Youth Folk Dance Ensembles
PTF offers three fun and educational German folk dance classes for youth ages 4+.
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Our youngest dancers learn simple Pomeranian dances, sing German songs, and play German language games. Their hour-long practices provide exercise, immersive cultural education, socialization, and lots of fun!
Commitment:
Practices are weekly and run from February through November, with up to 10 weekend performances throughout the year for dancers age 5+. Members are expected to attend all practices and performances, and parents should notify the dance director(s) of any absences with as much advance notice as possible.
Cost:
PTF is a very affordable activity! Lütten membership dues are $45 per year, with a one-time tracht (outfit) deposit of $30. We also have volunteer opportunities throughout the year that parents and guardians can participate in to reduce your child’s dues for the next year.
What to Expect:
Your child can expect a fun but focused one-hour practice on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00, where they will meet new friends and challenge themselves by learning new dance skills and German words! Please have your child bring a full water bottle and wear athletic shoes to practice.
How to Join:
We invite you and your child(ren) to try out a practice at no cost, after which, we can answer any questions you might have and discuss next steps if you would like to pursue membership. Please contact our Lütten directors, Johann Hinck and Megan Hinck, at lutten@ptfusa.org to inquire about attending a practice!
Lütten (ages 4-8)
Our second group of youth dancers learn more complex Pomeranian dances than those learned in Lütten, developing skills that will prepare them for both our Jugend group (once they turn 14) and other sports. Their hour-long practices provide exercise, immersive cultural education, socialization, and lots of fun!
Commitment:
Practices are weekly and run from February through November, with up to 10 weekend performances throughout the year. Members are expected to attend all practices and performances, and parents should notify the dance director(s) of any absences with as much advance notice as possible.
Cost:
PTF is a very affordable activity! Backfische membership dues are $55 per year, with a one-time tracht (outfit) deposit of $30. We also have volunteer opportunities throughout the year that parents and guardians can participate in to reduce your child’s dues for the next year.
What to Expect:
Your child can expect a fun but focused one-hour practice on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 where they will meet new friends and challenge themselves with new dance skills! Please have your child bring a full water bottle and wear athletic shoes to practice.
How to Join:
We invite you and your child(ren) to try out a practice at no cost, after which, we can answer any questions you might have and discuss next steps if you would like to pursue membership. Please contact our Backfische directors, Emily Larscheidt and Katie Carmody, at backfische@ptfusa.org to inquire about attending a practice!
Backfische (ages 9-13)
Our eldest youth dancers combine with our adult dancers (Erwachsenen) for
both practices and performances. Their practices provide exercise, immersive cultural education, and preparedness for many sports!
Commitment:
Practices are weekly and run from January through December, with up to 15 performances throughout the year, mainly on weekends. New members practice for two hours each week until the dance director(s) determine they are ready to perform, arriving at 7:00 for a supplemental foundations of folk dance class before joining the main practice from 7:30 - 9:00. Members are expected to attend all practices and performances, and parents should notify the dance director(s) of any absences with as much advance notice as possible.
Cost:
PTF is a very affordable activity! Jugend membership dues are $65 per year, with a one-time tracht (outfit) deposit of $100. We also have volunteer opportunities throughout the year that parents and guardian can participate in to reduce your child’s dues for the next year.
What to Expect:
Your child can expect a fun, but focused practice each week where they will be challenged to learn complex dances in a supportive environment! Please have your child bring a full water bottle and wear athletic shoes to practice.
How to Join:
We invite you and your child(ren) to try out a practice at no cost, after which, we can answer any questions you might have and discuss next steps if you would like to pursue membership. Please contact our Jugend director, Craig Tews, and assistant dance director, Emily Larscheidt, at dancedirector@ptfusa.org to inquire about attending a practice!
