The Traditional Folk Dances of Italy

Welcome Back (bentornati) to Phil~italy Cultural Exchanges Newsletter. We publish bi-weekly exploring the food, culture, music, art, architecture, natural beauty and history of our beloved Italy.

This issue we are beginning two new series. Italian Dance and Fashion

The Traditional Folk Dances of Italy

Italy has a rich tradition of folk dances that vary greatly by region, reflecting local culture, history, and influences from neighboring countries. One of the most famous is the Tarantella, originating in southern Italy, especially in Naples and Sicily. Traditionally, it was believed to be a healing dance for those bitten by the tarantula spider, where fast-paced music and spinning movements were thought to cure the victim through sweat and exhaustion. Today, it is performed as a lively couples’ dance with rapid steps, clapping, and tambourine accompaniment, symbolizing joy and celebration.

In central and northern Italy, dances like the Saltarello and the Monferrina have long histories. The Saltarello, dating back to the Middle Ages, is characterized by leaping and skipping steps (from the word saltare, meaning “to jump”) and was often danced during festivals and courtly gatherings. The Monferrina, from the Piedmont region, is a group dance with coordinated steps and arm movements, reflecting the communal spirit of rural Italian life. These dances highlight the regional pride and local traditions that remain an essential part of Italian cultural identity.

Many Italian folk dances are accompanied by traditional instruments such as tambourines, accordions, bagpipes (zampogna), and mandolins, creating an energetic rhythm that encourages participation. They are often performed at weddings, religious festivals, and village fairs, preserving the link between past and present. While today these dances are sometimes showcased in folk festivals or staged performances, they continue to carry the same purpose they always have: bringing people together in celebration, strengthening community bonds, and keeping Italy’s diverse cultural heritage alive.San Cassiano ( 1637 )

Northern Italy

• Monferrina (Piedmont): A lively group dance, often performed in pairs within a circle, symbolizing community unity.

• Furlana (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): A fast-paced couple’s dance with Slavic and Venetian influences.

• Bergamasca (Lombardy): Known from the Bergamo area, performed with joyful skipping steps.

Central Italy

• Saltarello (Umbria, Marche, Lazio, Abruzzo): A jumping and leaping dance, popular since medieval times, often performed in festivals.

• Trescone (Tuscany): A rustic circle dance, accompanied by stomping and lively music.

• Ballarella (Abruzzo): A festive folk dance, sometimes mixed with Tarantella influences.

Southern Italy

• Tarantella (Campania, Calabria, Puglia, Basilicata): The most famous southern dance, with fast steps, spins, and tambourine rhythms.

• Pizzica (Salento, Apulia): A variation of the Tarantella, historically connected to the “tarantula bite cure,” now performed as a passionate partner dance.

• Calabrese Tarantella (Calabria): Characterized by strong footwork, handkerchief props, and vigorous energy.

Islands (Sicily & Sardinia)

• Sicilian Tarantella (Sicily): A regional version of the Tarantella, featuring dramatic gestures and storytelling elements.

• Ballu Tundu (Sardinia): A circular dance where participants hold hands, moving rhythmically to the sounds of traditional Sardinian instruments like the launeddas.

Phil~italy Fall 2025 Event: 

See Lorenzo Mattia Pontiggia and the Cleveland Ballet

"In Vino Veritas" @ CMA

Date: 26 September, 2025   7-8:30pm

Pre show gather and meet at 5:30 pm -  Atrium of Museum in Cafè (grab a light bite at your expense if you like, members of CMA get a discount on food)

Event Address:  CMA/Cleveland Museum of Art, University Circle

Contact Phil at (917) 523/9068 or [email protected]

Join us to witness the beautiful Cleveland Ballet with our friend Lorenzo Mattia Pontiggia, ballerino straordinario performing.  Lorenzo was born and raised in Milan area of Italy.  Balletto was born in Italy and Lorenzo and his ballerini colleagues will bring us this elegant art form from his native, and Ballet's, native land.

Here is the link to purchase tickets.  USE THIS DISCOUNT CODE of PHIL-ITALY to get 10% off (may or may not apply for CMA members already getting discount)

For those of you are able, know Lorenzo will also be performing in Dracula at Playhouse Square for the Cleveland Ballet on October 24th and 25th (Friday and Saturday two shows each day). Here is the link for accessing information and tickets for this highly anticipated performance.  USE THE SAME DISCOUNT CODE of PHIL-ITALY to purchase tickets at 15% off for this production. Divertitevi!  (Enjoy!)

Un abbraccio,

Phil

The Fashion History of Molise

The Fashion Museum in Capracotta, nestled in the picturesque highlands of Molise, is housed in a charming historical building that exudes the region's rich cultural heritage. This unique museum offers a fascinating journey through the evolution of Italian clothing traditions, with a special focus on rural and mountain communities. Its carefully curated collection of garments, accessories, and textiles, spanning centuries, from peasant wear and regional costumes to finely crafted ceremonial attire, is a testament to the region's vibrant history.

What sets the museum apart is its dedication to storytelling through fabric. Each exhibit is a testament to the individuals who wore these garments, the artisans who made them, and the customs they represent. The museum's spotlight on the skills of local weavers, embroiderers, and tailors, showcasing traditional techniques passed down for generations, is a celebration of resilience and creativity. The Fashion Museum of Capracotta not only preserves material culture but also honors a mountain town deeply rooted in its history.

Sebastiano di Lorenzo was a 16th-century Italian artisan and tailor from Capracotta, known for his exceptional craftsmanship in traditional mountain garments. Working during a time when clothing served both functional and symbolic purposes, Sebastiano gained recognition for his ability to blend practicality with decorative elements, using wool and linen sourced from the surrounding Apennine region. His work often featured intricate hand-stitching and regional embroidery patterns unique to Molise, which were passed down through generations.

Fast forward to 2025 Sebastiano di Lorenzo, born in 1940 in Capracotta, is a respected cultural historian and former designer for Valentino, known for his unwavering dedication to preserving the traditions of Molise. Deeply rooted in his mountain heritage, Sebastiano spent decades researching local customs, clothing, and oral history, helping to document and revive interest in the region’s rural past. His personal commitment was instrumental in the founding of the Fashion Museum in Capracotta, where he contributed both scholarly insight and personal artifacts collected over a lifetime.

Plan your trip to Italy. Text or email Phil to arrange a 30-minute introductory appointment at +1.917.523.9068 cell/WhatsApp - [email protected]