SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Linda Zak, a founding member of the Muddy River Mystics, said the group\u2019s synchronized \u201cwitch dance\u201d draws from a tradition tied to Germany. She added that the group links the modern routine to the German group Wolfsh\u00e4ger Hexenbrut and to Walpurgisnacht, observed on the night of April 30.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur overall dance symbolizes us getting together to perform and have a good time. It\u2019s 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\u2019s really about getting everyone together, teaching them the dance and having a good time performing for people,\u201d Zak said.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s meet-and-greet doubled as a teaching night, with newcomers learning what\u2019s expected, including regular rehearsals and practicing the routine outside group sessions to be ready for performances.<\/p>\n
Costuming leans into the theme, with witch-inspired outfits that can include hats, dresses, wigs and, at times, pointed noses.<\/p>\n
The Muddy River Mystics plan to take part in Witch Dance United 2026<\/a>, an annual worldwide event billed as a dance for peace, love and unity that honors Wolfsh\u00e4ger Hexenbrut. They practice the routine to the song \u201cSch\u00fcttel deinen Speck,\u201d which translates to \u201cShake Your Bacon,\u201d and plan to perform it live on April 30 alongside witch dance groups around the world.<\/p>\n