Kathreintanz in Munich: Tradition and dance steps

The Kathreintanz in Munich marks the official finale of the folk dance year. Its origin lies in the memorial day of Saint Catherine of Alexandria on November 25th. In previous centuries, the strict Advent fasting period began after this, during which public dance festivities and loud music were strictly prohibited. The saying "Kathrein stops the dance" summarizes this turning point. In Munich, this date is still celebrated today as a grand festival, where several halls in the Hofbräuhaus at the Platzl are filled with dancing before the quieter winter season begins.

The Department of Arts and Culture of the City of Munich organizes the Kathreintanz together with the Hofbräuhaus. Traditionally, it is celebrated on the Saturday before Advent. Unlike closed traditional evenings, the festival is aimed at the entire dance-enthusiastic public. Various bands play in different halls simultaneously, so that dancers can switch between cozy rounds and more demanding rhythms. Anyone who wants to get to know the Bavarian dance floor will experience the lively togetherness of young and old here.

The program of a typical Kathreintanz offers a balanced mix of round dances and figure dances. Most frequently, you will hear Waltz and Polka, where couples move through the room in a large circular path. In between, the leisurely Ländler and figure dances are on the schedule, which are often danced in a fixed order or upon call. If you are interested in traditional folklore, you will experience living dance history in the room here.

A true Munich specialty is the Munich Française. In this five-part country dance, two long rows of dancers face each other while a dance master loudly announces the figures. The Zwiefache is also a challenge: because it constantly switches between the three-quarter time of the Waltz and the two-quarter time of the Dreher, it requires attentive listening to the musicians. The beauty of the Kathreintanz: because the steps are guided on-site, beginners do not necessarily have to master the sequences in advance. To familiarize yourself with the steps beforehand, a targeted preparatory offer for those interested in dance is worthwhile.

At the Kathreintanz, there is an uncomplicated approach: nobody needs to show proof of Bavarian folk dance exams to join in. Beginners are best off not standing in the front row, but rather observing the first few bars of a new dance from the side. As soon as the pattern is clear, you simply join in. Traditional costumes in the form of a Dirndl or Lederhosen are welcome and widespread, but they are not a mandatory requirement for participation. What is important is clean, festive clothing that offers sufficient freedom of movement.

A central aspect is footwear. On the ballroom floor, shoes with smooth leather soles are ideal, as rubber soles stop during turns and put strain on the knees. You can also come without a fixed appointment: many dancers change partners over the course of the evening, and a friendly invitation at the edge of the dance floor is considered good manners. This makes the evening particularly accessible for everyone who wants to try out Bavarian dancing in an uncomplicated way.