Slap Dancing (Schuhplattler)
Schuhplattler 270217 by Harald Bischoff/Wiki Commons
The annual summer Gartenfests (Garden Festivals) in Oberammergau hold tightly to some of the most beloved German traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation for centuries. Foods include Bratwürste, beer, and homemade breads, cakes and pretzels. Folk clubs called Vereine have sought to preserve these traditions for more than 100 years, and the Vereine are responsible for the yearly festivals that bring them to life.
Along with breads and Bratwürste for which Germany is famous, the celebrations are rich with traditional clothing and dance. Men and boys don Lederhosen, garb consisting of suspenders and leather shorts, with wool jackets and feather-topped hats, while women wear Dirndls, or puffy-sleeved dresses with aprons and bows, and white stockings. Both parties then come together to perform the dance known as Slap Dancing, or Schuhplattler, in which the males energetically hop in a circle, slapping their thighs, knees, and ankles, while the females twirl around them in an outer ring. It was originally a courtship dance in which males sought to impress females.
Along with breads and Bratwürste for which Germany is famous, the celebrations are rich with traditional clothing and dance. Men and boys don Lederhosen, garb consisting of suspenders and leather shorts, with wool jackets and feather-topped hats, while women wear Dirndls, or puffy-sleeved dresses with aprons and bows, and white stockings. Both parties then come together to perform the dance known as Slap Dancing, or Schuhplattler, in which the males energetically hop in a circle, slapping their thighs, knees, and ankles, while the females twirl around them in an outer ring. It was originally a courtship dance in which males sought to impress females.
