SONGS DANCES RHYTHMS

SONGS DANCESRHYTHMS

Voices and Rhythms: Exploring Music Traditions Through Podcasts

eTwinning

2024-2025

Students from Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Turkey participating in the eTwinning project: "Voices and Rhythms: Exploring Music Traditions Through Podcasts" explore the traditional songs, dances and rhythms of their countries and collaborate in the creation of this presentation.

Portugal

Spain

Greece

Turkey

Italy

Songs Danses & rhythms

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

GREECE

about the rhythm

• It was danced in Antiquity and originates from Epirus. • Its name comes from the word "syrō" which means to pull. • It is found throughout Greece with many variations. This dance is the basis for the Traditional Dances of Greece. • Its rhythm is 2/4 (fast, lively and happy). • The dancers hold hands or shoulders and move clockwise. It is a circular and group dance. • It is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the violin, clarinet, lute and tambourine.

"Sirtos in two"

video i

video ii

Sirtos in two (from Epirus)

In this video you can see the dance steps

Songs Danses & rhythms

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

GREECE

"Tsamikos dance"

The dance follows a strict and slow tempo not emphasising on the steps, but more on the "attitude, style and grace" of the dancer. The dancers hold each other from each other's hands, bent 90 degrees upwards at the elbows. It takes a sturdy hand, especially if you are supporting the first or last person of the line (or circle) who will lean on you to perform high acrobatic leaps (usually kicking his right leg up as he takes off followed by the left

It is a slow and proud dance Dancers are usually men The rhythm is slow The roots of the dance are in Epirus

tsamikos

"Kalamatianos dance"

The dance has a rhythm of 7/8 It is usually performed during traditional festivals Dancers wear traditional clothes and shoes The roots of the dance are in Pelopónnisos The main instruments are the bouzouki, violin, and clarinet.

The Kalamatianos is one of the best-known dances of Greece. It is a popular Greek folk dances throughout Greece, Cyprus and internationally and is often performed at many social gatherings worldwide. As is the case with most Greek folk dances, it is danced in chain with a counterclockwise rotation, the dancers holding hands.

kalamatianos

Songs Danses & rhythms

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

GREECE

syrtaki

zeimbekiko

Songs Danses & rhythms

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

GREECE

tsifteteli

pontiakos

Songs Danses & rhythms

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

Arsakeio School of Thessaloniki 2nd Primary School of Artemis

GREECE

• Zagorisios is danced in an open circle, by men and women, at all dance events, in the villages of Epirus and mainly in Zagori, Pogoni and Konitsa region with some variations from village to village.
• The grip of the hands is from the palms and with bent elbows or angaze.
• It is a moderately fast dance with 16 steps.

• It is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the violin, clarino, lute and tambourine.

"Zagorisios"

steps

dance

the dance steps

Kostantakis (Zagorisios)

Songs Danses & rhythms

ITALY

“Vitti 'na crozza”

Song

One of the most iconic and emotional songs from Sicily(Italy).

Vitti na Crozza sung by Domenico Modugno

“Vitti 'na crozza”, that means "I saw a skull" is a traditional folk song, born from the voices of Sicilian farmers and workers.

Some say it was sung by the sulfur miners, who faced hard and dangerous work every day. The skull in the lyrics becomes a symbol of struggle, of time passing, and of the human condition. It reflects the pain and pride of the Sicilian people.

Song

Vitti na Crozza sung and played by Pellico's students

Songs Danses & rhythms

ITALY

Sicilian Tarantella

The Dance of Energy and Joy

Dance

History and Origin: The Sicilian Tarantella is one of the oldest and most famous folk dances of Sicily. It dates back to medieval times and was originally believed to be a healing dance, used to cure the bite of the tarantula spider through fast, rhythmic movement. Over time, it became a symbol of celebration, courtship, and joy in Sicilian life. The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

Tarantella Dance

Tutorial

VideoTutorial

Songs Danses & rhythms

ITALY

Il Ballo della Cordella – A Traditional Sicilian Folk Dance

It is one of the most iconic traditional Sicilian dances. Its origins are ancient and symbolic, linked to pagan rituals of fertility and thanksgiving for the harvest, later blended with Christian festivities. The dance is performed by 12 pairs of dancers, traditionally representing the months of the year. Each dancer holds a colored ribbon tied to the top of a pole (the "cordella").

Dance

Musical Elements: • Instruments: Tamburello (tambourine), accordion, friscalettu (Sicilian flute), marranzano (jaw harp). • Rhythm: The rhythm is lively and in 6/8 or 3/4 time, often fast-paced and joyful. • Melody: Repetitive and easy to follow, supporting the coordinated movements of the dance.

learn more

Songs Danses & rhythms

ITALY

La Cummareddra – A Sicilian Folk Dance

History and Origin: The word “Cummareddra” comes from “cummari”, the Sicilian word for godmother or female friend. The dance and song are typically performed by groups of women and reflect a moment of social interaction, humor, and community spirit, often during village feasts or informal gatherings.

Dance

Song

The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

Songs Danses & rhythms

ITALY

Tataratà – Sicilian Folk Dance

History and Origin The Tataratà is considered one of the oldest ritual dances in the world. It originates from Casteltermini, a town in the province of Agrigento, Sicily. Its roots are deeply tied to the Feast of the Holy Cross, celebrated in May. The name Tataratà is believed to mimic the rhythmic sound of the drums played during the dance. Historically, it is said to recall ancient battles between Christians and Saracens, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, or to represent ancient rites of fertility and harvest. Over the centuries, it has become an essential part of the town's cultural heritage.

Dance

Learn more

Songs Danses & rhythms

PORTUGAL

Vira

The queen dance of Alto Minho

video i

History and Origin: The Vira is one of the oldest popular Portuguese dances. The Portuguese writer Gil Vicente, from the 15th and 16th centuries, talks about it in his play "Nau d’Amores". The Vira is a dance from the Minho region, but it is also danced in a different way in places like Nazaré and Ribatejo. The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

Vira Dance

video ii

Vira Tutorial

Songs Danses & rhythms

PORTUGAL

Bailinho da Madeira

video i

A dance from the Madeira archipelago

History and Origin: The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

On September 18, 1938, the verses that gave rise to the “Bailinho da Madeira” were sung for the first time during the First Grape Harvest Festival (I Festa da Vindima) in Funchal. During the festival, Madeira’s Tourism Delegation organized a folk dance group contest. The group from Arco da Calheta, led by its frontman, the illiterate poet João Gomes de Sousa, better known as Feiticeiro da Calheta, sang as he approached the official stand: “Let this little play / Pass by with no delay / For we must greet today / The government of Madeira. / I come from far away / Always sailing by the shore / I bring these little cabbages / For your dinner, nothing more.” In 1949, these verses were adapted and recorded by the artist Max, giving rise to the song “Bailinho da Madeira”.

Bailinho da Madeira Dance

video ii

Braguinha Tutorial

Songs Danses & rhythms

PORTUGAL

Regadinho

A circle dance often performed in schools.

video i

History and Origin: The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

The "Regadinho" is a popular dance that became common in the last century and is danced all over the Minho (north of the country) and also in Beira Litoral (in the center of the country). It is believed that it is a ballroom or bourgeois dance, imported from Europe after the French invasions.

Regadinho Dance

video ii

Regadinho Tutorial

Songs Danses & rhythms

PORTUGAL

Pauliteiros de Miranda

A dance with sticks

video i

History and Origin: The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

The Pauliteiros de Miranda is a traditional dance from the Trás-os-Montes region, in northern Portugal. The origin is not defined. However, some people argue that it is a warrior dance, which comes from Greco-Roman times and was adapted and transformed by men in their own way. The dance is done in a circle by groups of eight men who wear skirts and carry sticks: they are the Pauliteiros de Miranda.

The Dance

video ii

The old and the new

Songs Danses & rhythms

PORTUGAL

Fandango

The challenge and rivarly dance

video i

History and Origin: The Dance Musical Elements Style and Meaning

Fandango is one of the main folk dances in Portugal. In Ribatejo, but also in Beira Litoral, and the borderlands of Minho and Beira Baixa, as well as in some regions of Alentejo and the Algarve border, the fandango is danced the best. It is a dance which is originally formed in Spain.

The Dance

video ii

Tutorial

Songs Danses & rhythms

SPAINVALENCIA

SPAIN

HOW DO THEY DANCE?

First,they form a line! Dancers stand in two lines or a big group. They dance in pairs and move together in a rhythm. Second do small jumps and steps! Move your feet lightly and quickly. Take small jumps and step forward and backward. Next clap and turn! Sometimes,dancers clap their hands in time with the music. They also turn around and switch places with their partner. Finnally follow the music! The dance is accompanied by ¨dolçaina¨ (a special flute) and tabal (a traditional drum). The rhythm is happy and energetic!

video i

video ii

WHAT DO DANCERS WEAR?

EXAMPLE

The biggest and most exciting Dansà happens during the Gran Dansà in honor of the Virgin of the Desamparados in Valencia.

The dancers wear, boys:a suit with a vest,. a red scarf, and a flat cap. girls:A long dress with polka dots,

Songs Danses & rhythms

SPAINARAGÓN

HOW DO THEY DANCE?

SPAIN

Dancers jump, clap, and move their feet super fast!First:Form a Group! ·La Jota can be danced alone, in pairs, or in a group. ·Dancers usualy stand in a circle or lines. ·Second: Fast Footwork! · Move your feet quickly and lighty. · Take small jumps and kicks to follow the beat. · Next: do an Elegant Arm Movements! · Lift your arms up like a graceful flamenco dancer. · Move your hands smoothly while you danse. · Finally: Follow the music! · The musicis played with guitars, tamborines, and castanets. ·The rhythm is fast and exciting!

video i

video ii

WHAT DO DANCERS WEAR?

FOR GIRLS: Colorful dresses with long skirts, embroidered shawls, and hair combs.FOR BOYS: A vest, sash, knee-length pants, and a traditional hat.

Songs Danses & rhythms

SPAINMADRID

SPAIN

HOW DO THEY DANCE?

yThe boy stands still while the girl twirls araund him in circles. first: find a partner!chotis is danced in pairs (only one boy called ¨chulapo¨and one girl called ¨chulapa¨, or two friends!) second: boys stand still! · the boy does not move his feet! ·he keeps turning slowly in the same spot · a good chulapo (Madrid dancer) must not move the foot from the floor.Hard challenge! Next girls dance around ·the girl moves around the boy in small steps ·she turn in circles, like a carouses Finally: keep the rhythm · the music is slow and fun· dancers move gracefully and smoothly .

video i

video ii

WHAT DO DANCERS WEAR?

For girls:A long dress with polka dots, a scarf on the head,and a red flower For boys : A suit with a vest ,a red scarf ,and a flat cap

Songs Danses & rhythms

SPAINGALICIA

HOW DO THEY DANCE?

video i

Firts form a group: La Muñeira can be danced alone, in pairs, or in a group. The dancers usually stand in a circle or line. Second do quick steps: Move your feet very fast to the rhythm of the music. jump and spin around while keeping your arms up. Next feel the music: The music is lively and energetic. it is played whit bagpipes,drums, and tambourines. finally have fun: The Muñeria is all about joy and celebration. smile, clap and enjoy the rhythm whit your friends.

video ii

WHAT DO DANCERS WEAR?

The dancers wear, for boys: Knee-length pants, white shirts, vests, and big hats. And for girls: Long skirts,white blouses,colorful shawls, and aprons

Songs Danses & rhythms

SPAINANDALUCIA

SPAIN

HOW DO THEY DANCE?

Dancers move their arms beatifully and stomp their feet loudly.

MUSIC

Flamenco is played whit guitars, clapping hands (palmas), and strong singing

video i

WHEN IS IT DANCED

during the sevilla april fair and in flamenco shows

FUN FACT

WHAT DO DANCERS WEAR?

Flamenco is an unesco world heritage dance. it is famous all over the world

Girls wear long, colorful dresses with ruffles, and boys wear elegant suits and hats

Songs Danses & rhythms

TURKEY

Kafkas Dance

Where is it performed?

Mainly in Artvin and surrounding areas in northeastern Turkey, influenced by the cultures of the Caucasus and Georgia.

Costumes

Men wear long coats called cherkeska, boots, and bandoliers on their chests. Women wear elegant long dresses, headscarves or ornate headdresses, and belts. The outfits are dignified and elaborate.

video i

Dance Features

Men perform fast, sharp, warrior-like movements, while women dance gracefully and lightly.

Songs Danses & rhythms

TURKEY

Horon

Where is it performed?

It is a traditional dance of the Black Sea Region, especially in Trabzon, Rize, and Giresun.

Costumes

Men wear black pants, embroidered vests, sashes, and headgear. Women wear colorful dresses, sashes, and scarves.

video i

Dance Features

Usually performed in a circle or line, holding hands. It’s fast-paced and accompanied by the kemençe (a traditional string instrument), with quick and rhythmic footwork.

Songs Danses & rhythms

TURKEY

Halay

Where is it performed?

Widely popular in Eastern, Southeastern, and Central Anatolia, in cities like Sivas, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa, and Malatya.

Costumes

Men wear baggy trousers (şalvar), vests, and sashes. Women wear traditional long dresses with embroidery, headscarves, and colorful accessories.

video i

Dance Features

Dancers form long lines or circles, holding hands or shoulders. Performed to drum and zurna music, it involves synchronized, rhythmic steps.

Songs Danses & rhythms

TURKEY

Where is it performed?

Zeybek

Common in the Aegean Region, especially in Aydın, İzmir, and Muğla.

Costumes

Men wear traditional efe outfits: short jackets (cepken), baggy trousers, sashes, and boots. They also wear headgear such as a fez or scarf. Women wear long embroidered dresses and scarves.

video i

Dance Features

A slow, proud, and heroic solo or group dance with dignified postures and gestures. It reflects bravery and honor.

Songs Danses & rhythms

TURKEY

Kaşık Oyunu (Spoon Dance)

Where is it performed?

Especially in Konya, Silifke (Mersin), Kayseri, and Niğde in Central Anatolia.

Costumes

Men wear colorful şalvar trousers, shirts, sashes, and headgear. Women wear embroidered dresses, aprons, and scarves. Dancers hold wooden spoons in their hands.

video i

Dance Features

A lively, joyful dance performed with wooden spoons used to create rhythmic clicking sounds. It is usually performed in pairs or groups.

Musical Elements: • The music is rhythmic and repetitive, with a simple structure that encourages call-and-response singing. • Common instruments: tamburello (tambourine), accordion, guitar, and occasionally hand clapping. • Often in a 6/8 or 3/4 meter, like many Sicilian folk songs.

Vira Dance

The Vira is a very dynamic dance, with spinning movements and lively footwork. The dancers are arranged in a circle, with their arms raised. The men move forward while the women move backward. This continues until the voice of a dancer calls out "fora" (outside) or "virou" (turned). They turn halfway around and face the girl who was in front of them. This movement repeats until everyone has changed partners, while the circle keeps spinning in the same direction. But this is just the simplest version of the Vira, as there are others with more complex steps.

Dance The Tataratà is a war dance, often referred to as a “danza armata” (armed dance), performed by men dressed in traditional red and gold costumes. Dancers hold swords and simulate battle movements in a carefully choreographed routine. The steps involve precision, strength, and coordination, often performed in a circle or facing each other in pairs. The dancers move rhythmically, striking swords together to the beat of the drums, creating a dramatic and powerful performance. Musical Elements The music is percussive and intense, dominated by the tamburi (drums) that provide the heartbeat of the dance. The rhythm is hypnotic and steady, designed to keep time with the dancers’ sword movements. While no melodic instruments are traditionally used, the strong rhythmic patterns and the clash of swords form a compelling musical backdrop that electrifies the atmosphere.

Style and MeaningThe Tataratà is more than just a dance – it is a symbolic performance. It combines elements of ritual, folklore, and storytelling. The style is theatrical and energetic, expressing themes of conflict, celebration, and cultural pride.In modern times, it is performed with great passion during local festivals and is seen as a way to preserve Sicilian identity, pass down values, and honor the past.

Bailinho da Madeira Dance

Dancers usually form pairs and engage in a series of steps that include quick movements, turns, and sometimes playful interactions between the partners. The dance often involves a sequence of choreographed movements that tell a story or depict scenes from daily life, which adds a theatrical element to the performance. It is a dance with movement and a lot of life, in which the dancers take turns and jump with great speed. There are also those who call it the ball of eight, for being danced by four pairs that form a square.

This is a tutorial of the traditional dance 'Regadinho', performed by the Portuguese students participating in the project.

How to Dance the Regadinho Starting position - The couples, with arms linked and hands on the hips, form a line. Step 1 - March in a circle for the whole verse and a repeat. Step 2 - The second step happens with the chorus; the girls give their right arm to the boys, then pass their left arm to the boy in the next couple. Step 3 - March in a circle, forming a wheel. Step 4 - They form a line again and, holding hands high, they create a tunnel. Step 5 - The last couple goes under the tunnel and moves to the front, and then all the couples follow in the same way, two times.

"La Cummareddra" is a beautiful example of how oral tradition, music, and social commentary come together in Sicilian culture. Though less performed today, it’s still an important symbol of female voice and solidarity in Sicilian folk heritage.

Vira Dance

The Vira is a very dynamic dance, with spinning movements and lively footwork. The dancers are arranged in a circle, with their arms raised. The men move forward while the women move backward. This continues until the voice of a dancer calls out "fora" (outside) or "virou" (turned). They turn halfway around and face the girl who was in front of them. This movement repeats until everyone has changed partners, while the circle keeps spinning in the same direction. But this is just the simplest version of the Vira, as there are others with more complex steps.

The lyrics are usually humorous or ironic, involving exchanges between women about family life, husbands, or village gossip. Sometimes improvised on the spot, making each performance unique and community-specific.

Tarantella Tutorial - Steps Explained

Fandango Dance

It involves complex movements of the feet and hands. It is a couples dance, where the dancers move gracefully, with turns and steps in sync. Head up, body strong, and light legs – these are the requirements to be a good fandango dancer. The choreography is quite simple: on its more frequent setting two male dancers face each other, dancing and tap-dancing one at a time, showing which has the most lightness and repertoire of feet changes in the tap-dancing. The dancers can be boy and girl, boy and boy (most frequent) or, rarely, two girls. While one of the dancers dances, the other just "goes along". Afterwards, they "both drag their feet for a while" until the other one takes his turn. They stay there, disputing, seeing which one of them makes the feet transitions more eye-catching.

Style and Meaning: "La Cummareddra" is a beautiful example of how oral tradition, music, and social commentary come together in Sicilian culture. Though less performed today, it’s still an important symbol of female voice and solidarity in Sicilian folk heritage. The lyrics are usually humorous or ironic, involving exchanges between women about family life, husbands, or village gossip. Sometimes improvised on the spot, making each performance unique and community-specific.

It is danced in the Minho style all over the country. In general, the Vira is the most characteristic and popular Portuguese folk dance.

Vira Dance

The Vira is a very dynamic dance, with spinning movements and lively footwork. The dancers are arranged in a circle, with their arms raised. The men move forward while the women move backward. This continues until the voice of a dancer calls out "fora" (outside) or "virou" (turned). They turn halfway around and face the girl who was in front of them. This movement repeats until everyone has changed partners, while the circle keeps spinning in the same direction. But this is just the simplest version of the Vira, as there are others with more complex steps.

Pauliteiros de Miranda Dance

This dance has a slower, but very strong and powerful rhythm, where the main ways of hitting the sticks are never missing: “pau picado” (hitting your own stick before hitting your partner’s), “pau por baixo” (under the waist), and “pau por cima” (over the waist). Although at first glance, these dances by men may not seem to follow any strict rules except for hitting the sticks, there are actually rules that must be followed. Each person in the group has a very specific and unique role. In each dance, there must be eight men, including two right guides, two left guides, two right peons, and two left peons. The guides move at the ends and dance face-to-face; the peons move in the middle. The right guide has a slightly different role in the group, as they are responsible for the dance and, in the past, led the group that, on the days of Saint Sebastian and Saint Barbara, would go around the village asking for alms and dancing. Back then, all villages had stick dancers. Not all men danced, but the most agile and those with the "best" feet were chosen. The younger people have no problem joining in. At first, the sticks are a bit scary, but after eight days of daily training, the “miracle” happens. Of course, not without taking a few good "stick hits" on the fingers first!

Pauliteiros de Miranda Style and Meaning

The Pauliteiros de Miranda represents the history and traditions of the people from the north. With their white skirts, scarves, hats, and sticks, they carry a tradition they try to protect with all their strength. Although there are not as many groups as before, the songs, steps, and costumes are still faithful to their origins. According to what has been indicated regarding its origin, the sticks are simply a replacement for the shield and sword. That’s why the stick in the left hand is for defense and the one in the right hand is for attack. As for the costume, the scarf is simply a colorful ornament that varies depending on the person wearing it. And when it comes to the skirt, even today, when it’s time for the "dança da velha" (dance of the old woman), a typical tradition on January 1st in Vila Chã, men dress as women and go to the street. They take the "dianteira," which is a linen strip that covers the bed, and wrap it around themselves.

Musical Elements: • Instruments: Tamburello (tambourine), mandolin, accordion, guitar, and sometimes friscalettu. • Rhythm: Very fast and in 6/8 time, giving the dance a bouncy and vibrant feel. • Melody: Repetitive and catchy, supporting the high energy of the dancers.

Pauliteiros de Miranda Musical Elements

The dance is very special because the dancers move the sticks in a rhythmic way. The instruments used are the drums, bagpipes, and sometimes the flutes.

Bailinho da Madeira Style and Meaning

The “Bailinho da Madeira” is one of the most well-known Portuguese folk songs in the world. It is emblematic of Madeira’s rich cultural heritage, reflecting the island’s history, traditions, and the joyful spirit of its people.

Regadinho Style and Meaning

It captures the essence of rural life and the simplicity of love expressed through daily activities. The lyrics describe a scene where water is being carried to irrigate the fields, a task that is both mundane and essential in agricultural communities. The repetition of the act of watering, 'Enquanto rega e não rega,' suggests a rhythm to the work, much like the rhythm of the song itself, which is often accompanied by dance. The lines 'Vou falar ao meu amor' (I will speak to my love) and 'Meu amor, minha doçura' (My love, my sweetness) convey a tender sentiment that is interwoven with the daily task of watering the plants. This intertwining of love with everyday life reflects a cultural value where personal relationships are as vital as the work that sustains the community. It is a well-rhythmed dance, more or less like a march.

Fandango Musical Elements

Usually in triple meter. It is traditionally danced to the sound of the harmonica or bagpipe or accordion, and guitar, drums and tambourine or hand-clapping or castanets. Fandango can both be sung and danced. Sung fandango is usually bipartite: it has an instrumental introduction followed by "variaciones" and usually follows the structure of "cante" that consist of four or five octosyllabic verses (coplas) or musical phrases (tercios). Occasionally, the first copla is repeated.

The Dance: • It's playful and theatrical, sometimes mimicking everyday gestures or teasing conversations between women. • It is usually performed in a circle or line, with dancers taking turns stepping into the center to act out a short phrase or gesture. • Movements are often spontaneous, emphasizing facial expressions, mimicry, and hand gestures.

The Tataratà is considered one of the oldest ritual dances in the world. It originates from Casteltermini, a town in the province of Agrigento, Sicily. Its roots are deeply tied to the Feast of the Holy Cross, celebrated in May. The name Tataratà is believed to mimic the rhythmic sound of the drums played during the dance.

If you'd like to learn how to play along with the 'Bailinho da Madeira', you can use a ukulele and follow the tutorial :)

Ribatejo Fandango Meaning

The authentic fandango appears to us through the campino, who only truly dances when he dances alone. As Pedro Homem de Mello says in his book “Portuguese Dances,” whether in the wetlands or in the heathland, the fandango is the king of dance in the Ribatejo region. It is a dance of rivalry and challenge, where the man shows off his masculinity and individual abilities. Some have defined it as an intoxicating, virile, and thrilling dance, performed by proud and brave campinos, daring and bold in bullfighting. This dance cannot exclude the work in the wetlands, as well as the strength and courage to face the fierceness of the bull.

Vitti ‘na crozza – Sicilian Tradition Comes to Life - In this video, our students proudly sing Vitti ‘na crozza, one of the most iconic and emotional Sicilian folk songs. With heartfelt voices, they bring to life the spirit, history, and passion of Sicily. A beautiful tribute to our musical roots and cultural identity!

The most typical and traditional stick dance is the “Capanitas de Toledo.” It’s a song that clearly shows strong Spanish influence. This influence is visible in the fado songs, where the lyrics appear in the Mirandês dialect or in Spanish. The lyrics of this song talk about the important churches in Spain and also about the local food, which were probably two interests of the people from the region: the beautiful monuments and the rich sausages. This is a modern version of this song.

Regadinho Dance

In "regadinho", the participants form a circle and dance in a lively way, following a sequence of specific steps and movements. In the refrain, there are references to the steps and the dynamics of the dance. The expression "balancé, balancé" ("balance step by step") is a way of describing a characteristic movement of the dance in which the participants sway from side to side while each foot moves in midair (time). This movement is one of the main characteristics of the "regadinho" dance. The rest of the chorus are choreographic instructions that indicate that the participants when to spin and take several spins until they change pairs in the circle (time). This creates a continuous movement in which participants change partners as the dance progresses. The interjections throughout the song, such as 'Olha o pé direito' (Look at the right foot) and 'E troca o par' (And change partners), indicate that this song/dance is likely performed possibly in a social setting like a festival or community gathering. The dance instructions embedded in the lyrics invite participation and create a communal experience. The references to 'balancê' and 'meia volta' are indicative of the dance steps that would accompany the song, further emphasizing its role in social interaction and celebration.

Bailinho da Madeira Musical Elements

This dance is very lively, with a fast rhythm in 6/8 time. It is accompanied by traditional regional voices and musical instruments, such as the accordion, the machete, the rajão, the braguinha (a small stringed instrument similar to a cavaquinho/ukulele), the “rajão” (a five-stringed instrument), the viola de arame, the triangle and the popular brinquinho (a locally-manufactured original made up of a group of seven cloth dolls, dressed in regional costumes with castanets and ribbons, placed at the end of a reed cane, and moved vertically by the hand of the person holding it).

The Dance: Tarantella is danced in pairs or groups, often by men and women facing each other. It features quick footwork, spinning, and clapping, expressing vitality and flirtation. Dancers move in a lively and playful way, often improvising to show off their skills.

Il Ballo della Cordella

A Traditional Sicilian Folk Dance

History and Meaning: Il Ballo della Cordella is one of the most iconic traditional Sicilian dances, performed especially during village festivals and harvest celebrations. Its origins are ancient and symbolic, linked to pagan rituals of fertility and thanksgiving for the harvest, later blended with Christian festivities. Today, it is especially popular in Petralia Sottana, in the Madonie Mountains. The Dance: The dance is performed by 12 pairs of dancers, traditionally representing the months of the year. Each dancer holds a colored ribbon tied to the top of a pole (the "cordella"). As they dance in circles around the pole, they weave and braid the ribbons, creating intricate patterns — a symbol of unity, time passing, and the cycles of nature.

Musical Elements: • Instruments: Tamburello (tambourine), accordion, friscalettu (Sicilian flute), marranzano (jaw harp). • Rhythm: The rhythm is lively and in 6/8 or 3/4 time, often fast-paced and joyful. • Melody: Repetitive and easy to follow, supporting the coordinated movements of the dance. Style and Energy: The dance is circular, coordinated, and festive. Dancers often wear traditional Sicilian costumes, adding color and movement to the performance. It’s a joyful celebration of community, tradition, and the bond between people and the land.

Vira Dance

The Vira is a very dynamic dance, with spinning movements and lively footwork. The dancers are arranged in a circle, with their arms raised. The men move forward while the women move backward. This continues until the voice of a dancer calls out "fora" (outside) or "virou" (turned). They turn halfway around and face the girl who was in front of them. This movement repeats until everyone has changed partners, while the circle keeps spinning in the same direction. But this is just the simplest version of the Vira, as there are others with more complex steps.

Vira Dance

The Vira is a very dynamic dance, with spinning movements and lively footwork. The dancers are arranged in a circle, with their arms raised. The men move forward while the women move backward. This continues until the voice of a dancer calls out "fora" (outside) or "virou" (turned). They turn halfway around and face the girl who was in front of them. This movement repeats until everyone has changed partners, while the circle keeps spinning in the same direction. But this is just the simplest version of the Vira, as there are others with more complex steps.

Style and Meaning: The Sicilian Tarantella is more than just a dance — it’s a way to celebrate life, love, and tradition. It’s performed at weddings, festivals, and cultural events, and it brings people together through music and movement.

Vira Dance

The Vira is a very dynamic dance, with spinning movements and lively footwork. The dancers are arranged in a circle, with their arms raised. The men move forward while the women move backward. This continues until the voice of a dancer calls out "fora" (outside) or "virou" (turned). They turn halfway around and face the girl who was in front of them. This movement repeats until everyone has changed partners, while the circle keeps spinning in the same direction. But this is just the simplest version of the Vira, as there are others with more complex steps.

Song written in compound duple meter (6/8), usually accompanied by guitars and accordion.

Vira Dance Musical Elements

The Vira does not have a fixed chorus. The chorus repeats the verses of the singers, either doubled in thirds or just two verses and a "larai" as a chorus. It is traditional in Minho to start the song with the second verse. The rhythm is fast, in 2/4 time. There are many different versions of it – both in the music and in the way it is danced. Musically, the Vira can be in a minor or major key (The Vira of Minho). It is often played with the accordion or concertina, guitar, cavaquinho, drum and triangle.

Vira Dance Style and Meaning

The Vira is a dance that brings people together to celebrate life and community. It is the best example of the contagious energy of traditional dances from Minho. The traditional scarves and Minho costumes help complete the scene.