The ArGe Volkstanz
The South Tyrolean folk dance association (ArGe Volkstanz) was founded on January 31st 1960 by prof Luis Staindl in collaboration with twelve folk dance groups. The goal of the association is to foster and to promote the Tyrolean folk dance and customs.
Basing on prof Horak’s records including dances from South Tyrol, North Tyrol and East Tyrol alike, the ArGe Volkstanz has promoted the traditional dances as part of the Tyrolean traditions among the South Tyrolean population. Thus, all the different folk dance groups and clubs as well as the cultural promoters in South Tyrol have been revealed. Since its foundation, the ArGe has always directed its attention to the correct learning of the folk dance choreographies.
Today, the ArGe Volkstanz numbers 52 folk dance groups and clubs and 167 registered individual members. By fostering the regional customs, they make an important contribution to the community life in their villages, and especially during the last 30 years they’ve been very committed to share their passion.
Since 2006, the first chairwoman, Mrs. Monika Rottensteiner, and the vice chairman, Mr. Klaus Tappeiner, have headed the ArGe Volkstanz. The association’s field of activity includes the organisation of workshop for people interested in folk dance, for example winter workshops, as well as regular further training courses for the directors of dance groups.
In addition, the ArGe Volkstanz organises courses for the musicians of dance groups, and elaborates documents and papers concerning the promotion of folk dance and other customs and allocates them to the groups. This is only one of the many reasons why the close collaboration with other folklore associations has been so fruitful.
Moreover, this umbrella association arranges dances on district as well as on province level, which are a good opportunity to share the passion with other dancers, as for example the ball in honour of Saint Catherine, the traditional alp dance and the May ball, another very common custom in Tyrol. Also, the ArGe has established close relations of friendship with the „Tiroler Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft für Volkstanz" (Tyrolean folk dance association) and the "Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Österreichischer Volkstanz" (Austrian folk dance association) and is the 10th regional member association of the latter.
Contact:
Judith Unterholzner
E-Mail: judith.unterholzner@europeade2010.it