The Gulf Coast Enzianer Schuhplattler Verein Inc. was established as a non -profit organization in 1980.
The group has been dancing in Central Florida and the German American club for many Maifest and Oktoberfest performances over the years.
The group consists of adults and children. The group is open to the community who also become members of the German American Society.
The dances are traditional dances from the regions of Bavaria and Tyrol. The dances date back as far as 3000 B.C., however, were first recorded in 1300 A.D. in the Tegernsee Abbey of Bavaria (Wikipedia, 2021). Some of our favorite dances are the Bundl Tanz (May Pole), figure dances, waltzes, and polkas from various Bavarian areas.
The male dancers stomp, clap and strike the soles of their shoes (schuhe), thighs, and knees with their hands held flat (plat). The traditional lederhosen, suspenders, breastplate, and Trachten hat are worn by the males. The females wear dirndls or formal tracht with a shawl and Trachten hat.
Our Trachtenmutter, Gabrielle Schlierf, keeps our costumes in order and in traditional form.
The Gamserlsprung
The Flying dance
