Traditional Dances from the South of Italy
Through the fast and energetic rhythm of Pizzica dance (originally from Lecce area) the slow and earthy steps of Tammurriata dance (originally from Naples area) the joyful Montemaranese Carnival dance and more, we will experience the ties that link body, soul, music and earth.
Eliana has been experiencing these traditional dances and music since the age of 15. Several journeys to the South of Italy reawakened a particular interest about the musical rhythm connected to the ritual of Tarantism. She has learned “Pizzica Pizzica”, Tammurriata and other Tarantellas dancing with some of the most representative musicians and dancers of this sector. Eliana also plays two traditional Italian tambourines (tamburello salentino and tammorra napoletana).
PIZZICA PIZZICA
The Pizzica is a dance for couples which forms part of the Popular Italian Tradition of the South. It is linked to the therapeutic ritual of TARANTISMO, which started and thrived in the geographical area amongst the three towns of BARI, TARANTO and LECCE. The TARANTISMO ritual was focused on the power of music to aid in the healing of physical and psychological disease during the Medieval Age, but its origins go back even further in time.
During the intervening centuries it became a social phenomenon that evolved into a dance for couples called PIZZICA PIZZICA.
By the 1970’s the TARANTISMO ritual had died out. However a new movement arose to rediscover this traditional music and dance and this has generated both national and international interest. A new generation has grown up in a modern social context and is reinterpreting the ancient tradition that today is known as NEO-PIZZICA. To excavate the depths of this tradition it is necessary to study the original historical documents and written testimonies of those who lived and witnessed the magical and pseudo-scientific aspects of the “Aracnideo Myth “ (the original spider rituals and social events).
Tammuriata
Dance from Naples and the area around Vesuvio and takes its name from the drum known as the “TAMMORRA”. This is a large round drum, in a wooden frame in which jagged metal strips are inserted and which vibrate and jangle when played. The voice, the tammorra and castanets, are the main traditional instrumental ingredients used to perform Tammurriata. What was originally music and dance that could be used in pagan ritual (fertility rites etc.) over the centuries became incorporated into the wider practice of Catholic Church celebratory custom. Today, religious celebrations that are dedicated to our Lady are the occasion when Tammurriata is played and danced.
The dance itself is still very `earthy` and has a strong and vital connection to the `soil`, both psychically in the nature of its dance steps, and emotionally in the sense of its ties to the rural people and the land they worked.
Montemaranese
Circle dance to celebrate the Carnival at Montamarano village (Avellino area).
It is an improvisation dance lead by the “Mastro da Ballo” who creates exuberant gestures and steps that everybody has to imitate.The energetic percussion rhythm makes this dance spontaneous and unique following the leader imagination.