When the May tree blossoms – TU folklore dance ensemble “Thea Maass” celebrates its 55th anniversary
(Gabriele Gorgas, publication in the DNN of 23.11.2005)
You should celebrate the festivals as they fall and make the most of every occasion. Weil Feiern ein The reason is to get together, to enjoy each other’s company, to examine what has grown up. The fact that the TU Dresden folklore dance ensemble “Thea Maass” is celebrating its fifth anniversary is certainly its right, and even five years of dance tradition and success are far from enough. Lively folklore – not so much the shock-frozen kind on television – spreads so much joie de vivre and togetherness that it should be cultivated and perceived as something particularly precious and vital.
When, during the final applause for several generations of dancers at the Staatsoperette’s festive performance, lots of tiny tots were lifted onto the stage with flowers and jumped around between their (perhaps even grandparents’) parents, it was clear that everyone here was taking care of the next generation. Because love not only goes through the stomach, but apparently also blossoms in musically moving variations.
Since 2001 alone, the ensemble has had 12 offspring, three of which were born just a few days apart. A gratifyingly fruitful piece of research that was shared with the audience during the presentation. No wonder; folklore is thematically clearly characterized by the essential things in life such as teasing and getting, love oracles, Seasonal joys or other similarly beautiful events. And it is hardly surprising that the group “Alte Liebe”, the “alumni” of the ensemble, also dare to return to the stage, tellingly under the dance title “Wenn der Auerhahn balzt”. It could not have been better understood; folklore is not only infectious, it is inspiring in the long term. And keeps tired limbs going. It’s fun just to watch.
Incidentally, the ensemble, which was founded in 1950 and led by Dorothea Anger in the early days, has been known as “Thea Maass” since 1990. And their works are still part of the repertoire, appearing fresh and lively, of course also thanks to the inspired dancers. From 1968 to 1089, Wigman student Thea Maass was a permanent guest, significantly shaping the style and standards of the folkloric dance ensemble. Incidentally, there was another reason to celebrate at the anniversary performance. Dance teacher Gert Hölzel has been directing and leading the ensemble’s fortunes since 1975, and he does so in an endearing way that promotes team spirit. He has also been supported by Maud Butter since 1989.
The association currently has around 20 active members, mainly students, young scientists and apprentices from the Technical University, and the dancers are also accompanied on their travels by the instrumental group led by Andrea Deutschmann. The renowned TU folklore ensemble has been traveling to national and international festivals for many years and has already made guest appearances in almost all European countries and in the USA. There is also a close collaboration with the dance ensemble “Helena Salichova” from Ostrava.
At the festival performance in the Staatsoperette, it clearly enchanted the audience, is a little ahead of the Dresdeners when it comes to singing and masters dance games with hat swapping and flailing in a fast-paced manner. But of course the hosts also opened their hearts to the audience, for example with their “Slovakian Robber’s Dance”, the ultimate performance for all men and those who want to become one.
Also present as a guest was the Children’s and youth dance studio with rhythmic stilt games and clothes juggling, among other things. The studio has well over 100 girls and boys aged between 4 and 19 who are involved in a wide variety of dance styles such as jazz, modern dance, hip hop, folklore and improvisation. At the first national “Jugend tanzt” competition in Paderborn in 2005, members of the TU Dresden children’s and youth dance studio took first place in the classical/traditional category with their Slovakian girls’ dance.
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
You don’t have to think twice; somewhere is the nest from which such successful chicks hatch.
