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As I was growing up in California, my family went to German dances and festivals. That's where I first saw Schuhplatteln. I really liked the dancing and wanted to join a group in the Seattle area. By taking classes at the University of Washington Experimental College, Skandia, and the Mountaineers Club, I learned to polka, waltz, hambo, and schottish. In 1984 I met two members of Enzian Schuhplattler who invited me to participate in their "open house." I joined Enzian in 1984 and have been a performing member since then. In August of 2004, Enzian designated me as an Honored Member for my contributions to the group over the last 20 years.
Although my ancestors were Prussians and Germans from Russia, I must be a Bavarian at heart. My passion for all things Bavarian must have started when I was an au pair in Munich in 1971. I learned German at the University of California and speak it often at my job as a flight attendant. For over ten years I flew to Germany every week for work, and I still travel there on vacation to go to festivals and cultural events. In 1994, I participated in a festival in Thueringen, a state in the former DDR, which was attended by 4,000 folk dancers from all over Germany.
Enzian is a member of a national organization of Schuhplattler and Trachten Vereine and I have been a trustee on their board of directors for six years. This year begins my eleventh year as president of Enzian and I was also the lead female dancer for six years. As Enzian's Gau Delegate I have participated in six biannual delegate's meetings hosted by Schuhplattler Vereine all over the United States. I have also been to seven Gaufests, which are hosted by a Schuhplattler Verein in a different city every two years. A Gaufest is four days of dancing, workshops and a parade and banquet. A chance to meet lots of friends, as well. In August 2000 our Gau officers attended a Gaufest in Bavaria. It was very exciting to participate in my first Gaufest in Bavaria!
As Trachtenmutter I have the responsibility to oversee our Tracht (costume). Most of our costumes are made in Germany, but I also enjoy getting the materials from Germany and sewing the Dirndln, shawls, and aprons myself. In 1995, I bought a four-row diatonic button accordion and am now learning to play it. I have been to several music camps and hope someday to be able to play for dancing. Auf geht's zum Tanz!
I can be reached via email.
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