Here you will find a sample of the different types of dances we perform. From very basic folk dances to more complex figure dances and standard schuhplattler our repitoire is diverse. Check out our Orlando German Dancers Youtube Page for more examples of our dancing and music.
The Schuhplattler (pronounced shoe-plot-ler) is a traditional courtship dance of Bavaria, the southernmost region in Germany, as well as parts of Austria. Becoming popular in the mid 1800's, the name comes from the act of slapping the bottoms of their shoes and their lederhosen (leather shorts). Schuhplattler dances are traditionally performed by boys or men and they may or may not have a partner. The women and girls spin around in their dirndl dresses. Modeled after the courting ritual of the auerhahn bird, the males are trying to impress the ladies with the loudest slaps and highest jumps. Many small villages in Bavaria have their own dance bearing the name of their town. Dancers often come together for competitions and social events alike.
Unlike the schuhplattler dancing, folk dances do not generally involve shoe slapping jumping, or bouncing. There are partner dances, circle dances, and figure dances performed at a variety of paces. There are thousands of dances with many being specific to a certain town, valley, or region.
Some of our dances feature elements of both schuhplattler and folk dancing. Some feature just dance while others may involve singing or pascher (rythmic clapping).