The Think Transatlantic Campus Weeks are part of an interdisciplinary campaign, “Think Transatlantic: United States and Germany in the 21st Century,” funded through a grant from the German Embassy. Austin College is one of 25 colleges in the U.S. participating in the project.
The workshop will be led by the G.T.E.V. Edelweiss Alpine Dancers, a group of individuals with a goal of preserving the dances and costumes of the German-speaking Alpine region of Europe. The group, founded in 1979, rehearses year round and regularly performs throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex at regional Oktoberfests, community events, and international cultural festivals.
Ruth Cape, assistant professor of German and a coordinator of the Austin College Think Transatlantic Campus Weeks, said the workshop will bring an important aspect of German folk culture to the campus. She said that many people may have seen the famous German Schuhplattler dance in which, typically, male dancers rhythmically strike their thighs, knees, and soles, clap their hands and stomp their feet.
“I am thrilled that the Alpine Dancers will take time out of their busy Oktoberfest schedule to visit Austin College and introduce us to some of Germany’s most famous folk dances,” Cape said. “This workshop promises to be a cheerful hands-on learning experience for anyone who enjoys German folk music and does not only want to watch others dance but get involved. The members of the Austin College German Club are excited about organizing this event, and I think we might see quite a few Dirndls and Lederhosen and hear a good amount of laughter.”
Think Transatlantic Campus Weeks will involve students of political science, economics, international relations, communications, music, and art, as well as students of German. Additional Austin College Campus Weeks events, including those in art, music, and theatre, will be announced as details are available.
Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.