Schuhplattler

Oberbayrischer Schuhplattler Workshop from the 28. Gaufest of Gauverband Nordamerika presenting original German, translation and instructions from a 1925 book, "Tanzbeschreibungen Oberbayrischer Schuhplattler" by Hans Flemming. It includes 16 Plattlers, 3 Ländlers, and figure and group dances plus general Schuhplattler instructions. The workshop provides an overview and highlights of the newly provided version and the historical context of the original.

Presenter: Bob Donnelly, Jr, Edelweiss Passaic

What is Schuhplattler?

Schuhplattler is a traditional folk dance from the Upper Bavaria (Oberbayrischer) and Austrian Tyrol region of the Alps. An early form is mentioned by a Tegernsee monk in the novel "Ruolieb" written around 1050 AD. Early 19th-century versions danced in taverns were more free form, where young men tried to impress young women with athletic moves. Most dances are done to a Ländler melody, predating the waltz. The Schuhplattler was in contrast to formal court dances such as the minuet and quadrille where contact with partners was limited to holding hands. By the late 19th century, traditional costume clubs (Trachtenvereine) formalized the dances, with couples dancing in circles. The dances include alternate sequences of men doing the slap form of Schuhplattler while the women spin and then the couples dancing the Ländler with their partners. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schuhplattler for a fuller history.

Tanzbeschreibungen Oberbayrischer Schuhplattler

Schuhplattler has evolved over time from free-form courtship dances to dances performed by groups, often focused on uniformity. Hans Flemming collected dance descriptions as Trachtenvereine initially formed to maintain traditions of dress and dance. His book provides insight on the standard components of the slap portion of Schuhplattler, proper spinning methods for women, and elements of free form dance such as during the Nachsteigen when the man pursues the woman before they Ländler. In addition to general Schuhplattler instructions, the book includes 16 Plattlers, 3 Ländlers with figures, and other couple and group dances.

In the late 1950s, George Moosbauer (Ehrenvorplattler of Bayern Verein Newark) gave Bob Donnelly,

Sr. (eventual Ehrenvorplattler of Edelweiss Passaic) old style photocopies of this book. It has been a source of dances for Edelweiss Passaic for many years. After its copyright expired, Bob Donnelly, Jr. transcribed the book, providing the original German, and added an English translation, extended instructions, and sheet music.

The book, the slides from a talk at a workshop of the 28. Gaufest, and a video of that talk are available at: