TARANTELLA AND PIZZICA
Tarantella (Italian pronunciation: [taranˈtɛlla]) is a group of various folk dances characterized by a fast upbeat tempo, accompanied by tambourines. It is among the most recognized forms of traditional southern Italian music.
It is among the most recognized forms of traditional southern Italian music. The specific dance-name varies with every region, for instance tammurriata in Campania, pizzica in the Salento region, and Sonu a ballu in Calabria. Tarantella is popular in Southern Italy and Argentina.
See here for more details about the origin of Tarantismo, a good Wiki introduction
But to have an idea of it, come and dance with us!
At sunset the silent, centenary olive trees will be our scenario for this incredible experience. Dancing the Tarantella and the Pizzica, typical dances of our tradition, means lots more than moving rhythmically. The typical double step, the sound of tambourines, the circles around an imaginary altar in a crescendo euphoria to release the poison of the tarantula through sweat. In ancient time this dance was the only cure known to save from the poison of the black widow, the Tarantula, a savage local spider.
Its hitch made woman become crazy, and barefoot, shouting, barefoot, they wiggled in any direction in a long confuse dance to fall finally into a catatonic state that could last long time. This ritual could last also days and was accompanied by a group of 2-3 citizens able to play an instrument – usually a guitar, a violin and a tambourine – offered for free to play music for saving her, till she felt exhausted on the ground. The poison effect was over.
Among the dance steps we will discover stories and legends handed down from the mist of time, the role of a scarf, the romantic dance and other rituals will be revealed till the modern Italian academic researches, interested in this phenomenon, diffused in the South of Italy, with their anthropological and psychological results.
An exciting experience towards the heart of Puglia…
At the end a tasting with some local food, wine and water included.
- Adult 45 €/person
- Young (4-12 years) 30€/persona
NOTE: Pls prefer comfortable clothes. We will invite you to dance barefoot. The area is covered with carpets.