When Tuesday morning becomes a stage – and everyone is in sync

A team with history

The Schlocker Tigers are like professionals. They dance on big stages, rock carnival sessions in the region, and are a great group overall—and have been for over 20 years with a changing lineup. A good third of the current dozen or so members have been with the group for many years. They really get into their stride when the two choreographers, Helen Schulschenk and Franziska Jonas, motivate them to perform at their best, as they did at the dress rehearsal for this week's carnival performance. Wearing smart cowboy hats and Native American costumes, they dance to well-known songs that are a must at carnival. "Now let's show them what we've got," Helen Schulschenk calls out to the group. You can sense that the Tigers are more than ready for this. Most of them have already mastered the movements for the three pieces. In front of the large mirror in the gym, everyone carefully checks how they can improve their hip swing and step sequence. Cristina, André, Dani, and Marianne are "old hands" and help the newcomers. Cristina – with Spanish roots and a flamenco queen – shows Dennis how to do the steps, and André says he has also learned from her. He is known for his acrobatic interludes on stage. Everyone gives it their all once again during the "good mood song" before the well-deserved drink break. 

The two instructors are satisfied and let the Tigers dance alone on the second run. It works really well. Michelle – in the center of the front row – could almost take over the choreography herself, so confident and seemingly effortless is every movement. Resolute and self-assured as she is on stage, she also works in sales at the Schlocker bakery.

Guided with heart

Helen Schulschenk is studying social work and is currently doing an internship semester at Schlockerhof. In addition to social work, music is her second great passion: she performs regularly in the region as a singer and is very successful on streaming platforms. So it was only logical that she was also allowed to set up a small inclusive choir with daycare children and clients. Her colleague Franziska Jonas was a group leader in the rehabilitation workshop for several years and moved to the education department at Schlockerhof in the fall. For both of them, the Schlocker Tigers are a real labor of love. What excites them about the group? Helen Schulschenk is impressed by the team spirit and camaraderie. "The members look out for each other, ask how they are doing, bring each other something to drink when they notice that the other person needs it." Franziska Jonas emphasizes the stage experience: "They are super well-rehearsed, there is a nice group dynamic." The good and respectful interaction is also a result of the work of Christina Duchhardt, who led the group for a long time. 

Words of appreciation also come from the members: "Helen, you're the coolest," Cristina calls out. And everyone cheers when Franziska Jonas dances the mambo with them during the freestyle song at the end of the rehearsal. 

In rhythm

No one in the dance troupe is thinking of quitting—not even Dario and Dennis, who reinforce the male contingent alongside André. But no matter how the roles are distributed, the Schlocker Tigers are one in rhythm. And so they say goodbye in traditional unison with the Schlocker greeting: "Whether north, east, south, or west – the Schlocker Tigers are the best!" (hk)