Volkstanzkreis Halle Westfalen e.V.
Botschafter der Freude
About us
We are a dedicated group of dancers who are passionate about preserving traditional dances and living customs. Our repertoire mainly comprises German folk dances, with a focus on dances from north-eastern Germany. However, traditional dances from our European neighbours also enrich our programme and add variety to our performances.
The joy of dancing from an early age
In our children's group (ages 6 to 14), young dancers not only learn traditional folk dances, but also poems about the seasons and cheerful songs, which they perform with enthusiasm at their numerous performances. In this way, old customs are passed on in a playful way – lively, cheerful and child-friendly.
Experiencing community
In addition to dancing, socialising and community are very important to us. Whether it's carnival or summer festivals, joint excursions or eventful dance weekends in youth hostels – we laugh, dance and celebrate a lot. This creates genuine friendships and unforgettable memories.
Our celebrations and performances
One of the highlights of our association's year is the traditional May Day celebration in the courtyard of the Haller Remise. Together with fellow folk dance groups, we erect a large maypole and welcome May with music, dancing and singing.
We are also regularly represented at the Haller Stadtfest (Haller Town Festival) – with an information stand and lively dance performances. In addition, we perform at senior citizens' afternoons, school and community festivals, anniversaries and many other occasions.
Wherever we perform, we want to show how much joy there is in folk dancing – and how wonderful it is to experience tradition together.
Our history
The Volkstanzkreis Halle (Westfalen) e.V. was founded in 1964 by Margarete and Willi Siebert. With great dedication and a love of dance, they built the association into a real hallmark of the city of Halle.
As early as 1975, a separate children's dance group was formed, in which children still enthusiastically learn traditional dances and discover the joy of dancing together.
From family heritage to living tradition
In 1986, Jörg Siebert took over the management of the association and continued his parents' legacy with passion. Even after his death in February 2006, the board continues to work in accordance with the association's statutes – with the aim of preserving old customs and keeping them alive.
Since its foundation, the Halle Folk Dance Group has been regarded far beyond the city limits as an ‘ambassador of joy’. Over the years, many friendships have been formed with other folk dance groups – not only in Germany, but also abroad. Our long-standing partners include groups from Denmark, Belgium, Austria, South Tyrol, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Hungary, France and Norway.
A special highlight in our association's history was our 50th anniversary on 1 May 2014, which we celebrated together with friendly dance groups from Latvia, Denmark, Austria and our region.
New paths – same passion
Since 2013, folk dance groups in the district of Gütersloh have been united under the name ‘Der Kreis tanzt’ (The District Dances) to dance together regularly and promote cultural exchange.
In 2016, Hubertus Otte took over the management of the association and continued to lead the community with great heart and commitment.
Since 2020, the Halle folk dance group has been under the leadership of Tim Beul, who is continuing the long-standing tradition and enriching it with new ideas.
Our traditional costumes
The Ravensberg traditional costume
During their performances, the members of the Halle folk dance group wear the traditional Ravensberg costume, as it was worn around 1850 in the Minden-Ravensberg area, especially on the southern side of the Teutoburg Forest.
The female dancers wear a wine-red dress with a large yoke collar, black satin apron and an embroidered belt. On festive occasions, they wear a bonnet decorated with gold thread and sequins, which emphasises the festive character of the costume.
The dancers wear black knee-length trousers, white stockings, a white shirt and a black waistcoat with silver buttons. The ensemble is rounded off by a black hat and a dark blue overcoat – simple, dignified and traditional.
Children's traditional costumes
At the beginning, the children in our dance group wear simple but pretty dance clothes: a red skirt with a white blouse, white tights and black shoes.
As they gain experience and enthusiasm for dancing, the children ‘dance their way’ to their own Ravensberg traditional costume over time – a special moment that they work towards with pride and joy.
The East-West Prussian costume
The members of the association wear the East-West Prussian costume as their second festive costume. The hand-woven fabrics feature traditional patterns and reflect the rich craftsmanship of this region.
The dancers' dresses consist of a dark red bodice with silver or amber buttons and a striped skirt with a white apron. The dancers wear a blue waistcoat with a honeycomb pattern and silver buttons – simple, yet full of character and festive at the same time.
