North American Federation of German Folk Dance Groups

• What is the NAFGFDGs?
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• How to become a member

The North American Branch of Der Deutsche Gesellschaft für Volkstanz e.V.

A collection of associations, groups and individuals interested in promoting and preserving the traditional dance, music, folklore and crafts of Germany and German speaking countries.

A not for profit organization formed with the purposes and goals stated below:

The federation shall :

• Practice and cultivate German folk dance forms as found in Germany and minor German communities outside of Germany.
• Preserve and disseminate related aspects of folklore in their historical and cultural context including costumes, needlecrafts and music. Conduct seminars and workshops on the skills and talents necessary to recreate, as close as possible, the costumes, dances, instruments and music in German regional styles.
• Educate members in a basic repertoire of dances in their original, as-collected, form and in their historical, geographic and cultural context. Strive to understand the impact of German minorities on their host community and the community on them.
• Translate source materials using a standardized vocabulary to assure consistant and accurate folklore presentations by members.
• Document the cultural and historical background of members.

The NAFGFDG was founded in July 1994.

Officers:

• President: Karin P Gottier, New Britain, CT
• Vice President: Betty Rathkamp, Houston, TX
• Treasurer: Doug Hall, San Antonio, TX
• Asst. Treas: John Himmelheber, Indianapolis, IN
• Recording Secretary: Lois D. Lynch, Dayton, OH
• Membership Secretary: Nancy Berlier, Walla Walla, WA
• Asst. Membership Secretary: Larry Frank, Walla Walla, WA

Dues

Annual dues are

$25 for associations (organizations that represent several groups of dancers),

$15 for groups (bodies representing several dancers) and

$10 for individual memberships.

The fiscal year is aligned with the calendar year, so dues are due in January and result in valid membership until the following December.

Mail your check to:

North American Federation of German Folk Dance Groups

Doug Hall, Treasurer

515 Marquis

San Antonio, TX 78216-5217

With your membership you will receive the Federation's newsletter with information about workshops, upcoming dances & dancing & styling info.

Some of the member clubs are listed here.

• German Dancing