New members are always welcome in all groups. We meet at the historic Lindenwood School
building at 12351 N. Granville Road in Mequon, WI. Membership
dues are a bargain compared to most youth sports organizations, and performing members pay a
refundable deposit for their tracht (performing attire).
Let's dance!
Our Lütten group meets every other Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Director Molly Zielke
leads the children in games, as well as teaching
them simple dances and German songs. The children have the opportunity to perform a few times
a year, where they proudly demonstrate what they've learned. Anyone from age 5 through 8 is
welcome, and we especially would like to have more boys join the group. Membership dues are
$45.00/year, and tracht deposit is $30.00.
The Backfische youngsters meet Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The 9- through 13-year-
olds, under the direction of Keith Neff and David Pipkorn, learn more complicated dance steps and choreography.
Participating in this group helps these young folks develop poise and confidence by dancing at
several public performances throughout the year, including Milwaukee Germanfest in July and the
International Institute's Holiday Folk Fair in November. The vigorous rehearsals also build
stamina and coordination that benefits these children in sports and other activities. As with
the Lütten group, there always seems to be more girls on the dance floor, so boys are especially
encouraged to join. Annual dues for Backfische are $55.00, and tracht deposit is $30.00.
The Jugend and Erwachsenen meet Tuesdays after the Backfische, and rehearse from 7:30 to 9:30
p.m. The Jugend are 14 through 20 years old, and ages 21 and up make up Erwachsenen. These
groups rehearse under the direction of Craig Tews, and perform together at numerous venues
around Wisconsin and the Midwest. See our "Performance Schedule" page for a current list of
performances. Anyone 14 and over is welcome to join this group, and the only requirement is
that you keep up with us! Our rehearsals and performances are quite strenuous, and anyone
considering joining us should be in good health and fit. Annual dues are $65.00, and tracht
deposit is $100.00.
Make some beautiful music!
Pommersche Späldeel is our group of talented music makers. Annual dues are $65.00,
and tracht deposit is $100.00. Our musicians provide the lively tunes we dance to, and with
our vocalists also present a number of performances each year both with and without the dancers.
The musicians attend regular rehearsals with Jugend/
Erwachsenen, as well as music-only rehearsals including vocalists as needed. Our music director
is George Radtke, who is also the group's president. Besides offering live performances,
Pommersche Späldeel has released a collection of favorite music and songs from our Pomeranian
heritage,
Sie Haben die Musik Nicht Vergessen.
This is available in both CD and cassette tape.
We have also recently released a CD of traditional Christmas music,
Weihnachtlich glänzet der Wald.
Help wanted
If you'd like to be a part of this group but getting up in front of an audience isn't what
you're looking for, there are also many behind-the-scenes opportunities to get involved:
Each of our groups needs at least one trachtenwart ("wardrobe mistress" would be the closest
translation) to oversee the outfitting of performing members, as well as to attend performances
to assure that everyone is properly dressed, and to have on hand a sewing kit and safety pins
for last-minute emergencies. As our youngsters outgrow or wear out clothing articles, or new
members get ready to perform, there are always projects for people who enjoy sewing. For many
of our performances it's necessary for us to set up our own sound system, and occasionally even
our own dancefloor, which means we need help toting, lifting, plugging in, and eventually taking it
all down again, as well as running the sound board during the show. Think of it as your chance
to be a "roadie" for the band.
What sounds good to you?
Many of our members have expressed the opinion that Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt is more like
family than simply an organization or club. Some of our Erwachsenen have been with us since
they were Lütten. For more information on becoming a member of Pommersche Tanzdeel
Freistadt, contact George Radtke at 262/253-1412, by email at: pommerndanz@hotmail.com
or write us at:
Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt
12351 N Granville Rd
Mequon WI 53097
Our Lütten group meets every other Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Director Molly Zielke
leads the children in games, as well as teaching
them simple dances and German songs. The children have the opportunity to perform a few times
a year, where they proudly demonstrate what they've learned. Anyone from age 5 through 8 is
welcome, and we especially would like to have more boys join the group. Membership dues are
$45.00/year, and tracht deposit is $30.00.
The Backfische youngsters meet Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The 9- through 13-year-
olds, under the direction of Keith Neff and David Pipkorn, learn more complicated dance steps and choreography.
Participating in this group helps these young folks develop poise and confidence by dancing at
several public performances throughout the year, including Milwaukee Germanfest in July and the
International Institute's Holiday Folk Fair in November. The vigorous rehearsals also build
stamina and coordination that benefits these children in sports and other activities. As with
the Lütten group, there always seems to be more girls on the dance floor, so boys are especially
encouraged to join. Annual dues for Backfische are $55.00, and tracht deposit is $30.00.
The Jugend and Erwachsenen meet Tuesdays after the Backfische, and rehearse from 7:30 to 9:30
p.m. The Jugend are 14 through 20 years old, and ages 21 and up make up Erwachsenen. These
groups rehearse under the direction of Craig Tews, and perform together at numerous venues
around Wisconsin and the Midwest. See our "Performance Schedule" page for a current list of
performances. Anyone 14 and over is welcome to join this group, and the only requirement is
that you keep up with us! Our rehearsals and performances are quite strenuous, and anyone
considering joining us should be in good health and fit. Annual dues are $65.00, and tracht
deposit is $100.00.
Pommersche Späldeel is our group of talented music makers. Annual dues are $65.00,
and tracht deposit is $100.00. Our musicians provide the lively tunes we dance to, and with
our vocalists also present a number of performances each year both with and without the dancers.
The musicians attend regular rehearsals with Jugend/
Erwachsenen, as well as music-only rehearsals including vocalists as needed. Our music director
is George Radtke, who is also the group's president. Besides offering live performances,
Pommersche Späldeel has released a collection of favorite music and songs from our Pomeranian
heritage,