La Tarantella

Vienna has the waltz; Italy has the tarantella.

The waltz evolved from German peasant dances, becoming popular in Vienna and European courts through the work of professional composers including Johann Strauss and his more famous son, Johann Strauss Jr.

The origins of the tarantella are different. It is a dance rooted in superstition, healing, and tradition.

The name tarantella comes from the town of Taranto in southern Italy, where people believed that those bitten by a wolf spider (“tarantula”) would fall into a trance-like state known as tarantism. A frenzied dance, accompanied by lively music, was believed to help the victim “sweat out” the venom.

During the 15th to 17th centuries, musicians played different tempos until they found the rhythm that matched the afflicted person’s movements. Once the right beat was discovered, the victim would dance wildly until exhaustion—supposedly curing them of the spider’s effects.

Over time, the tarantella transformed from a supposed medical treatment into a celebratory dance.

Today, it is performed at weddings, festivals, and social gatherings, symbolizing happiness and romance. The dance is typically performed by couples, with movements that are light, teasing, and flirtatious. It is not a single dance, however, but a collection of regional styles from across southern Italy. The Neapolitan Tarantella, Calabrian Tarantella, and Sicilian Tarantella each have their own personality.

The tarantella is not only tied to southern Italy’s folklore but has also influenced classical music. Famous composers like Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt wrote tarantella-inspired pieces for the piano, and the dance has been featured in operas and theatrical performances.

The tarantella remains a symbol of Italian heritage, accompanied by mandolins, accordions, and tambourines, creating a rhythmic and energetic atmosphere—another piece of the Italian spirit that tourists delight in when visiting southern Italy.