The Saltarello is an ancient dance originating from central Italy, specifically in regions like Lazio, Abruzzo, Marche, Umbria, and Molise, and is still practiced today. First mentioned in Naples during the 14th century, it became popular in medieval European courts and influenced the development of Renaissance dances. The dance is typically performed in a circular formation with musical accompaniment from traditional instruments like the zampogna and organetto.

1. SALTARELLO
The Saltarello is a set of popular dances of ancient origin, typical of central Italy. In Lazio,
Abruzzo, Marche, Umbria and Molise we can find evidence of these dances, that are
practiced even today. The genesis of the Saltarello can be linked to “saltatio”, a very popular
genre durimg the time of Latins before the conquest by the Romans.
The Saltarello is part of the four basic modes of Italian court dance, and is used as a model
for the development of Renaissance dances.
The Saltarello dance an be danced in two (man and woman), four or more in a circle or in
processional way. In several regions, however, you may find different type of this dance.
The saltarello was a lively, merry dance first mentioned in Naples during the 14th century.
The saltarello enjoyed great popularity in the courts of medieval Europe. During the 15th
century, the word saltarello became the name of a particular dance step (a double with a hop
on the final or initial upbeat), and the name of a meter of music (a fast triple), both of which
appear in many choreographed dances.
Although a Neapolitan court origin in origin, the saltarello became the typical Italian folk
dance of Ciociaria and a favorite tradition of Rome in the Carnival and vintage festivities.
The saltarello is still a popular folk dance played in the regions of Southern-Central Italy,
such as Abruzzo, Molise (but in these two regions the name is female:Saltarella), Lazio and
Marche. The dance is usually performed on the zampogna bagpipe or on the organetto, a
type of diatonic button accordion, and is accompanied by a tamburello.
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