The Dancing Witches: From the Harz Mountains to the Adirondacks
Photo courtesy: The Dancing Witches
Pointed hats. Elaborate costumes. Decorated broomsticks. And a coven of women dancing to classic rock at festivals and community celebrations around the Adirondacks.
If you've encountered the Adirondack Dancing Witches, you probably remember them. What you may not know is how they got here—or why something that looks like wonderfully eccentric fun has become so meaningful to both the women behind the broomsticks and the people who come to see them.
In this episode of ADK Talks, host Jane Ackerman sits down with three members of the Adirondack Dancing Witches: Susan Murante, known as Crystal; Barbara Westbrook, aka Raven; and Robin Jay, better known in witch circles as Shabby. Together, they trace the unlikely journey of the Dancing Witches from Germany to the Adirondacks—and explain what happens when a group of women decides to put on witch hats, pick up their brooms and dance.
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What you'll hear.
How a Dancing Witches phenomenon with roots in Germany made its way to the Adirondacks.
Why the group's 18 witches, ranging in age from 45 to 85, take on names like Crystal, Raven, Shabby, Mermaid, Whimsy and Winter.
What really happens at a Dancing Witches performance—and why their 15- to 20-minute shows involve considerably more work than you might think.
How friendship, illness, loss and caregiving have made the group about much more than costumes and dancing.
Where to catch the Adirondack Dancing Witches this fall—including one appearance they especially recommend for visitors making a trip to the region.
From Germany to the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack Dancing Witches got their start in 2021 after members of the group discovered videos of dancing witches in Germany.
What began as an intriguing idea quickly turned into something more. A small group of women started practicing together; others joined, and the Adirondack contingent gradually grew to 18 members from communities including North Creek, North River, Indian Lake, Warrensburg and Minerva.
Their ages span four decades—from 45 to 85.
And every witch gets a name.
Crystal's crystal-covered costume inspired hers. Raven's feathers helped create her identity. Shabby's first witch costume came from thrift-shop clothing—a natural fit for someone who also calls her home a “shabby farmhouse.”
Other witches have names including Starry, Mermaid, Sunflower, Whimsy and Winter, with costumes and identities that have continued to evolve along with the group.
The Adirondack version has evolved in another way, too.
“We are the rock and roll Dancing Witches,” Shabby explains.
Their performances combine dance, music and sound effects, incorporating the German-inspired dance that started it all alongside snippets of classic rock from the likes of the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi. There's even a warlock with a gong.
This year's roughly 20-minute performance revisits dances from the group's first five years.
More than women with broomsticks.
Ask the Dancing Witches what they're trying to accomplish, and the answer isn't frightening anyone.
They describe themselves as women who come together to spread “peace, love, joy, healing and unity” wherever they go.
Spend a little time talking with them, and it becomes clear those words have substance.
One member joined the group after losing her partner to COVID and found herself surrounded by women.
Come for the Witches. Stay for the Adirondacks.
So where can you actually see them?
For someone planning an Adirondack trip after this episode drops, the Witches point listeners toward the Gore Mountain Harvest Festival in North Creek on October 10, where they're scheduled to perform at 1 p.m.
It's an especially good introduction to the Witches because the performance comes wrapped inside one of the southern Adirondacks' popular fall weekends, with foliage, mountain scenery, vendors and other festival activities.
Their advice for first-timers is refreshingly uncomplicated.
Come. Smile. Enjoy yourself.
And when the Witches invite you to dance, don't be shy.
“If you feel the vibe, please come and join us,” Shabby says. “Because that's our favorite thing.”
Gore Mountain Scenic Skyride in the Fall.
Mentioned in this podcast.
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