Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt

German Dance in Wisconsin

By Reuel Zielke

          Freistadt, Wisconsin is a unique community in the United States. It was settled by Pomeranian immigrants back in 1839 and has preserved many of the cultural aspects that were dear to those founding families. First was maintaining a free and conservative form of Christian, Lutheran worship and second was the use of the language of Plattdeutsch (low German) , which manages to survive to this day.

          Music, singing and, since 1977, dancing also play a big part in the weekly activities of the community. A Stadtkapelle called the 'Alte Kameraden' is a concert band that plays German music throughout the Midwest, as well as Germany and Austria, and enjoys a good reputation wherever they perform. The first thing that a visitor to one of the church services at Trinity Lutheran Church ( the oldest Lutheran church in Wisconsin) comes to realize is the beautiful and enthusiastic hymn singing of the general congregation. The are not afraid of opening their mouths to sing. This is something unusual these days!

          The dance group is called the 'Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt1 and was formed after a connection was made with a Pomeranian dance group from Germany, led by Hike Haenel. Bike's parents, the well known Pomeranian researchers Karl and Hildegard Haenel, came to Freistadt and taught dances and music for a six week period. With the initial encouragement and guidance of Norman Boehlke, a Pomeranian Culture advocate in the community, the group has grown and prospered since then.

          The dancers have performed in Germany and throughout the Midwest and always deliver a quality show. The group is lucky to have live musicians who play for all shows and rehearsals. They add a lively dimension to the performances. The musicians are called 'SpaMdeel Freistadt1 and produce musical presentations in then" own right, anywhere from 10 minute sets to two hour shows. This group has also recorded a number of CDs of music and singing.

          One of the most valuable aspects of the Pommersche Tanzdeel is their children's and youth group organizations. The 'Lutten' group is for children ages 6-8 years old and the 'Backfische1 includes ages 9-13 years old. These groups offer dance training along with story-telling, games and a chance to learn and grow as a performer. These children eventually join the main performing group as well trained and experienced members. For more information contact Craig Tews at 262-253-0774 or George Radtke at 262-253-1412 or email: pommerndanz@hotmail.com 

Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt           The Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt and the Spaldeel Freistadt perform at the Holiday Folk Fair International and organize a dynamic cultural display at German Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on an annual basis.

Pommeranian Coat of Arms