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About us
Our association is named Arbeitskreis Europäische Jugendwochen Burg Ludwigstein e.V. (Working Group European Youth Weeks Burg Ludwigstein).
It is based in Witzenhausen and is registered in the register of associations at the Eschwege District Court.
The association serves exclusively and directly charitable purposes within the meaning of the section on tax-privileged purposes of the German Fiscal Code.
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More than just dance and music: Communication on equal terms
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With us, culture comes alive. We believe that singing, making music, and dancing together are the best ways to overcome language barriers and have genuine conversations. While the first meetings were primarily characterized by folk dance, today, choral and instrumental music also form the cornerstones of our collaborative work.​
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Diversity as a standard: From the very beginning, groups from all over Europe have participated – from Sweden to Austria.
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Bridges to Eastern Europe: Groups from Poland, Hungary, and Bulgaria visited us early on. After the fall of the Iron Curtain, friends from former East Germany, the Baltic states, and Ukraine joined us too.
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Openness to all: We promote cooperation among European youth and set an example for solidarity and togetherness.
Purpose of the association
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The association pursues exclusively charitable purposes.
It achieves its goals in particular through:
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Organizing and conducting the European Youth Weeks at Ludwigstein Castle.
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Promoting the European mindset and intercultural exchange among young people from different countries.
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Supporting participating groups in their cultural, creative, and social work.
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Cultivating cooperation with European partner organizations and former participants.
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Strengthening understanding, friendship, and solidarity across national, ethnic, and religious boundaries.
The Ludwigsteiners
The Ludwigsteiners are the club's own dance group of the European Youth Weeks working group.
The dancers come from all over Germany. For this reason, they only meet a few times a year. When they do, they rehearse very intensively and with great passion.
The group showcases various German traditions, which they incorporate into stories through dance. They utilise old folk dances and traditional costumes, weaving them into new choreographies. They are always accompanied live by the music group "Die Lusiker".
The group presents these stories annually at the European Youth Week, as well as at various performances within and outside of Germany.
Key data:
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Founded in 1990 by Fritz Lenz
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Permanent German representation at the European Youth Week since 1991
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International performances in over 10 countries worldwide
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Current management: Annika Meyer & Johanna Klauer
The Ludwigsteiner Musicians
The Ludwigsteiner musicians ("Lusiker" for short) are the club's own music group of the European Youth Week working group. It consists of a 7-member team which, together with the Ludwigstein dance group, represents Germany at the European Youth Week.
The group comes from various parts of Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Therefore, they only rehearse a few times a year – but always with great enthusiasm.
In addition to various traditional German musical pieces, the group also plays more modern pieces, as well as their own compositions.
Key data:
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Current management: Maciej Derra
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Instruments: Flute, accordion, bass, guitar, horn, vocals
Member of CIOFF ®
The working group European Youth Weeks Burg Ludwigstein eV is a member of CIOFF® (Conseil International des Organisations de Festivals de Folklore et d'Arts Traditionnels ) , an international partner organisation of UNESCO in the field of traditional culture and folklore.
With this membership, we want to underscore our international commitment and dedication to cultural exchange and international understanding. Further information can be found on the official CIOFF® website.
