User:WildsauPlattler/sandbox

== History == The AlpenPlatterls  Schuhplattlers of Vancouver were formed after a split with the Edelweiss Dancers in 2016 by six couples (6) couples who wanted to preserve the culture and traditions. Their early performances were mainly in the Vancouver Alpen Club located in Vancouver BC. . The dances remained true to their original German form, although improved by the creativity and sense of humor of the individual members. The Alpen Platters have performed throughout the Greater Vancouver Area predominantly during the Oktoberfest season.

The Alpen Plattlers continue to encourage new membership both youth and adult that includes all feel young and hearty enough to commit themselves to regular and vigorous Wednesday night practices.

Clothing
The Tracht, or outfit, originates from the Bavaria although it is not specific to one region. The ladies in the group wear a white blouse with puffed sleeves, under a sleeveless dress made with laced bodice and a full Dirndl skirt. The dresses, in a variety of colors, are actually imported from Germany, as are the Lederhosen that the men wear. These dresses are always worn with an apron, white knee socks and black pumps. The ladies also wear lace-trimmed bloomers under their Dirndls!

The men are typically dressed in black leather trousers, trimmed with light-green embroidery, white shirts, and dark-green velour hats. In most cases, the hats are adorned with a Gamsbart, the beard of a Gemse, or chamois; despite its name, it is harvested from the manes of Bavarian mountain goats. The costume is completed by either traditional full-length Kniestrümpfe, as well as leather Haferlschuhe.

When they travel, the Schuhplattlers take not only their outfits, but also a plethora of gear—their axes, saws, hammers, chisels, lanterns, for their dances, and in many cases a large log for the Holzhackertanz (Wood Cutters Dance). Some our our dancers are also gifted in playing a variety of traditional folk songs on precisely tuned cowbells. "Edelweiss" is one of the songs of the many they have in their repertoire.