Traditional Italian Dancing by Fonte d'amore Tarantella @ Ottawa during Taste of Little Italy,Ottawa

Описание: #Italiandancing #ottawadancing #italyfolkdance

School: Fonte d'Amore Tarantella
Teachers:
Carina Della Valle
Vanessa Marinelli

Traditional Italian Dancing by Fonte d'amore Tarantella in Ottawa during Taste of Little Italy, Ottawa

Unraveling the Mystique of the Tarantella: A Dance with History and Legend

The vibrant and spirited Tarantella, a traditional folk dance hailing from the sun-kissed regions of southern Italy, is a tapestry woven with history, myth, and the rhythm of life itself. Originating in the picturesque landscapes of Calabria, Campania, and Puglia, this dance form has transcended time to become one of the most cherished expressions of Italian culture.

A Dance of Origins

To understand the Tarantella is to delve into the rich tapestry of southern Italy's past. Once part of ancient Greece, this region boasts a legacy steeped in myth and tradition. The dance's roots intertwine with ancient rituals and beliefs, with its name paying homage to the ancient Greek city of Tarantas, nestled in what is now the Italian province of Taranto.

Legend has it that the Tarantella emerged as a response to the venomous bite of the local wolf spider, known as the "tarantula." The bite was believed to induce a condition known as tarantism, characterized by hysterical behavior. Thus, the dance became not only a form of entertainment but also a purported cure for the affliction, a dance of liberation and healing.

The Dance Unveiled

The Tarantella manifests in various forms across different regions, each with its own unique flair and rhythm. From the courtship dances of Naples to the frenzied solos of tarantism, the Tarantella embodies a spectrum of emotions and experiences.

In its courtship form, the Tarantella is a graceful and elegant display, a celebration of love and connection. Couples whirl and twirl to the upbeat tempo, their movements mirroring the ebb and flow of romance. Yet, juxtaposed against this elegance is the raw energy of the tarantism dances, where solo dancers unleash their emotions in a whirlwind of movement, seeking liberation from the spider's venomous grip.

The Melody of Healing

Embedded within the rhythms of the Tarantella is a melody of healing, a testament to the power of music in the face of adversity. Through centuries past, music has been both a remedy and a refuge, offering solace to those afflicted by mysterious ailments. The Tarantella's lively tunes, accompanied by mandolins, guitars, accordions, and tambourines, echo through the ages, a reminder of resilience and strength.

Tarantism: Myth or Reality?

The phenomenon of tarantism remains shrouded in mystery, its origins blending myth with historical accounts. Scholars speculate on its connection to ancient rituals and the therapeutic role of music in alleviating physical and psychological distress. Whether a relic of bygone superstitions or a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, tarantism continues to captivate the imagination, inviting us to explore the intersections of culture, belief, and healing.

In Conclusion

The Tarantella stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of southern Italy, a dance that transcends borders and generations. From its humble origins to its vibrant presence in contemporary culture, it serves as a reminder of the power of tradition to unite and inspire. As we twirl to its infectious rhythm, we pay homage to the resilience of the human spirit and the timeless allure of the dance of the tarantula.

Ref: *190217.mp4