FOLKLORE. LA TARANTELLA SORRENTINA

The secrets and curiosity of a spectacle that never fails to impassion spectators of every age.

(AGO PRESS) La Tarantella, a traditional type of Neapolitan dance, known throughout the world in it’s many forms, continues to be a unique spectacle which unites local folklore and culture in the styles and costumes of Naples and the surrounding area. Those involved aren’t just treated to song and dance, but to a pleasant trip in time with glimpses into history, from the Kingdom of Naples during the 1500’s and to more recent times. Of all the multiple forms of La Tarantella, the one that has maintained genuine character is certainly the Sorrentine Tarantella. Already from the 14th century to the 20th century, postcards through the ages remember how La Tarantella Sorrentina represents the major attraction enjoyed by foreign visitors who have frequented often the receptive structures along the coast. Now that we’ve entered the third millennium this spectacle still continues to be a hit. Revived in a more modern and charming light mainly for the people in the local night clubs found in the area and also in several theatres, but overall it is foreign tourists who watch and enjoy the show.

The spectacle of the Sorrentine Tarantella goes through various changes in costumes during the course of the exhibition in order to represent the different historic ages through which the event is unfolded. It is fundamental that the dancers are presented in the scenes dressed like the people that they are intended to represent in order to unfold that which the stage pretence intended. Their job, other than dancing, is to involve the audience by getting them to clap the rhythm with their hands or using the typical Neapolitan ‘nacchere’ (castanets) which in many cases come provided by the organizers of the show. Another moment of audience participation is in the beginning of the scene called ‘Scarafone’ (Cockroach), where a dancer, while his companions continue to dance and sing, must kneel in front of a spectator who has to try to give him a slap on the face while he passes with his face between his open hands.

The Sorrentine Tarantella differs from the others in two ways: The insertion in the middle part of the show a so called ‘gavotta’ makes it different. But, more importantly, it’s difference is because it is treated exclusively as a ‘danza d’amore’ (dance of love), distinguished like every love story respecting the moments of courtship; the refusal, the argument, and then the making of peace. The musical, in general, expects to be for you a display of dance during which there will be bits of the most beautiful traditional Neapolitan music. The dancers of the Tarantella also participate in these moments and come dressed as the chorus, or as the orchestra, playing the characteristic instruments of ‘Partenope’ music, like the ‘putìpu,’ ‘scetavajasse,’ ‘tric-ballac,’ ‘nacchere (castanets),’ tambourines and others. In the centuries La Tarantella Sorrentina has sharpened it’s fundamental qualities of grace and elegance becoming a unique spectacle among it’s genre; so, while this show benefits from the reputation of the general Tarantella, one needs to be aware of the fact that the Tarantella Sorrentina is … a whole other thing.
(Massimiliano D’Esposito)