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North American Federation of German Folk Dance Groups

logo from 1994 workshop

1994 Seminar

Helga and Wolfgang Preuß, from Tanzkreiß Buchholz/Nordheide, and
Anni Herrman, Märkische Volkstanzkreiß, Berlin

July 1994

This workshop was the foundation of the North American Federation of German Folkdancers. It was held in Hartford Connecticut. The instructors were Helga and Wolfgang Preuß, from Tanzkreiß Buchholz/Nordheide, and Anni Herrman, Märkische Volkstanzkreiß, Berlin. Folkdancers came from across the United States and Canada just to attend a folkdance workshop.

Karin Gottier who was instrumental in bringing everyone together brought part of her private "museum" with her to display for everyone's enjoyment.

At the end of the workshop a business meeting was held where Karin Gottier proposed her idea of forming a Folkdance Federation. For many people this was the first they had heard of the idea which Karin and others had been informally planning prior to the workshop. It was embraced by all in attendance, a consitituion was approved, officers were elected and the first members joined.

Partial list of dances taught:

Alfsteder Quadrille
Bumerang
Dölziger Mühle
Föhrer Kreuz Polka
Hamburger Kontra
Heilsberger Dreieck
Jaap, stah still
Kontra Lustig
Lüsener Deutscher
Menuette Walzer
Ratzeburger Viertour
Schaumburger
Schwäbische Mazurka
Siebenburge Rheinländer
Sterntanz
Topporzer Kreuzpolka
Walzerkanon
Wohlder Markttanz

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