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25 years ago, Michael learned to dance and perform while living in
Munich, Germany. At a young age, he was hired to perform with professional
entertainers on the weekends. With more and more performances, along with
his expanding knowledge (cowbells, spoons, acting, announcing) he rapidly
became known around the Munich "Scene". Soon after a TV talent show, he and
his former partner (Jürgen, also his teacher and trainer) were hired by the famous "Platzl" Theater. It was then that the world renowned Munich Hofbräuhaus
discovered him, offering a full time contract to establish a 6 piece show
group. This was the start of his professional career.
Along with the Hofbräuhaus performances, came a
second full-time contract at the Hackerkeller and Platzl. The group was then
expanded to it's final size of 16 dancers (girls and guys). Later, the
Platzl hired Michael as their musical director for Bavarian entertainment.
Michael's performances at the Hofbräuhaus lasted seven years until he left
for the USA. He gave his contract to a former dancer, and Michael's show
can still be seen in Munich today. Michael knew Frankenmuth from several
prior engagements, when he was hired by the Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn and
Chamber of Commerce, to perform during the annual Bavarian festivals, and
the grand opening of the Motor Lodge. He decided to make Frankenmuth his
home in November,1995. Soon afterwards, he and Mark established the group,
and after only 2 months the Frankenmuth Schuhplattler where on stage for
their very first performance at the "Zehnders Snowfest", cold but fun.
The Schuhplattler soon became a name, found sponsors (Gary McClellan, Chamber
of Commerce) and got ready for more and more festivals and private parties.
Yodeling and singing were added, and later a 3 piece band was formed. The
Frankenmuth Schuhplattler have performed at numerous festivals all over
Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Indiana, along with many private parties.
Our greatest honor, being invited by our state governor, Governor Engler,
to represent Michigan at the "Promote Michigan Tourism" festival in Chicago
for 2 consecutive years, and being invited to perform at his January 1999
Inauguration in Detroit. We are proud to be Schuhplattler, and proud to keep
the German/Bavarian traditions alive, making them unforgettable and passing
them on to our next generation. That's what the Schuhplattler are today.
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