Dance "Schuhplattln"
The "Schuhplattln" dance was founded formally on 1850, but already centuries before some varieties of Schuhplattln dance were practised. In 1050 a monk described the dance in the knightly poem Roudlieb. You see, the "Schuhplattln" dance looks back on a long history. The homeland of the folk dance is Tirol and South Tyrol. There, centuries ago, young men wished to impress marriageable young ladies with their dance. They stamp, they clap, they jump and strike free without rules and accompanied themselves with yodelling. Then, 1850, the folk dance clubs establish rules, how and with which music the "Schuhplattln" dance has to been danced.
Usually Performed in a 3/4 time, one would carry out a series of jumps and hip movements to the time of the music. Characteristically the dancers will rhythmically strike their thighs, knees and soles of the feet, and stamp with the feet.
"Schuhplattln" today
Nowadays the dance is usually performed out of tradition, maintaining the older customs, and as part of the activities of associations wearing traditional costumes. Also, there are female Schuhplattl groups today, which was unthinkable some years ago.
Images
The Schuhplattler dancers perform to traditional folk music and are a real highlight during folk festivals in South Tyrol.
© Tourismusverein Tramin
The Schuhplattler is a traditional folk dance that is performed mainly during village festivals and church fairs in South Tyrol.
© Internet Consulting - Elmar Hilber