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Mission

The Sacramento Turn Verein Alpentänzer Schuhplattler carries on the traditions of the Austrian and Bavarian cultures, costumes (Tracht), music and dance while promoting good fellowship among the members and for the enjoyment of audiences. 

The Sacramento Turn Verein Alpentänzer Schuhplattler is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation.

Our History

1974

The Alpentänzer Schuhplattler was established in 1974 by Richard Baltz, an international folk dance teacher at American River College. In 1978, Mr. Baltz passed its leadership to Gary Schultz, who directed the group’s activities until 2011, when the Alpentänzer Schuhplattler applied and was approved to become a section of the Sacramento Turn Verein.

1984

In 1984 live music was added to the group. Initially consisting of two accordion players, the band today includes a full complement of professional-caliber musicians, supported by sound technicians, to provide traditional and festive accompaniment to Alpentänzer performances.

2026

Over more than five decades, the STV Alpentänzer Schuhplattler has grown into one of the largest and most vibrant groups of its kind in the Western US. With leadership elected annually by members, the STV Alpentänzer Schuhplattler continues to preserve and celebrate Bavarian and Austrian traditions through authentic music and dancing at community and cultural events throughout Northern California.

Activities

Practice

As detailed here, the STV Alpentänzer Schuhplattler dancers hold practice on Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM throughout most weeks of the year, while our musicians rehearse on a more seasonal basis in a variety of locations, in additional to individual practice.
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Development

STV Alpentänzer Schuhplattler has hosted numerous Austrian and Bavarian instructors in Sacramento for workshops on folk dances of the Alpine regions. More recently, we have benefited from our partnerships with our parent club, or Patenverein, the BHTV Golden Gate and the Gauverband Nordamerika to expand our dance repertoire and hone our performers’ technical skills.
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Performances

The STV Alpentänzer Schuhplattler includes about 40 active dancers and band members, all volunteers who rehearse and perform for the pure enjoyment of the experience. Another half dozen or so participate in governance and social activities but are not performing members.

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Regalia

Fahne

Upholding a centuries-old Alpine region tradition of representing regiments, congregations, schools, and social clubs with ceremonial flags, the STV Alpentänzer Schuhplattler commissioned a custom designed and embroidered Fahne in 2023. The Fahne was consecrated in a celebratory mass, or Fahnenweihe, in 2024, attended by members of fellow Vereine from across the US and Canada, followed by a parade of costumed marchers and flags through Midtown Sacramento and concluded with a festive Gala Dinner at the Sacramento Turn Verein.

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Tracht

In 1992 Alpentänzer members adopted the Salzburg Marktburger Tracht, an authentic folk costume with origins in mid-nineteenth century Salzburg, Austria. In 2018, the club added a more elaborate and traditional Bavarian costume known as Miesbacher Tracht, originating from mid-nineteenth century Bavaria. Depending on the style and venue of each event, both Trachten are worn for performances.

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New Members

The Alpentänzer Schuhplattler welcomes new members who share our appreciation for Alpine culture and entertainment and would enjoy joining volunteer performances with an active and social group. Our usual new-member audition seasons are in January and July, but exceptions are always considered depending on our needs at the time. Musicians typically have at least a decade of performance experience, while dancers need only be reasonably fit and willing to commit to instruction and individual practice. Get in touch to learn more.

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