A Little History

HEIMAT AUERHAHN TANZ GRUPPE

A Little History

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Jerry started dancing seriously in 2004 with the Schuhplattler Verein Edelweiss in Chicago. Soon, in 2005, he became 1.Vorplatter (lead dancer) and in 2006 became 1.Vorstand (president) as well as maintaining his position as Vorplattler. He also lead the Vereins efforts in 2006 when they hosted a tent during the German Day weekend in Lincoln Square.

In 2007 Jerry left the S.V. Edelweiss and danced with the D'Lustigen Holzhacker Buam in Chicago dancing with them from German Day 2007 through the end of the Oktoberfest season in November 2007.

In 2008 he started "Auerhahn" as the fulfillment of a commitment to bring German Schuhplattl Dance to the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.

Diane, originally from New York, grew up in the Gemuetlichen Enzian Club out of Franklin Square... a multiple winner of the "GAU's" Gruppe Pries Plattl competition. Though the years in New York Diane competed successfully in several of these "Best in North America" competitions. That east coast excellence was brought to S.V. Edelweiss in 1994. While dancing with Edelweiss, Diane Pries Plattled in Milwaukee. Jerry and Diane met in 1995 and hosted a German club wedding in 1997.

Diane brings all of that experience to Auerhahn and has agreed to act as 1.Vortenzern, or 1st female dancer and pass her experience along.

Diane enjoys community banking, fosters German Mini Schnauzers for the Chicago Mini Schnauzer Rescue and is undertaking teaching aerobics this fall.

Erich has been dancing for only a couple years now but and has performed very well at both large and small fests and picnics throughput the Chicago-land area. Erich's 1st public performance was in 2004 at the 90th anniversary of the S.V. Edelweiss. Always able to find time to perform, Erich enjoys keeping the traditions of Schuhplattl dancing alive and has been offered the Jugen Vorplattler position. The dancer responsible for teaching the Kinder Gruppe (children's group) for the club.

And speaking of teaching...Erich is majoring in English with a minor in Teaching at Harper College in preperation for his career.

UPDATE

Erich has just been accepted into Illinois State University! He will attending this fall.

Congratulations and good luck

Saving the best for last, Elyce has been dancing for 4 years now. Elyce's 1st public appearance was also at the 90th Anniversary of Edelweiss. A proud member of their Kinder Gruppe, Elyce has performed at such fests as Detroit Edelweiss' Anniversary, St. Paul's Bezirksfest, and German Day weekend in Chicago.And always happy to do a polka, Elyce helped teach the "Tic-Toc Polka" to a group at a wedding in 2006. Happy on the dance floor or on the stage, Elyce's smile will help Auerhahn attract new friends where ever we will go.

Starting Goalkeeper for the Hersey Huskies since she was a Freshman AND the starting Goalie for the Arlington Aces Traveling Soccer team....she never lets 'em get to the "back of the net!"

UPDATE

Elyce has recently been named the STARTING goalkeeper for the Hersey Huskies JV team AND the back up goalie for the varsity squad! "That a girl"

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