STV_Bavaria

The colorful "Dirndls" twirl into the arms of the Lederhosen-clad "slap dancers" and the audience claps to the toe-tapping melodies that accompany these artistic and fun-loving entertainers. Over the past 70 years, audiences all over the United States and Canada, as well as Europe, have enjoyed the colorful and talented performers of S.T.V. Bavaria. No group is too small or too large to enjoy the musical interpretations put on by the Schuhplattlers, whether it's a courtship, occupational or show dance. Schuhplattling in Cleveland dates back to the early 1920's when four couples joined the German-Austrian singing society "Blau Donau" and became part of their organization, performing folk dances at German Civic functions in and around the city. As the group began to grow there were many changes, with occasional retirements and the addition of new and interested families. As a result, a children's group was orgainized in 1931 to help perpetuate the traditions of their German and Bavarian heritage. As the younger members bacame more accomplished in the various folk dances and assumed a more strenuous dance load, the older members turned their skills to performances of Alpine music and song. Together they formed the Schuhplattler und Bauerngruppe Blaue Donau to give credit to the combined activities. During the difficult war years of the 40's, most of the men in the group were in active service and it was up to the women together with the younger couples to keep the group together and active. But by 1947 club attendance re-attained pre-war levels. The ever popular Figurentanz and Watschenplattler became part of the repertoire of intricate and popular dances. In the summer of 1952 several members of the group decided to retire from active participation, and at a Trachtenfest at the German Farm, their final performance was witnessed by recent arrivals from Germany. Impressed by the Trachtlers performance, these young couples under the leadership of Louis