Preserving German heritage one step at a time

Mein Schatz.

If you spend much time in the Milwaukee area, you're likely to hear this term of
endearment, which translates to "my treasure" in German. And if you love to dance and want to preserve German culture, you might also know that it symbolizes the sentiment of "Schatzie Polkais," a German polka. If you don't know anything about German dancing, just ask Lauren Jahn. She'll be happy to teach to you.

By day, Jahn works as an assistant and secretary in the Dermatology Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. On evenings and weekends, she pursues her
passion for German dance.

Combining dance with her German heritage always has been a part of Jahn's life. She's been twirling to "Schatzie Polkais" and many other German tunes since age 6.

But this dancing is more than just social, Jahn said. It's music, art and movement
combined to help preserve pieces of German culture that might otherwise be
lost. According to Jahn, it's the younger generation's responsibility to preserve
its heritage and culture.

The state of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee in particular, reflects many aspects of German culture. Its influence is almost everywhere, including city and street names. In the
1840s, Milwaukee was known as "Deutsches Athens" or German Athens.

Jahn dances to help share, enhance and preserve that long history.

Every Saturday, she travels to Pommersche Tanzdeel in Freistadt, Wis., where she is the assistant dance director. There, she teaches children the emotions and meaning behind German dance, which varies in style throughout the country.

"I have so much fun dancing and singing songs with the kids," said Jahn. "It's great
to be part of a welcoming environment that teaches German culture, no matter if you're German or not. It's important to be a positive role model and support them."

In recognition of her commitment, Jahn was voted Miss German-America Society.
She volunteers for German Fest, held each summer in Milwaukee, and has traveled abroad to enhance her knowledge of German culture while sharing information
on her home state.

Although she loves to dance, Jahn has other professional aspirations. She recently graduated from the Speech Language Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As a child, she worked with a speech/language therapist and recalls
how important – and fun – those sessions were. Her goal is to work for Children's Hospital as a speech/language therapist.

In the meantime, she continues to put her mark on Milwaukee's German community.
In 2008, she received a "Women Putting Their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee" award. This national awards program, presented by the United States Postal Service, honors women who have made a positive impact on their community. Jahn was honored for her work with children and her efforts to launch a youth arts movement.

"I'm just looking for a way to preserve our culture," she said. "Creating a support system gives you pride and confidence. It creates an extended family across the state, nation and world so we can share our traditions and experiences."