Dance - Edelweiss Schuhplattlers
Edelweiss Schuhplattlers
Director, Gracie Schell, first from right
Interested in dancing?
Contact our Director,
Gracie Schell
The Edelweiss Schuhplattlers are the German/Austrian folk dance group of the Utica Maennerchor. Originally founded in 1974 as the "Edelweiss Tanzern," they regrouped as the "Edelweiss Schuhplattlers" in 1976. The Dance Group performs at a wide variety of venues.
The Schuhplattler is a traditional style of folk dance popular in the Eastern Alps, specifically originating in Upper Bavaria, Tyrol, and Salzburg, Austria. In this dance, the performers stomp, clap, and strike the soles of their shoes (Schuhe), thighs, and knees with their hands held flat (Platt). While the Schuhplattler is still largely performed by adults, it has become increasingly popular with youngsters, who love its colorful costumes and its bouncing, leaping, kicking, and choreographed horseplay.
Our current group consists of 12 Adults & 2 Teens. Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening, 6:30-8:30, at the Utica Maennerchor. All are welcome to come & give our Dancing a try!
Gracie Schell
Dance Director
Dance Director Gracie Schell received German/Austrian folk dance instruction from the late Rudolf Teichmann while studying in Salzburg, Austria.