Blog Post 5: A Better Understanding

One of the things that I've discovered through all of my research on schuhplattler verein (German shoe slapping dance groups or "societies") is that the Schuhplattler Verein Heidengold really is a rare thing; not just in the Rochester area, but worldwide. There are only three groups in the United States that represent the Allgäu region of Germany that are a part of the 76 member vereine Gauverband Nordamerika, of which most organized groups are members. Part of the reasoning for this is the geography of Germany. The Allgäu region is mountainous, so travel to other towns and cities was not common for those in the region. The result of this is that not many were exposed to their tracht (clothing) or their region specific dances.


Although I knew they existed, another thing that I discovered is the website of the Allgäuer Gauverband der Gebirgstrachten und Heimatverine -hereafter referred to as the Allgäu Gauverband.(Website is available in English by right clicking on the body of the page and selecting Translate to English). The Wageggler Börwang-Haldenwang, one of the 45 member clubs of the Allgäu Guaverband visited the United States (Buffalo, NY to be precise) and attended a event put on by the Gauverband Nordamerika called the Gaufest back in 2017. Building relationships with the Wageggler as well as the Allgäu Gauverband can go a long way in helping to preserve authentic tracht, customs, traditions, as well as other aspects of the region.

Another thing that I learned while doing research is how to create the umlaut character while typing all of these German words!! ;)  The umlaut is used to indicate a different vowel quality. If you are not capable of creating the umlaut character, it is appropriate to represent the difference by using the vowel with the addition of "e". For example, ö would be written as oe. However, it is more accurate to use the umlaut whenever possible. Umlauts can be found with ä, ö, and ü in the German language. While this will not be addressed in my thesis, I feel that it is important as it lends authenticity to the writing.


I've also learned how the city of Munich promotes their world famous Oktoberfest. This also leads in to what I still need to know- how this knowledge can help Rochester German societies. Can they apply the principles that Munich uses to make their Oktoberfest not necessarily a world famous event, but an event that will perpetuate the German culture in Rochester?

Immenstadt in Allgau

Photo courtesy of Zaineb Chelly

 https://sites.google.com/site/zeinebchelly/cool-stuff