Big festival

Western and cowboy feeling in the middle of Burgenland

Line dancing involves dancing synchronously in mixed rows, the so-called "lines" - in front of and next to each other.(Bild: Reinhard Judt)

Even if Burgenland is not the Wild West, this is how people dance here. The oldest line dance group is known far beyond the country's borders and has been in existence for 20 years. This milestone anniversary will be duly celebrated at the weekend. 

The "Wild Line Dancers" from Mattersburg are the oldest line dance group in Burgenland. They only made history in the summer. They set a new world record as part of the highest country and western line dance workshop on the Schmittenhöhe at the Alpfestival in Kaprun.

"We registered five minutes before the end and were therefore the tip of the scales. If we Burgenlanders hadn't been there, a new world record wouldn't have been possible," says club chairwoman Brigitte Perner. Some members have also danced at a country festival in New Zealand this year - wearing cowboy hats and western boots, of course.

New dancers wanted!
On Saturday, the troupe, which can also be booked for weddings, balls and various parties, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Parkhotel Neubauer in Bad Sauerbrunn with live music, show acts and a big party: "New members of all ages are always welcome. Even without a dance partner, because you don't need one here. No special qualifications are required - apart from a sense of rhythm and a love of movement."