Kindergruppe content
Children’s Dance Group (Ages 4-9)
Our group’s goal is to introduce and preserve our Schwabian Culture and Heritage by way of dance, costume and traditions in a fun and encouraging environment.
The Kitchener Schwaben Club is very proud to offer traditional German folk dance group instruction for children ages 4-9. We strive to provide entertaining practices as well as regular outlets to perform so that we may ensure we pass on our Schwabian heritage.
We are a very active dance group with regular performances. In the past few years we have performed many times in our own region for community and cultural events. One of our most favourite events is K-W Oktoberfest with the highlight of being in the Thanksgiving Day Parade which is viewed by over 1.8 million people on CTV. In addition to our regular club functions we also perform at senior’s homes, schools, churches and other community outlets such as the KW Multicultural Festival in Victoria Park, The Museum in downtown Kitchener and the Christkindl Market at Kitchener City Hall. We are also known to travel a bit with having visited Detroit (MI), Philadelphia (PA) and Mansfield (OH) to join the other Schwaben Clubs in North American at our annual Tag der Donauschwaben (Day of the Donauschwaben and Dance Festival).
Registration Information Package (PDF)
If you are interested in how to join the Kindergruppe or having our dance group perform or participate at your event please contact Brian Schummer at schwabenkindergruppe@gmail.com
Dance practice takes place every Thursday evening from 6:30pm to 7:15pm. Everyone welcome!
Registration
Our Kindergruppe is always welcoming new dancers! If you’re interested in joining our group please find the Registration Information Package and Registration Form here for your convenience. The Registration Information Package includes costs, practice times and other important group information. The Registration Form provides us with important information about your child.
Our Repertoire
The Kindergruppe is focused on teaching young children the basics of German folk dancing. Our instructors keep it interesting for the children by introducing new dances and upbeat music. The ever popular “Chicken Dance” is always a favourite. Most of our dances incorporate the polka, waltz and shuffle step.
The Costume
The girl’s customary “Tracht” consists of a cranberry over skirt, gold lace apron and white cotton underskirt. A white cotton blouse trimmed in eyelet is worn under a black velvet vest. White dance tights and black dress shoes or black character dance shoes are worn. Hair is placed in two French braids with matching white bows. On more formal events the girl’s hair is traditionally crown braided.
The boy’s customary “Tracht” consists of a black vest with silver buttons and the club crest. This is worn with a white cotton long sleeved dress shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbows. Black dress pants and black dance shoes finish off the outfit.
Spaghetti Dinner
This event has become a popular evening for family and friends to come out and enjoy great food and camaraderie, while supporting the Kindergruppe in their effort to fundraise. The evening is packed with a baked goods table, silent auction, slide show, face painter and even a performance by the dancers themselves!
The Committee
The Kindergruppe is run by a group of committed parent volunteers. Committee members must also be a Schwaben Club member.
The Instructor/Choreographer
The Kindergruppe Instructor is a volunteer and has lots of previous German folk dance experience. Our current Instructor is Stefanie Khanke