Schuhplattler

The Schuhplattler is a traditional folk dance style popular in the Bavarian and Tyrolean regions (the German-speaking regions of southern Germany, Austria, and northern Italy). In this dance, the players, keeping their hands straight (platt), tap their feet to the ground, clap and hit the soles of their shoes (Schuhe), hips, and knees. Alongside more than 150 basic Schuhplattlers, there are often marches and acrobatic performances interspersed with the basic dance in performance. They can be seen today in Europe and in German immigrant communities around the world. While the Schuhplattler is still largely played by adults, it has become increasingly popular with young people who love its colorful costumes and jumping, bouncing, kicking and choreographed horse plays.