SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Muddy River Mystics welcomed newcomers to a meet-and-greet and rehearsal Monday night at Voodoo Brewing Company in Scranton, giving people a chance to learn about the witch-themed dance group and try the routine.
Linda Zak, a founding member of the Muddy River Mystics, said the group’s synchronized “witch dance” draws from a tradition tied to Germany. She added that the group links the modern routine to the German group Wolfshäger Hexenbrut and to Walpurgisnacht, observed on the night of April 30.
“Our overall dance symbolizes us getting together to perform and have a good time. It’s about unity. We get together, we have fun, we teach the dance. We like to do festivals, and we have one coming up in April. It’s really about getting everyone together, teaching them the dance and having a good time performing for people,” Zak said.
The group started in April 2025 and is led by a seven-person committee, with members based around the Tunkhannock area and nearby communities. Monday’s meet-and-greet doubled as a teaching night, with newcomers learning what’s expected, including regular rehearsals and practicing the routine outside group sessions to be ready for performances.
Costuming leans into the theme, with witch-inspired outfits that can include hats, dresses, wigs and, at times, pointed noses.
The Muddy River Mystics plan to take part in Witch Dance United 2026, an annual worldwide event billed as a dance for peace, love and unity that honors Wolfshäger Hexenbrut. They practice the routine to the song “Schüttel deinen Speck,” which translates to “Shake Your Bacon,” and plan to perform it live on April 30 alongside witch dance groups around the world.
For more information about Muddy River Mystics, visit their Facebook page.