Preisplatteln is one of the highlights of the biennial Gaufest, held in every "odd" year. Each Verein (club) within the Gauverband may enter the Schuhplattler competition with one group of four to six couples. One of three dances is performed; which one and the order of performance are determined by pulling a number out of a hat the day before the competition.

On Saturday morning, the nervous and excited groups assemble to have a 10-minute practice session, get pictures taken, then wait their turn to perform before the seven judges. The dance is either "Haushamer," "Haitauer," or "Reit im Winkl."

What are the Preisplatteln Rules?

The rules governing the dance are contained in the Operating Rules and Procedures and Preisplatteln Rules sections of the Bylaws and Rules of the Gauverband and can only be changed at the biennial Delegates Meeting, held in "even" years. The group is judged on timing, spacing, posture, how well the skirts bell when the ladies turn, whether the men's "hits" are sharp and well timed, Ländler timing, etc.

Points can be deducted for men, ladies, or couples, depending on the infraction. Preisplatteln rules are listed in the Trachten Kalendar for quick reference only. The official rules are sent to each Verein with the mailing of the minutes of the Delegates Meeting and should be consulted by competing Vereine.

What Happens at Competition?

The audience of several hundred people is totally quiet and everyone concentrates on the performance. It's a true test of nerves for dancers, judges, the lone musician, and audience members alike. The music ends, the group exits the floor, and the tension is broken with audience applause and cheers; the dancers hug and even shed some tears of joy, frustration, and tension release.

An average of twenty groups participate in Preisplatteln. Each group is on the dance floor only about three exhilerating minutes. By the time twenty groups enter, dance, and exit the floor; scoresheets are picked up and distributed; and a short break is taken, three hours have passed.

After the Competition

Afterwards, the judges, secretaries, two Vorplattler, and Vortaenzerin tabulate the results by adding up the infractions scored against each Verein. Each judge's scores are set equal to a 0-10 scale. The scores of all the judges are compared, the high and low scores are removed, the remaining five scores are added together, and the groups are ranked from first place down. By the time of the gala banquet on Saturday evening, only a few people are "burdened" with knowing the results of the Preisplatteln, and they are sworn to secrecy.

And the Winner Is!

Everyone must wait until early afternoon of Sunday's picnic when the first five places are announced, from fifth up to first. After each is announced, the group performs its dance once more, receives its prizes, and returns to the congratulations of the others in their Verein. Every Preisplatteln participant, regardless of place, receives a metal participant's pin.

In addition, places 4 and 5 receive plaques. Place 3 receives bronze medals, one for each dancer;Place 2, silver; and Place 1, gold. The first place group also takes custody of the beautiful Wanderpreis, a hand-carved wooden dancing couple dressed in Tracht, donated by the Bavarian government. This nearly three-feet tall trophy, carved in Oberammergau, stays in the winner's possession until the next Gaufest

Preisplatteln Rules | Einzelplatteln Rules