bavarian songs, and join us in some popular dances including the “Zillertaler Hochzeitstanz”, “Alte Kamaraden”, “Anton aus Tirol”, and everyone’s favorite… the “Duck Dance”!
We add color, excitement, and an authentic flair to any festival or party by providing the dances, music, and Gemütlichkeit (happiness, camaraderie, and warm feelings) that will make your event one to remember. We would enjoy performing at your event… contact us today for the best in authentic Bavarian entertainment!
About The Dances
We have a large repertoire of Bavarian and Austrian folk dances that we learn, practice and perform. These dances are generally from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, and can be basically described in three categories:
Schuhplattlers:
Powerful, boasting dances where the men slap their thighs and the soles of their shoes in a rhythmic fashion to show off for the girls. Yeah, Ok... this style of dancing might have received a lot of [comic] attention in the movie "European Vacation", but the real thing is a lot different.. and more interesting! Which guy can slap harder, jump higher, and stomp louder? And which guy is tough enough to catch the ladies’ eyes?
Ländlers:
Intricate figure dances where couples flirt with each other. From a hand-in-hand stroll down a mountain path, to the “open window” where the man tries to steal a kiss, these courtship dances tell the story of the Farmer’s Daughter.
Specialty Dances and Music:
These dances usually tell a story, or honor an occupation like lumberjack, miller, or weaver. Some of these are traditional dances, while others were choreographed for the cabarets in the 1920’s and 30’s.
We also play and sing Bavarian folk songs, and we keep another tradition alive by playing songs on the Cow Bells!