It has been a long and frigid winter, filled with plenty of inches of snow. There were days that got as warm as single digits, and there were days where the plows couldn’t keep up with mother nature’s snowfall, but if anyone thought that a little inclement weather was going to stop the United German Hungarians from getting to one of their first dance jobs of the 2026 season, think again!
The annual Bierfest held by the German Society of Philadelphia marks one of the first stops of the year, and while we may have been here in previous years, there have been a number of changes! What was once axe throwing outside of the main building now had some food trucks to go with the assortment of drinks and independent breweries scattered around the outside patio. Music was being played on the patio, as well as the hallways of the main building, in some of the viewing rooms which displayed some of the Society’s history, and of course, the Polka-Delphia band playing in the Beer Hall, where we would perform during their band breaks.
What started out as a peaceful room in the early afternoon, with a number of beers to try and trinkets to own around the outer edges of the hall, slowly started to fill up as we started our first of three dance sets. After a successful medley was done, and we marched off of the floor, Polka-Delphia returned to play some traditional music, as well as a few of their own polka covers. (Who knew ABBA’s Dancing Queen would sound so good on accordion and brass?) But following their next break was another act, one which filled the room almost to capacity, and it was the return of the Beer-Lesque dancers. A variety of acts that included burlesque dance moves, and even some sword swallowing, for those brave enough to watch the danger ensue.
How does one follow up a group of acts like that? Simple! Unbutton the second button of your checkered shirt, and get back out there, with a crowd that made the circle a little snug, but anything goes when dancing needs to be done!
Once all of the sets were done, and a few drinks had been shared, we would have loved to stay until the end, but there was another event on our schedule that night.
And I would tell you about it, but that is an article for another time (and trust me, you won’t want to miss that one!)
Let the 2026 Dance Season begin!
Evan Wolz
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Schuhplattler danced at the German Society in the afternoon and many traveled that evening back to Buck’s County to celebrate the Heimatklänge’s 70th Anniversary in style.
my email address is now jamescherman1192@gmail.com
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