From generation to generation we grow towards  the  future.

Bohemian
Association

dance

Descendants of Puhoi and Ohaupo (New Zealand) Pioneers Originating from Bohemia

 

A few dances have survived, maybe due to the fact they were fun. They are still danced now at our gatherings. Finger Polka - children's dance Sprat Polka Prince of Wales Schottisch Mazurka - Umadum There were other dances such as the Reichstachel, and the Haar Michl - (Michael the haymaker) these have been forgotten in recent times. I thought  all the above dances were unique to us and had not come across anything similar until I met with an Accordion enthusiast in June 2001, in Toowoomba- Australia, who showed me variations of the dance and music to the Sprat Polka and Prince of Wales Schottisch,. Which does now leave us with a few questions I am keen to find answers to.

In 1984 a strong connection was made when a group of of Egerlanders (now living in Germany) visited NZ, This was an exciting time for them and us to learn of each other and exchange similar cultures. Since then they have shown us the huge amount  of culture they have retained.  They hold yearly competitions to keep the culture alive.  Since 1985 and our experience of actually joining in on one of their  competitions, we learned, enthusiastically,  some of dances to perform here in New Zealand.

Who are the  German-Bohemians? The link below gives an explanation of where the German - Bohemians came from and also shows a map of the regions where the Germans lived in Bohemia.
This site is about Bohemians that migrated to USA.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~gbhs/who.html  

Puhoi still have an active dance group that performs for visitors / tourists.