Schuhplattler Verein Heidengold
Authentic German Folk Dance
Rochester, New York
WHO ARE WE?
The Schuhplattler Verein Heidengold, Inc. was founded in 1979 by Germans, German-Americans, and friends with the purpose of preserving their German heritage and culture through folk dance and other cultural events. The translation of Schuhplattler Verein Heidengold is Schuhplattler = “shoe slapper” Verein = “club” and Heidengold = fields of golden heather.
German ethnicity or inheritance is not a requirement to join our club. If you are interested in or are curious about Authentic Bavarian culture, and enjoy dancing, performance, comradery, and/or other fun social events, you will love our Verein!
It’s all about the gemütlichkeit- friendship, fellowship, and good times!
WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?
The purpose of our Verein, as stated in our By-laws, is to promote, advance, preserve, and perpetuate German and Tyrolean folk dancing, customs, costumes, and culture and to establish mutual harmony and fellowship in the community.
WHAT WE DO?
As our name indicates, we are a dancing club. Our dances are mainly Plattlers (shoe slapping), but we also do figure dances which require less physical exertion. Many of our dances are Authentic Bavarian dances that originated in the 19th century. Our membership includes dancers of all ages and at all levels of skill as well as non–dancers who just want to have fun and immerse themselves in the culture.
Where do we PERFORM?
We perform at numerous local Oktoberfests here in Rochester annually, including microbreweries, Hop Harvest Fest at Genesee Country Village and Museum, nursing homes, Country clubs, and other ethnic events. There is always good German food and beer!
SOCIALS?
We are a dance club, but we are also a social club. If you are not interested in dancing, but just want to have fun and enjoy the comradery, we travel to other club functions in places like Buffalo and Canada. Every other year many of us travel to attend Gaufeste.
We plan parties and picnics. We have a weekly ‘Stammtisch’ translation (regular table)- It’s a get-together, typically at one of our many local microbreweries.
Interested in Learning More? Joining us?
We are always welcoming new members of all ages. No prior dance experience is required. You are invited to attend our practices. Be a spectator or jump right in and try a dance if you wish.
Practice times are typically Friday evenings at 7:00 PM and usually end before 9:00 PM. We practice at the Federation of German American Societies (FGAS) Building on Karl Fuchs Drive in Gates Memorial Park. Gates-North Gates, NY 14606
If you are interested in membership, booking an event, our events schedule, or just want more information about our Verein please contact:
Jim Smith - Vorplattler (lead dancer)
p. 585-202-0544
email: svhvorplattler@gmail.com