Approximately sixty people gathered at the Friedrich Schiller German High School for eight days. This was a first for our hosts. We enjoyed catered meals, learned new folk dances, attended several seminars, and had many friendly gatherings. We were made to feel so welcome and, despite having just met, our shared history, culture and language, all of which we all are passionate about preserving, made everyone feel at home.

Each day was jam packed with activity…

We exchanged information about the activities organized at our individual Danube Swabian Clubs and, what became immediately apparent: our shared challenge of encouraging our Youth to accept the responsibility of not only preserving what our people have worked so hard to build and maintain, but also to inspire positive change in the future. At least our European counterparts do not have to deal with the physical distances that separate us, as they often live only houses/streets apart, and therefore, do not find it difficult to meet regularly, nor does their culture ever seem to be "out of sight" and/or, "out of mind".

Miklos Manninger and Jozsef Wenczl, our very creative and most patient dance teachers/choreographers, each taught us three dances. We, the participants, were so enthusiastic; not even the fact that our dance practices left us drenched managed to dampen our spirit. .

On Sunday July 1^st, we walked to church and celebrated Mass in Hungarian. Afterwards, we met with Frau Maria Grohmohn, the curator of the Heimatmuseum. Frau Grohmohn toured us through the museum, and as we looked on to the traditional style and set up, she explained how Hungarian-Germans lived. Three different "Trachten" were on display: those worn by a bride and groom, those worn on formal occasions and finally, those worn everyday or for work. In the kitchen, the iron was "warming" on top of the wood-burning stove that was also used for cooking, baking and heating the house. Mike Lutz not only identified the many implements on display he also explained and demonstrated their uses. Thanks again, Mike, that was an added bonus! The embroidery hung throughout the house clearly demonstrated the homemaker’s talent and pride; we all enjoyed the poetry and folklore verses captured within the stitches. The old trunk symbolized transition. It is hard to fathom packing all of your valuables into such a small container, which would travel by wagon to the new settlement. So many of our people filled these same trunks when they immigrated to North America and despite a very meager beginning, with a tremendous amount of work and dedication, they flourished.

Dr. Zoltan Guth gave a workshop/seminar on the building of the Schiller German High School where we stayed. It has boarding facilities to those 80% of students who come from around the region, 20% are day students. It received funding from both the German and the Hungarian governments to build after 1993. It occupies 570 students with 52 teachers 30 of which are German. It has become very popular with its subjects taught in German, Hungarian and English. Under the direction of Kreisz Ferenc, we learned that singing is a significant part of the curriculum and, although only one hour a day is currently devoted to it, an effort is being made to not only increase it but also to extend the program to other schools. We also learned to distinguish between "Volks musik" (traditional folk music) and "Volkstümlich" (traditional/cultural story). We left this session appreciating the importance of song and singing as a significant way of preserving a language and sharing a culture. We learned all about how the Danube Swabian Brass Band was formed in 1907 and heard the very first piece of dance music they played without notes.

We were fortunate to tour Budapest by bus. At the Parliament Buildings, our tour guide met a friend and Member of Parliament, who escorted us out onto the balcony over-looking the Danube River – a privilege normally reserved exclusively for special dignitaries. We visited the impressive houses of Parliament with its magnificent Neo-gothic chambers and staircases, home to the holy crown of Hungary.

Later that evening we cruised down the Danube, with Strauss' Blue Danube Waltz, most appropriately, playing in the background. To see Budapest's castles, buildings and bridges lit up at night was something I will never forget – the scene was absolutely breathtaking!

After a day of touring, it was back to learning, this time about the history of Germans in Hungary; a lecture given by Heileg Ferenc. The reality of being in Hungary and learning about the history of our people brought to life the difficulties they faced: having to learn new languages and to adapt to the customs of each new conqueror.

Our trip to a Puszta began with a welcome drink followed by a carriage ride around the horse ranch. We were most entertained by the Hungarian cowboys as they performed special maneuvers while riding bareback.

On our way home, we visited the "Lochberg Tanzgruppe" at their club in Schambeck. They greeted us at the door with Wine and Schnapps (much appreciated!) and prepared a lovely buffet dinner for us, followed by a film detailing their attempts to preserve their culture – there was no mistaking their pride! We also stopped at the Danube Swabian Club in Leinwar and not only watched as they performed their dances to perfection and with such flair, but also joined them either in the band or on the dance floor. Mike Offak (Golden Keys) accompanied the ten-man band on the accordion, and then the drums, when Mike Lutz replaced him.

At the end of the journey we were dressing to go to "The Schwabenball" with the "Werischwarer Blaskapelle" It was a night everyone was looking forward to. The invitation stated to bring your own drinks or liquor and treats. Everyone came from the surrounding areas and as they entered the ballroom we admired a display of beautiful "Trachten". During this event every group performed their folk dances. The evening brought us together once again allowed us to mingle and enjoy a fun evening, It was great!

We spent our last night in the village of Solymar. Their ladies group sang for us and their various dance groups performed traditional dances for us. It was obvious how proud they were to perform for us. We were then invited to join in and performed one of the dances we learned and I was happy to participate, thanks to Lori Szauter who was my partner. Once again, the hospitality was superb! We especially enjoyed their homemade sweets.

In closing my report, I would also like to express my personal, but also on behalf of the Toronto participants, a heartfelt "Thank You" to Mr. Stephan Ihas, the Youth Leader of the World Alliance and everyone who participated in the preparation of the seminars and for organizing this cultural get–together.

This trip was an absolutely wonderful experience! Many years ago, I fell in love with folk dancing at the Toronto Danube Swabian Club at Main Street., and it was there that I met my husband dancing and that shared passion stood the test of time. I could not imagine my life without dancing! It was both an honour and a joy to be able to participate in this conference. The dancers worked very hard and did an excellent job of learning all the new steps. The seminars or workshops were very informative. Now, we must take what we have learned, and in the same spirit, share it with others, especially our Youth. We all must make an effort to remember this experience and renew our commitment to our Club in whatever capacity we can. We must continue to meet with the other Danube Swabian Clubs within and outside of our country, in order to celebrate our successes and brainstorm solutions to our challenges. Our young people will have to make a concerted effort to raise funds in order to make it possible for them to participate in other such international exchanges. We must not let the blood, sweat and tears shed by our ancestors be in vain. Let us do our part!

Helen Boehm

(all photos supplied by Helen Boehm)