Italian folk dances are an innate part of Italy’s culture which was the power centre of the European continent from the days of the Roman empire. Italy as a nation has a very rich cultural history and is known for being the epicenter of the major historical event – ‘The Renaissance’. In addition, it is also known for its unique cuisine like the world famous ‘pizzas and pastas’ and many more mouth watering dishes. Infact, the Sicilians are known as the world’s best cheesemakers. However, what many people do not know is that Italian culture is also renowned for its unique folk dances. So here is a list of “5 most famous Italian traditional dances”.
This Italian folk dance is related to the tarantella. It is known to be one of the most popular Italian folk dances. It originated in Southern Italy, and people immigrated during the 19th and 20th centuries to America. The dance styles are as varied as Italy itself. Every town has its own unique traditional dance that depicts or represents stories or gives praise and thanks to higher powers.
Folk dance is done by ordinary local people without any professional training. The dance style is celebrated and performed during celebrations and parties, feast days, and informal family gatherings. This type of dance is not recorded in a professional way. The movements and steps are full of the creation of their own individual minds through the simple act of watching each other.
History and Origin of Folk Dance
Many folk dances trace their origins back during times when dance was distinguished between the different classes of society: common and country folk versus the high society, royalty and elitists. The term “folk dance” was originally meant as a derogative term by high society elitists to demean the common people.
The term “folk dance” is reserved for dances which are to a significant degree bound by tradition and originated in the times when the distinction existed between the dances of “common folk” and the dances of the modern ballroom dances originated from folk ones.
What Is the Culture of Folk Dance in Italy?
You may have heard that the Italian language doesn’t use many words. This isn’t true at all. There are actually a lot of different kinds of music in this country, including folk dances.
There’s one particular type of dance that you should know about. This is the “Ballo delle Rose” (Rose Ball). The dancers wear beautiful dresses, and the women always carry roses. When the ball begins, everyone starts dancing in pairs. Afterward, the couples separate, and the men start to dance with each other while the ladies watch.
Another kind of dance is the “Cantata.” This is a very popular form of entertainment. People gather together in groups of two or three, and they sing songs from their native regions.
There are also some traditional games that people enjoy playing, such as the “Calcio di Sfida,” or the “Trapani.” You can find these games in the villages throughout the countryside.
What Is the Most Famous Folk Dance?
In today’s world, many people have forgotten how to perform traditional dances from their country of origin. This means that they don’t know any of the dances that were performed by their ancestors. However, this doesn’t mean that these dances didn’t exist.
It seems like we’ve been dancing since the beginning of time. The first written records come from ancient Egypt. And it wasn’t until the early 20th century that we started to realize just how old the tradition really was.
Since then, thousands of different kinds of dances have been created all around the globe. Some of them are very easy to learn, while others require years of training to master. If you want to find out what the most popular folk dance is, here are a few suggestions for you.
The Irish jig is one of the easiest dances that you can learn. It requires no more than two people and some basic steps.
The polka is another great option for beginners. It’s also known as the Austrian Polka. There are several versions of this dance, but it usually involves three to four dancers.
If you’d rather try something a little harder, then check out the waltz. You’ll need to practice with someone who knows the dance well in order to get the rhythm down.
FOLK DANCE NO 1: BALLU TUNDU DANCE
Ballu Tundu is a Sardinian folk dance first performed in the year 1805 and is supposed to have originated from an autonomous region called Sardinia in Italy. Ballu Tundhu dance basically comprises ‘leaps and agile foot movements’. In addition, this form of folk dance is performed to music produced by instruments such as the Launeddas, and the accordion.
FOLK DANCE NO 2: CALABRIAN TARANTELLA DANCE
Folk dances have been around since ancient times, but most people don’t know that the origins of folk dancing can be traced back to Europe. Today, many different kinds of folk dances exist, including Irish, Scottish, English, Spanish, Italian, German and Greek dances.
Calabrian tarantella is one type of traditional folk dance. This particular form of the dance originated in Calabria, Italy. The word “tarantella” means “dance of the devil”, so this name was given to the music that accompanies the dance. In fact, the music is a combination of popular songs and religious hymns.
The calabrese tarantelle are usually performed by men, although women can also take part in these dances. There are two main styles of this dance: the first style is the slow version, while the second is faster.
In both cases, the dancers wear colorful costumes, with some wearing red shirts and others sporting blue ones. When performing this dance, they use their hands to simulate a drum. It’s important to note that the movements of the dance are meant to represent a person who has lost his or her mind.
Calabrian Tarantella dance is a partner dance originating from the Calabria region in southern Italy. Furthermore, this dance is performed around a circle called ‘rota’ i.e. wheel. In addition, instruments such as Zampogna (a peculiar instrument with double chantered pipes) and a diatonic button accordion are usually used to produce music for Calabrian Tarantella folk dance.
FOLK DANCE NO 3: MONFERRINA DANCE
A popular folk dance known as Monferrina originates from a region called Piedmont in North Italy. In this “couple” dance the performers generally join both their hands as well as bend their knees while performing. Furthermore, Monferrina dance also involves the use of bows, mimed teasing and coaxing. In addition, this folk dance is referred to as “Monferrina Di Friuli” in the Province of Bologna, and “Monferrina Mudnaisa” in the Province of Modena.
FOLK DANCE NO 4: PIZZICA DANCE
Performed essentially by “couples” is a popular Italian folk dance called Pizzica originating from a region called Salento located in southern Italy. However, it must be noted that this dance can be performed by “same sex as well opposite sex couple”. Furthermore, Pizzica dance was developed mainly by women as a way to express their desire to break free from the norms set by a rather conservative patriarchal Italian society. The dance style has been updated by mixing modern styles of rhythm with the traditional beats of Italian folk dance.
This is one kind of folk dance. In pizza dance, the couple moves in circles. They spin and jump in time with the music. Pizza dance was popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
FOLK DANCE NO 5: TARANTELLA DANCE
Named after a “wolf spider” is a group of folk dances called Tarantella, and is said to have originated from a region called Salento located in Southern Italy. Tarantella dance, the folk dance of Italy, also known as “courtship” dance is essentially performed by couples in rhythm with the music.
Earlier, in the late 15th century and in Italy, “Tarantism” became a phenomenon.
The performers use a lot of gestures while dancing. The music accompanying this group of folk dances is produced by instruments such as a mandolin, guitar, accordion, tambourine, flute, fiddle, trumpet, and clarinet.