La Danza
International Pizzica Pizzica Dance Residency 2024
with
The Melbourne School of Tarantella & Pizzica.me
Embark on an immersive journey into
Southern Italy's vibrant dance culture
at a unique English-language
International Dance Residency in Puglia.
Guided by local experts, delve into the rich traditions of the pizzica in its land of origin,
and discover the rhythmic heartbeat of this captivating art form.
Whether a seasoned dancer or a curious novice, join us for an unforgettable experience
celebrating the fusion of tradition and innovation.
September 10th-16th, 2024
Galatina (Province of Lecce)
The Dance
Pizzica is a traditional dance from the region of Apulia or Puglia, the "heel" of the boot of Italy.
Academically considered a "tarantella" -- a category of traditional dances of Southern Italy that exist in complex and hyper-localized traditions, not necessarily connected to or with knowledge of each other.
The pizzica is said to contain three traditional purposes of dance, but there is overlap between the traditions. Styles of the steps, movements, and music vary from town to town within Puglia.
Pizzica Tarantata is the traditional therapeutic dance that healed the tarantata bitten by the taranta — a malady attributed to a spider and other stinging creatures. The origin of the name pizzica is related to the verb pizzicare: the pinch of a bite or a sting.
Pizzica Scherma or pizzica of the sword stems from rites of duels, to redeem honor or settle disputes, and is traditionally danced between two men.
Pizzica de Core or Pizzica Pizzica stems from traditional courtship dance, and is a social dance danced in pairs.
The Pizzica has undergone a unique preservation journey in Puglia and beyond, with many lines of both revival and interpretation. Together, we'll explore these unique intertwining layers of tradition, assimilation, and reclamation.
In addition to exploring the dance itself, we'll examine all of its musical and cultural context: songs, instruments, and social rhythms.
The Place
Galatina, renowned for its historic Church of Saint Peter and Paul, is situated in the heart of Salento, in the province of Lecce.
The town holds a special significance as the centerpiece of tarantism rituals closely tied to the pulsating rhythms of pizzica, clearly indicated in the highly diffused verse:
"Santu Paulu meu de Galatina
faciti 'nde la grazia stamatina."
My Saint Paul of Galatina, give us grace this morning.
With its rich cultural heritage, the town eagerly collaborates with us to host this gathering, fostering a shared passion for and deep interest in preserving the cherished pizzica traditions of the region.
We also chose Galatina for the ease of access for travelers: the historic center of Galatina is highly walkable, and the town is easy accessible by train, via Lecce. From the station to historic center is a comfortable 20 minutes through the (relatively) newer part of town.
You can review more details on organizing transportation in the FAQs below.
What Does The Residency Include?
These days will be filled with profound sensory experiences of these local traditions, facilitated in collaboration with, and out of deep respect for, their land and people.
We will be sure to leave some breathing room for relaxation, riposo, enjoying Puglia, and some time for exploring if you so choose.
To connect best with the source of these lineages, opportunities to expand your Italian and/or dialect vocabulary and language skills will be welcomed and supported.
Masterclasses & Workshops
A full week of daily morning lesson in English with Rosa Voto, from the Melbourne School of Tarantella.
Focus dance, tamburello (traditional frame drum), and singing workshops with local renowned artists and teachers, all translated into English by Rosa.
Connect with Places of Cultural Importance
The experience will be held in Galatina, specifically Piazzette Gulluccio. Galatina offers unique experiences connecting to the city’s legacy of tarantismo, the healing ritual pizzica.
Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Galatina, in the province of Lecce, where centuries-old history and architectural wonders await. Visit local artisans and indulge in the rich food tradition of the area.
Dance in Community
We will incorporate live music during lessons and workshops as well as during evening gatherings. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies and rhythms of Pizzica.
Gather together to share and explore the intricacies of your day's dance discoveries, weaving newfound moves and memories within the community that brings this music to life.
Who Will Be Teaching?
La Danza: Galatina is a unique event, made possible by a synergy of vision, passion, and connections to the traditional music community in Puglia. It comes to life through the knowledge, embodiment, and passion of a number of artists. We'll be joined by an amazing faculty of local artists and teachers to share workshops, presentations, and gatherings in community. We'll introduce them one by one in the coming weeks!
You can learn more about the team behind the event on the About Us page.
Rosa Voto
Rosa Voto, the visionary founder and artistic director behind the Melbourne School of Tarantella, Australia's first dance school dedicated to Southern Italian dances and music since 2011. Born in Puglia to a Salentino mother and Calabrese father, Rosa's roots deeply influenced her upbringing despite growing up in Florence. Read More
Massimiliano Morabito
Massimiliano Morabito graduated from the Dams of Bologna with a thesis on the unpublished research of Lomax and Carpitella in Locorotondo (BA).
Since 2000, he has been conducting independent research in the ethnoanthropological field in Southern Italy, particularly in Puglia. where he was born. Read More
Veronica Calati
Veronica Calati is a dancer with classical training from Miggiano (Lecce), Puglia. Since a very young age, Veronica was captivated by the folk dance of her homeland which has become, throughout the years, her primary artistic expression. Through her art, she expresses positivity and energy. Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
What Other Costs Can I Expect?
While the teaching artists' and community members compensation needs to be fixed and fair, we want you to be able to customize the rest of the trip to your needs and budget. Galatina offers accommodation, dining, and grocery shopping options that you can choose from independently or with friends.
Participants will select and pay separately for the following:
1. Accommodations
Likewise, we want to give you the option to find accommodation that fits your budget as well as share accommodation costs in groups. We can't handle this for you since we are not travel agents, but we can help! We will create Facebook or WhatsApp groups in which you can connect with other attendees, or if you aren't on social media we can connect you with folks via email.
Rates for stays Galatina for September range from around 20 euros (for a room) to 200 euros, see examples here and here.
2. Travel
a. Your travel to and from Galatina (including any visa required for travel to Italy).
b. Any travel that you'd like to take outside of Galatina and not included in the program.
3. Food
One dinner together will be covered in the registration price, other meals may be offered together but the price will be split. You can eat to your budget, from fine (but relatively affordable!) regional dining, to focaccia and panini, to grocery shopping and cooking yourself. You can budget anywhere from 5 to 20 euros per meal depending how you want to eat.
4. Optional Activities
We are going to offer a couple of ideas for optional activities for the "Flex time" on Friday and Saturday, such as a train trip to Lecce. These will not be included in the tuition fee.
How do I get to Galatina? Is it difficult?
Galatina is easily reachable by train: just one connection outside the major hub of Lecce.
Bari and Brindisi are the two airports in Puglia, but you could also fly into a larger airport (Rome, Venice, Naples) and take a train.
Renting a car is also a great option and can be done for a couple hundred euros per week -- but since the residency is so centrally located it could be inefficient depending on what the rest of your visit to Italy looks like. As with accommodations, we will help you connect to coordinate travel where it makes sense!
When should I arrive and depart Galatina?
Tuitions and activities take off first thing on the morning of Monday 10th of September, so to make the most of it, you should arrive in Galatina anytime on Sunday 9th of September. We'll be there to welcome you!
You can depart Galatina on Tuesday 17th of September.
You won't be alone navigating all this, we're here to help! Have other questions? Contact us!
Ready To Register?
Early Bird Registration is Now Open!
Early Bird Tuition: €1050 through May 31, 2024
Standard Tuition €1350 after May 31, 2024
There are two steps to complete, linked below:
1. Registration Form and 2. Payment.
Registration is run through our Italian host organization, Pizzica.me.
Payment can be made via bank transfer or Paypal, details are at the link below.
Space is limited in this community-based event. Register soon to hold your spot!
Space is limited in this community-based event. Register soon to hold your spot.
We're looking forward to dancing with you in Galatina!
