Very fast Italian folk dance. Italian folk dances ward off evil

As in many countries of the world, in Italy there are traditions in the art of dance that they try to maintain and not forget.

Those who were teenagers in the 80s and 90s remember how popular disco was. Popular catchy melodies thundered throughout all the fashionable clubs in Europe, and young people famously danced incendiary dances, the movements of which were known to everyone. However, those years have passed, and with them the fashion for such dances has gone. Today no one remembers how to dance them.

This suggests that modern popular club dancing no one will remember in 10-20 years. However, there are some types of music and dance styles that remain unchanged over the centuries. This is because such traditional dances are deeply rooted in the culture of the country, becoming part of its historical heritage.

Dancing traditions in Italy

Throughout history, Italy has had traditions of passing on dances and songs from one generation to the next. These folk dances have become a living witness to the ancient local culture and heritage. They are often performed in small villages where no modern trends can influence them. The dance of love, the dance of courtship, a number of dances performed during the harvesting of crops and the harvest of grapes: there was a dance for every occasion. Dance was not only a true means of communication between people, but also the main form of self-expression.

Naturally, regional folk dances differ from each other, but they have one common denominator: They appeared to express feelings. Dancing was considered real magic remedy, which could affect the character and mood of any person.

Folk dancing in Italy today

Anyone who comes to visit Italians (especially in villages) should know about some of the traditional dances, because the temperamental Italians will certainly involve the guest in dancing.

The basic principles of Italian folk dances are the sense of rhythm, the sense of space and partner and the manner of execution. Characteristic feature for all Italian dances is the speed of movements and their simplicity. Also, in almost all traditional dances there are constant transitions from the entire foot to the toe.

The main features of Italian dances with their centuries-old history are the speed of movements, simplicity of movements, and a sense of rhythm. Moreover, we're talking about not so much about folk dances as about traditional dances, because each region of Italy has its own unique dance.

Dance Tarantella

Tarantella is a type of dance characteristic of the southern regions of the country. Initially, it was associated with the phenomenon of “tarantism” - mass hysterical epidemics in Germany, Holland and Italy. This psychosis was expressed in the form of prolonged, literally exhausting convulsions and an irresistible desire to dance. This particular dance was called tarantella. It was believed that such convulsions were caused by a tarantula bite, and the dance was created to imitate the convulsive movements of the bitten person - supposedly only such a rapid, unbridled dance could disperse the blood and save from poison.

With some variations and slight differences in costume, the Tarantella is found in several regions of Italy, with each city or region having its own music for it.

Actually exist different kinds tarantellas, which were named after their place of origin. The most famous are Tarantella Neapoletana, Tarantella Calabrese, Tarantella Siciliana, Tarantella Pugliese, Tarantella Lucana.

This type of folk dance is widespread throughout almost the entire south of Italy. The differences lie not only in the names, but also in the music, as well as movements (but the dance is always temperamental and fast). The Tarantella is danced both solo and in pairs. In the 17th century, the tarantella was typically played in 2/4 or 4/4, but later 3/8 or 6/8 became more traditional. Some local varieties of tarantella have become more popular and widespread than others: this applies, first of all, to the tarantella from Pizzica, Puglia or Naples. Most of these regional versions of the dance are usually performed in pairs (and the pair does not necessarily consist of a woman and a man) or in groups of four.
In some areas, dancers use castanets when performing, but more common ones are drums, bagpipes, accordions, violins, mandolins, trumpets and tambourines.

Italian pizza

According to most historians, dance traditions in Italy arose quite late - in the 15th century. Previously, dances on the Apennine Peninsula were simple moves, in which there was no clear pattern. Folk dances also began to acquire those features that remained until modern days, just at this time.

Pizza is traditional dance, which first appeared in Puglia. The first mention of pizzica dates back to the end of the 18th century, when a noblewoman from Taranto invited King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon to dance.

This dance is directly related to collective participation in the phenomenon of “tarantism”. After a person was bitten by a tarantula (or it seemed to him that he was bitten - this was not uncommon, given the mass psychosis), music and frantic dance were the only option to escape. People believed that the frantic movements of the dance accelerated the blood and diluted the poison in it. That's why everyone danced the tarantella or pizzica. The musicians played for the bitten person, who danced until the effect of the poison wore off. Very often this dance was performed by the entire village. In other words, dancing pizzica began to mean a kind of liberation.
Usually pizzica is performed in pairs. However, given that it is customary to perform it during family holidays, the couple could be formed by relatives of the same sex. Technically, pizzica has many things in common with the tarantella: it is a circular dance, accompanied by gestures with arms and hands, as well as expressive turns. There is also a staged pizza with swords.

Today, pizzica is mainly danced during the sagra (festival fair) in the Salento region. Moreover, people dance it in a circle. Despite the fact that pizzica is a traditional folk dance, it has attracted many young people in the last few years. The dance has been significantly "updated" by mixing modern rhythms with traditional movements, as well as some more sensual steps.

Once upon a time, almost all Italian dances full of jumping were called saltarello (the name comes from the Italian word saltare - to jump). Therefore, today historians find it difficult to accurately determine the tempo and size of this dance, since a huge variety of their descriptions has been preserved in documents. The first documented mention of the saltarello dance dates back to the 12th century, but the dance began to appear in ballrooms only in the 16th century. During court dances, a fast saltarello was usually placed immediately after a slow pavane.

The popularity of saltarello came in the 60s of the 19th century, when rural areas In Italy, it was customary to organize lush, luxurious weddings and celebrations to mark the end of agricultural work.

The Saltarello is the most popular of all the tarantella-like dances in the central regions of Italy. In Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche, Umbria and Molise, this dance was usually performed in pairs, and for this reason it differs from the folk dances of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and the Adriatic region, where people mostly danced in threes. Saltarello can have a very ancient origin: some believe that this dance was known even in Ancient Rome. Technically, saltarello is an alternating performance of double steps and bows, which is very similar to galliardo.

Often, for such dances even now, special costumes are worn, which are either carefully stored for decades, or are produced by specialist craftsmen who still adhere to old production methods. This helps to recreate a specific atmosphere, in which you seem to be transported centuries ago. There are no such dances magical power, as people used to think, but there is definitely something special about them. This dance literally conveys the cheerfulness of our ancestors.

Speed ​​of movement, simplicity, sense of rhythm and partner - these are the main features of Italian dance, whose history goes back several centuries. However, it would be wrong to say that we are talking about folk dances, since, as a rule, each region has its own unique dance, for which it is still famous.

History of dance in Italy

It is generally accepted that dance traditions originated in the 15th century, since previously these were still simpler movements in which there was no clear pattern and codification. The development of dance art was not without “overseas” teachers: it is known that at one time noble persons invited the Moroccan Domenico della Piacenza and the Jewish choreographer Guglielmo Ebreo, who was a dance master at the courts of L. Medici and Isabella d’Este. It was the world-famous Gelosia, Belfiore, La vita cholina that appeared thanks to Domenico.

The general characteristics of Italian dance developed already in the Middle Ages:

1. speed of movement;
2. transitions from full foot to toe;
3. transition from jumpless steps to easy ballies.

The Renaissance also left its mark on the concept of dance of that time: it was intended for God, which means that all movements should be graceful, light and appearance resemble the waves of the World Ocean. However, this extraordinary elegance has been preserved in Italian dance traditions to this day.

Mentions of dancing are also found in folk tales. So, for example, in “Gifts of the Fairy of Krenskoe Lake” the following phrase is contained: “Meanwhile, the club finished the tarantella and began to dance the cheerful peasant dance of the trescon.”

Renaissance dances. Photo: salvatoreloleggio.blogspot.com

The classification of dances developed back in the Middle Ages:

1. Moriscos. In general, baptized Arabs are called Moriscos. The attitude towards them in general was not very good, but everyone, without exception, since the Middle Ages loved to watch their dances. In the film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, noble people played the Morisco.

2. Staged. They were created by choreographers and intended for certain celebrations.

3. Dancing to the tune of quatenaria, beer and saltarello. As a rule, under the same musical composition It was possible to perform different compositions.

Gagliarda

Gagliarda (Italian: gagliarda, “cheerful”, “cheerful”) is considered one of the oldest Italian dances. The first mentions of it come from the 15th century. Later it became widespread in England, France and Germany.

Galliard is considered a cheerful dance, in which there is a large number of jumps and jumps. It is paired, however, it can also be performed solo. It has one main movement - “five steps”. It should also be noted that later the galliard acquired a slower tempo. The Galliard was rightfully considered a court dance.

Galliard is a sophisticated court dance. Photo it.wikipedia.org

Tarantella and its varieties

This dance is common in the south of Italy, in and on. According to one legend, if a person is bitten by a tarantula spider, then the only way to avoid infection is by dancing the tarantella for several hours. Residents in the Middle Ages believed that this particular insect was capable of infecting people with madness. Trying to get rid of him, people on the streets performed this fiery dance. The disease itself was called tarantism. However, later scientists were able to find out that a spider bite does not cause mental confusion at all.

The music for this dance is played on a guitar or tambourine and can be danced in pairs or solo. People form a circle, first move rhythmically in one direction, and then have to suddenly change direction. Nowadays it can also be seen at weddings, but previously this dance was almost banned: the fact is that it was danced by people from the lower strata, and it was even called lustful. Under Cardinal Barberini the situation changed: the tarantella was performed at court. Despite the fact that the tarantella has become widespread throughout the south of Italy, the Neapolitan tarantella is still considered a classic.

Watch this performance expressive dance possible during the Notte della Taranta festival in the town of Melpignano in the province. One thing remains unchanged: the tarantella is literally mesmerizing, and you can dance it for hours.

Tarantella is the calling card of the South of Italy. Photo by viverecalabria. blogspot.com

Pizzica

Pizzica is considered a type of tarantella. The peak of this dance was in the 70s. XX century. It is also typical for the southern regions: and. The first mention of pizzica dates back to the end of the 18th century, when a noble person from Taranto invited King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon to dance.

Pizzica is considered a couples dance, but it is usually performed on family holidays, accordingly, a couple can be formed by relatives of the same sex.

The technical component also has many similarities with the tarantella: it is a dance in a circle, which is accompanied by gestures with arms and hands, as well as expressive turns. Previously, it was customary to wear a scarf on your shoulders when performing a dance; now such a “dress code” is much less common.

Pizzica with swords (pizzica-scherma, danza delle spade) is also widely known. There is already a place for some kind of staging, namely the unfolding of a battle or duel scene. In general, it should be noted that in Italy there are several regional dances where a sword or stick is an indispensable attribute.

Pizzica is a dance of emotions. Photo informatissimo.net

Bergamasca

Bergamasca is considered a dance of peasants from. In its manner of execution, size and liveliness, it is very similar to a tarantella. Despite the fact that it was not danced by rich people, it gained fame outside of Italy.

The traditions of Bergamascan dance are still strong. Photo baghetband.it

So, let's summarize. Tarantella today is represented in various variations by:

Sardinian "ballo tondo";
-saltarella (the classical version is performed in Frosinone);
-Trescone (in the Romagna region);
- “flower dance” (Carnia);
- “saber dance” (Piedmont and southern Italy);
-'ndrezzata (on the island of Ischia this dance was performed by men with wooden sabers and pikes).

Saltarella

The name saltarello is also found in the literature. This dance (Italian saltare - to jump) is typical for, as well as for some areas. Its popularity came in the 60s. last century, when lavish weddings and celebrations were held to mark the completion of field work.

Saltarella is considered a couples dance and is performed in 6/8 time. The melodies of this folk dance are often used in suites and overtures. For example, G. Berlioz used saltarella in the Roman Carnival overture. In turn, Meldenson used saltarella melodies in the finale of the Italian Symphony. Early examples music for saltatrello (circa 14th century) are kept in London.

Saltarello is an alternation of double steps with bows that turn into cadences. In terms of performance, this dance has much in common with the galliard.

Pavana

Pavane is considered a slow dance, which was performed in Europe in the 16th - early. XVII centuries A number of researchers claim that pavana is spanish dance, however, most sources indicate that it is Italian. According to one version, the dance originates in the city (in some dialects the name of this city was pronounced “peahen”). In addition, one cannot help but replace the lexical relationship between the word “pavana” and Latin. pavo (peacock). Pavana was also considered a ceremonial dance, which was performed by the highest noble persons at ceremonies. Required condition there were clothes made of velvet and brocade. The women had trains that they held while dancing. In turn, the cavaliers had a sword and a rich cloak.

Dancing in Sardinia (ballo sardo, ballu sardu)

This term refers to a set of dances characteristic of the island.

Not everything is known about the origin of dances in this region; there are unclear points: as a rule, peasants performed them in honor good harvest, successful hunting or in honor of religious celebrations. A number of researchers note that previously a mandatory attribute was a fire, around which the dance took place. Also, the participants took each other’s hands (“a manu tenta”), because in this way the person was united not only with the music, but also with the team.

It also remains not very clear whether there was originally musical accompaniment, since today many dances are performed to the accompaniment of voices.

There are several types of dance in Sardinia:
-serpentina: dancers form a kind of queue;
- ballu tzivile: a certain type of dance, which in its external form is similar to the mazurka and polka;
- ballu antigu: the dance was performed in the square in honor of regional holidays. No musical instruments were used, only the voice of one tenor;
- ballu tundu. Actually, the previous dance originates from it. It is characterized by simple but cheerful movements. It was also performed on the occasion of a major holiday.

Island dances are full of the unknown. it.wikipedia.org

Dancing on the island

’Ndrezzata

'Ndrezzata perfectly expresses the character of the Iskitans. 16-18 men with sticks and folk costumes They perform it in the main square of the city. If you want to see this old dance, then come to the village square in Buonopan on June 24 (there are celebrations in honor of the patron saint) or on Easter Monday.

It is worth noting that 'ndrezzata is performed to a specific text. The following is an excerpt in standard Italian:
Sul monte San Nicola con piacere
si reca gente da tutto il mondo:
Chi con la chitarra, chi con il mandolino
vanno a vedere l"alba.
Che bellezza sul monte San Nicola
e quando spunta il sole c"è da restare senza fiato!
Translation:
On mountain St. Nicholas with joy
People from all over the world are recovering:
Some with a guitar, some with a mandolin -
Everyone goes to see the sunrise.
What a beauty on Mount St. Nicholas,
And when the sun rises, it takes your breath away!

"Ndrezzata is a dance of character. Photo by it.wikipedia.org.

Mascarata

It is known that this dance at the beginning of the twentieth century. emigrated along with some Italians to the USA. Overseas, this dance is considered one of the most recognizable.

To perform it, a national costume was required, which appearance was similar to the uniform of fishermen of the 17th century, it was later supplanted by the attire of the Spanish courtier.

Mascarata is a prominent representative of the saber dance. The dancers have a sword in one hand (it should be of blue color), and in the other - a stick. Among the participants there is also the main performer of the traditional masquerade song.

Ballet

It was Italy that gave the whole world the art of ballet. However, we must recognize the fact that it is not this country that is associated with its origin, but France. The fact is that it was there that ballet strengthened and became popular. But, despite this, Bel Paese is still famous for its dancers, both past and present. Ballet originated in the Italian courts during the Renaissance. Initially, this term denoted a dance sequence in an opera that conveyed the mood of the work. How independent species The art of ballet took shape in France, which was facilitated by the reforms of choreographer Jean Georges Nover.

The birthplace of ballet is Italy. Photo layousparks.com

Italy is one of the few countries that has managed to preserve regional dances in their old, untouched form, which are still performed with pleasure by Italians on the occasion of festivals. Islands are considered a real subject for study. In addition, the popularity of many could not but affect the dance habits and tastes of the rest of the countries of the Old World. Well, Italy has been and will be a trendsetter in this area, and its secret lies in the simplicity, lightness and sincerity of its movements.

There are many peoples coexisting in the world who communicate in different languages. But people throughout history did not speak only with words. In ancient times, songs and dances were used to spiritualize one's emotions and thoughts.

Dance art against the backdrop of cultural development

Italian culture is of great importance against the backdrop of world achievements. The beginning of its rapid growth coincides with the birth new era- Renaissance. Actually, the Renaissance arises precisely in Italy and develops internally for some time, without touching other countries. His first successes occurred in the 14th-15th centuries. Later from Italy they spread throughout Europe. The development of folklore also begins in the 14th century. The fresh spirit of art, a different attitude towards the world and society, a change in values ​​were directly reflected in folk dances.

Renaissance influence: new steps and balls

In the Middle Ages, Italian movements to music were performed in steps, smoothly, and with swaying. The Renaissance changed attitudes towards God, which was reflected in folklore. Italian dances acquired energy and lively movements. So the “full stop” steps symbolized the earthly origin of man, his connection with the gifts of nature. And the movement “on toes” or “with a jump” identified a person’s desire for God and his glorification. The Italian dance heritage is based on them. Their combination is called “balli” or “ballo”.

Italian folk musical instruments from the Renaissance

Works of folklore were performed to the accompaniment. The following tools were used for this:

• Harpsichord (Italian "chembalo"). First mention: Italy, XIV century.
• Tambourine (a type of tambourine, the ancestor of the modern drum). Dancers also used it during movements.
• Violin ( bowed instrument, originating in the 15th century). Her Italian variety- viola.
• Lute (plucked string instrument.)
• Pipes, flutes and oboes.

Dance variety

The Italian musical world has become more diverse. The appearance of new instruments and melodies encouraged energetic movements to the beat. National Italian dances originated and developed. Their names were formed, often based on the territorial principle. There were many varieties of them. The main Italian dances known today are bergamasca, galliarda, saltarella, pavana, tarantella and pizzica.

Bergamasca: points classic

Bergamasca is a popular Italian folk dance of the 16th-17th centuries, which went out of fashion after, but left a corresponding musical heritage. Native region: northern Italy, province of Bergamo. The music in this dance is cheerful and rhythmic. The time meter is a complex four-beat meter. Movements are simple, smooth, paired, changes between pairs are possible during the process. Initially, folk dance was loved at court during the Renaissance.

Its first literary mention was in William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream. At the end of the 18th century, Bergamasca smoothly transitioned from dance folklore into cultural heritage. Many composers used this style in the process of writing their works: Marco Uccellini, Solomone Rossi, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach.

TO end of the 19th century centuries, a different interpretation of Bergamasca appeared. It was characterized by a complex mixed meter and a faster tempo (A. Piatti, C. Debussy). Today, echoes of folklore Bergamasque have been preserved, which they are successfully trying to embody in ballet and theatrical productions, using appropriate stylistic musical accompaniment.

Galliard: cheerful dances

Galliarda is an ancient Italian dance, one of the first folk dances. Appeared in the 15th century. Translated it means “cheerful.” Actually, he is very cheerful, energetic and rhythmic. It is a complex combination of five steps and jumps. This is a paired folk dance that gained popularity at aristocratic balls in Italy, France, England, Spain, and Germany.

IN XV-XVI centuries The galliard became fashionable thanks to its comic form and cheerful, spontaneous rhythm. Lost popularity due to evolution and transformation into the standard prim court dance style. At the end XVII century completely switched to music.

The primary galliard is characterized by a moderate tempo, a meter long - a simple three-lobe. IN later periods performed with the appropriate rhythm. This galliard was characterized by a complex length of musical meter. Famous modern works in this style they are distinguished by a slower and calmer tempo. Composers who used galliard music in their works: V. Galileo, V. Brake, B. Donato, W. Bird and others.

Saltarella: wedding fun

Saltarella (saltarello) is the most ancient Italian dance. It is quite cheerful and rhythmic. Accompanied by a combination of steps, jumps, rotations and bows. Origin: From Italian saltare - "to jump". The first mentions of this species folk art date back to the 12th century. Originally it was a social dance accompanied by music in a simple two- or three-beat meter. Since the 18th century, it gradually degenerated into a paired saltarella to music of complex sizes. The style has been preserved to this day.

In the 19th-20th centuries - it turned into a mass Italian a wedding dance, which was danced at wedding celebrations. By the way, at that time they were often timed to coincide with the harvest. In XXI - performed at some carnivals. Music in this style was developed in the compositions of many authors: F. Mendelssohn, G. Berlioz, A. Castellono, R. Barto, B. Bazurov.

Pavan: graceful solemnity

Pavana - old Italian ballroom dance, which was performed exclusively at court. Another name is known - padovana (from the name Padova; from the Latin pava - peacock). This dance is slow, graceful, solemn, ornate. The combination of movements consists of simple and double steps, curtsies and periodic changes in the location of the partners relative to each other. It was danced not only at balls, but also at the beginning of processions or ceremonies.

The Italian pavane, having entered the court balls of other countries, changed. It became a kind of dance “dialect”. Thus, Spanish influence led to the emergence of “pavanilla”, and French influence to “passamezzo”. The music to which the steps were performed was slow, two-beat. accentuate the rhythm and important points compositions. The dance gradually went out of fashion, being preserved in works of musical heritage (P. Attenyan, I. Shein, C. Saint-Saens, M. Ravel).

Tarantella: the personification of the Italian temperament

Tarantella is a folk dance of Italy that has survived to this day. He is passionate, energetic, rhythmic, fun, tireless. The Italian dance tarantella is business card local residents. It consists of a combination of jumps (including to the side) with alternating leg throws forward and backward. It was named after the city of Taranto. There is also another version. They said that people who were bitten were exposed to a disease - tarantism. The disease was very similar to rabies, which they tried to cure through the process of non-stop rapid movements.

Music is performed in a simple three-beat or complex time signature. She's fast and fun. Characteristics:

1. Combination of basic instruments (including keyboards) with additional ones, which are in the hands of dancers (tambourines and castanets).
2. Lack of standard music.
3. Improvisation of musical instruments within a known rhythm.

The rhythmicity inherent in movements was used in their compositions by F. Schubert, F. Chopin, F. Mendelssohn, P. Tchaikovsky. Tarantella is still a colorful folk dance today, the basics of which every patriot knows. And in the 21st century, it continues to be danced en masse at cheerful family celebrations and magnificent weddings.

Pizzica: a catchy dance fight

Pizzica is a fast Italian dance derived from the tarantella. Became dance direction Italian folklore due to the emergence of its own distinctive features. If the tarantella is primarily a mass dance, then the pizzica has become exclusively a couples dance. Even more lively and energetic, it received some militant notes. The movements of the two dancers resemble a duel in which cheerful rivals fight.

It is often performed by ladies with several gentlemen in turn. At the same time, performing energetic movements, the young lady expressed her originality, independence, stormy feminine, ultimately rejecting each of them. The gentlemen succumbed to the pressure, demonstrating their admiration for the woman. This kind of individual, special character is unique to pizza. In some way, it characterizes the passionate Italian nature. Having gained popularity in the 18th century, pizzica has not lost it to this day. Continues to be performed at fairs and carnivals, family celebrations and theatrical and ballet performances.

The emergence of a new one led to the creation of a corresponding musical accompaniment. “Pizzicato” appears - a method of performing works on bowed instruments, but not with the bow itself, but with plucking of the fingers. As a result, completely different sounds and melodies appear.

Italian dances in the history of world choreography

Originating as a folk art, penetrating into aristocratic ballrooms, dancing became popular in society. There was a need to systematize and specify steps for the purpose of amateur and professional training. The first theoretical choreographers were Italians: Domenico da Piacenza (XIV-XV), Guglielmo Embreo, Fabrizio Caroso (XVI). These works, along with the honing of movements and their stylization, served as the basis for the worldwide development of ballet.

Meanwhile, at the origins there were cheerful, simple rural and city residents dancing the saltarella or tarantella. The Italians' temperament is passionate and lively. The Renaissance era is mysterious and majestic. These features characterize Italian dances. Their legacy is the basis for the development of dance art in the world as a whole. Their features are a reflection of the history, character, emotions and psychology of an entire people through many centuries.

Added: 06/06/2013

In Italy, dance has always been considered an obligatory component when gathering people for any occasion: fairs, holidays, carnivals, weddings, etc.

The dancers received great pleasure from the process itself, and the rest simply stood on the sidelines and enjoyed the dancing couples. Italian cities still organize celebrations, especially in the summer, where everyone can dance.

IN winter months dances were organized indoors, but in the summer there came freedom, they danced everywhere - in nature, in city squares, in coal warehouses. In Italy, each region has its own typical way of dancing - its own typical dance.

The most famous Italian dances are the saltarella and the tarantella.

Saltarella is a typical Roman dance that originated in the 16th century and is still very common in central Italy. There are also regional variations of this dance, for example, saltarella from the Emilia-Romagna region or from Bologna.

The Saltarella is one of the oldest folk dances, performed in pairs or groups with a shuffling motion, so to speak. The rhythm in this dance is set by the tambourine.

Tarantella is common in the south of the country and used to be a courtship dance. There are many legends associated with its history: the name that this dance bears is due to the city of Taranto, which is located in the south of Italy, or to the tarantula spider, from whose bite this dance saved.

Orchestras roamed the cities of Italy in the 16th century, and those bitten by this spider danced to their playing. Tarantella music was characterized by an unusually lively rhythm with endless repetitions and abrupt transitions, which were capable of having a “hypnotic” effect in removing poison from the human body. At that time, people believed in all these legends.

Italian folk dance pizzica-pizzica. This dance originated in more early period, it is very reminiscent of a tarantella. Its obligatory element is a scarf given to a man by a woman.

The spallata dance is known in the regions of Campania, Molise, Basilicata and Puglia. This dance is notable for the fact that it is based on a shoulder blow that the dancer must inflict on his neighbor.

There are no restrictions on the number of dancers in this dance; it can be performed by couples of the same sex or by many people gathered in a circle.

Each of these dances is able to express the Italian lifestyle, as well as their special temperament and ardor.

It is believed that traditional Italian dances began to take shape in the 15th century. Before dance moves Italians were not diverse and did not have clear patterns and rules.

The Renaissance changed attitudes towards God and culture as a whole. The character of Italian dances has changed - lightness, smoothness, and speed in movements have appeared. Step-like smooth combinations began to turn into so-called ballies - light movements at a fast pace. Symbolism appeared in the dances - keeping a full foot on the floor, the dancer seemed to connect with the Earth, standing on his toes - striving for the Divine.

Notable Italians invited choreographer Guglielmo Ebreo da Pesaro and Domenico della Piacenza, a famous theorist in the 15th century. dance art, for creating cultural heritage countries. Thanks to these people, new dance movements appeared, old dances were reworked, and many steps were taken from the culture of other peoples.

We present for you a list of the most incendiary ancient and modern Italian dances:

Gagliarda – translated as “cheerful” – is considered the oldest dance in Italy. The galliard was performed in pairs or solo. The main features of the dance are jumps and a combination of five steps. Over time, the Galliard acquired the usual stiffness of court dances, became slow, and by the end of the 17th century it turned into music. After Italy, this dance became widespread in other countries. Western Europe. The Galliard was the favorite dance of the English Queen Elizabeth I, and despite the fast tempo, she danced it even in her old age.

• See also:

Tarantella is a fiery, energetic dance popular in southern Italy, especially in Calabria and Italy, although the Neapolitan tarantella is considered a classic version.

According to one version, the name of the dance comes from the name Italian city Taranto. According to another legend, the tarantella was a way to cure madness caused by a tarantula bite – "tarantism". The fast pace and jumping dance allegedly helped to disperse the blood and counteract the spider's venom. In the 16th century, special orchestras walked the streets, to whose music people danced the tarantella for hours. Pairs or individual dancers form a circle as they dance, moving clockwise, then suddenly changing direction.

Dance music was played on guitars, flutes, drums or keyboards, often accompanied by penalties m and tambourines or castanets in the hands of dancers. In the Middle Ages, the church considered dance the embodiment of female lust and banned it. But already during the time of Cardinal Barberini, the dance was again allowed and began to be performed at court. Nowadays, the tarantella is sometimes danced at Italian weddings and at Notte della Taranta. – festival taking place in Melpignano.

Pizzica is a type of tarantella, native to Salento, widespread in Basilicata and Calabria.

So does the tarantella, pizzica dances in a circle, accompanied by hand gestures and sharp turns. But unlike the tarantella, pizzica is performed only as a duet.

On holidays with family, a couple can be same-sex relatives. IN old times A mandatory attribute of the dance was a scarf on the woman’s shoulders. The dance itself is similar to courtship, when the lady slips away, and the gentleman tries to achieve her favor, namely, to pick up the scarf. There is a variant of the sword dance when scenes of battles and duels were played out.

Bergamasca

Bergamasca was a dance of the peasants of the province, but quickly became popular among other classes of Western Europe.

For example, the final dance in the first scene of the fifth act of Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream was the Bergamasca. This is a rhythmic, lively dance with appropriate clear musical accompaniment. And although the dance went out of fashion, a rich musical heritage remained in the compositions of Bach, Debussy, Rossi and other composers.

Saltarella

Saltarello – popular during the Renaissance musical genre, revived as a dance in the 18th century. From Italian saltare translates as “to jump”, which is reflected in the dance movements - jumping, bowing and turning.

The dance begins slowly, the gentleman invites the lady to dance, and she pretends that she does not want to dance. Afterwards, a signal is given to start active movements, and as the dance progresses, the tempo of the music increases. Since the mid-20th century, saltarella has been popular at weddings, harvest celebrations and carnivals.

Saltarella music has come down to us in the suites and overtures of Berlioz, Mendelssohn, and Castellono.

Pavana

Pavane is a slow court ballroom dance, which replaced the bass dance in the 15th century. Pavana (La pavana) was distinguished by graceful movements, pretentious manners and solemnity. Courtiers dressed in brocade and velvet, gentlemen wore cloaks and swords, and ladies' dresses were decorated with trains.

The entire dance consists of a single or double step, or a combination of both, with periodic curtsies and changes in the position of partners. Pavana was danced at the beginning of celebrations and at balls, but it did not go among the people. It is believed that the dance originated in the city of Padua and its name is also similar to the Latin version of the word “peacock” - “pavo”.

Dances of Sardinia

Folk dances were performed, as a rule, during religious holidays, in honor of a successful harvest or hunt. They often danced around the fire, holding hands, thereby symbolizing unity with the group. Some dances, for example ballu antigu, were danced without music, to the singing of one person. The ballu tzivile dance resembles a polka or mazurka in its movements, and during the serpentina dance the dancers form a kind of snake. Ballet (Balletto) originated in Italy in, although it gained popularity in France. The name itself comes from the Italian verb ballare - “to dance.” Initially, ballet was the dance part of Italian opera. The French, captivated by the skill of Italian choreographers, invited them to their court, as a result of which, from the 17th century, France became the center of ballet mastery.

The ballet era began with the Queen's Comedy Ballet, staged at the French court by the Italian Baldassare de Belgiojoso in October 1581. The first ballets were based on court dances, but from the second half of the 17th century, new genres arose, such as comedy-ballet. Ballet became an independent dance genre in the second half of the 18th century in France.

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