The Tarantella harks back to the ancient myth of the spider Arachne, who challenges the Goddess Athena to a weaving contest. Arachne wins and Athena, acting in a fit of jealousy, destroys her competitor's creation. A humiliated Arachne commits suicide, hanging herself from a tree. Athena then transforms her into a spider, thus
condemning her to weave her web forever. The show continues with the Dance of the Tarantula, a ritual dance of liberation, in which women symbolically expel the poison of the mythical bit of the tarantula - also known as "the bite of love". The traditional Tarantella was a dance to celebrate new energy and expel the “old poison” from the body.
The Abbey
Sutton Courtenay
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 4AF
tel: 01235 847401
fax: 01235 847608
email: admin@theabbey.uk.com
anna@theabbey.uk.com
Saturday, July 4 - Sunday, July 5, 2009
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
workshop
We’ll also learn the healing dance of the Pizzica Tarantata with its wild rhythms and fast steps, the sensual Tammuriata and the Calabrian spinning dance.
Held as a sacred ritual, students dance inside a circle of tambourine players and are encouraged to wear white (skirts for women). Alessandra Belloni is the only woman in the UK, Italy and America to use this powerful tambourine style combined with singing and dancing – and her visit to the Abbey her only performance and workshop in the UK this year.
Participants will learn the TAMMORRIATA a sensual dance and rhythm done as a fertility rite in honor of the BLACK MADONNA, done all around Napels in May, outside the churches, originally temples of the Earth Mother Goddess Cybele. Participants will learn a 4/4 rhythm with strong African origins and a beautiful couples' dance using castanets.
The ancient ecstatic dances and rythms in honor of DYONISUS as the trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO or the SPINNING DANCE, from Calabria, dating back to the Middle Ages, used as a healing ritual against the plague.
The healing trance dance of purification called PIZZICA TARANTATA is used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly wormen who felt stuck in the spider's web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, the blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakras according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB.
Please wear white and red, the ritual colors of the Tarantate.
Saturday, July 18 - 4:00pm to 8:00pm
The DANCE STUDIO at 65 Cereus Road off Springtown Road, New Paltz, NY
This fiery "percussive journey" through the South of Italy will explore through songs, dance and rhythm, magic rituals, tarantellas used as music therapy to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, healing chants and ritual drumming in honor of he Black Madonna, lullabies, love ballads, work chants and protest songs.
Alessandra Belloni is the only woman in the United States and in Italy specialized in the Southern Italian tambourine style together with the singing and the dancing. She is also the first one to design a line of Southern Italian Signature Series tambourines made by REMO. She is author of the first book/dvd on Tarantella rhythms entitled RHYTHM IS THE CURE with Mel Bay Publications.
featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with the unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula. The dance called PIZZICA TARANTATA cured a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Students will learn the steps of the PIZZICA. The sessions feature the ancient chants used as invocations to the healing energy of the Sun and the Black Madonna, the Moon and the Goddess of Water and Love (Yemanja/Madonna del Mare). Students will learn the TAMMORRIATA a beautiful, sensual dance from Naples and THE SPINNING DANCE, based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco, *note: Students are requested to wear white and red for the workshop.
We encourage Alessandra's advanced students to return for another wonderful experience as the schedule this year will offer classes for beginners and advanced students. Cultural trips will also take place to nearby Siena and other beautiful sights, including a visit to natural healing thermal baths.
HANDS-ON SOUTHERN ITALIAN TAMBOURINE WORKSHOP
SPECIAL HEALING DANCE WORKSHOP
featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with the unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula. The dance called PIZZICA TARANTATA cured a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Students will learn the steps of the PIZZICA. The sessions feature the ancient chants used as invocations to the healing energy of the Sun and the Black Madonna, the Moon and the Goddess of Water and Love (Yemanja/Madonna del Mare). Students will learn the TAMMORRIATA a beautiful, sensual dance from Naples and THE SPINNING DANCE, based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco, *note: Students are requested to wear white and red for the workshop.
LA CHIARA DI PRUMIANO A beautiful 17th century villa high in rural Tuscany with its own hamlet and chapel, surrounded by 40 acres of Chianti Classico vineyards and silver olive groves. La Chiara is well known for the special regional cooking as well as their home grown vegetarian specialties, and offers spacious rooms with wonderful views, swimming pool and horseback riding .
Cost $ 1,400 double room, $ 1,300 triple room, including 3 meals, but no transportation - discounts available for students , seniors.
workshop and concert are dedicated to the ehaling power of the Tarantella dance and rhythms and chants and drumming in honor of the BLack MAdonna, sponsored also by REMO and PRO-Mark
Conservatory of Warsaw , Poland
Stas and Pavel
festival@percussion-art-pl
Tuesday, June 23 - Thursday, June 25, 2009
3:00 pm
PERC FEST
workshop /concert
3 day workshop in the square of La IGueglia , beautiful town by the sea in Liguria, Italy, featuring different southern Italian tambourine technique, tammorriata and tarantella rhythms. Sponsored by REMO and Pro-Mark.
Also featuring the one woman show; RHTYHM IS THE CURE as part of the percussion festival PERC FEST in memory of the Italian percussionist NACO.
Sauqre of Laigueglia, Liguria, between Genova and Nice.
Performed also on the ship arriving int he Gulf on Lerici, recreating hte Argonauts and the Golden Flee from theGreek tragey of Medea, for the Poetry Reading and night presented by ANgelo Tonelli and Massimo MAggiari,
P.za del Castello , near the sea, in Lerici, (La SPezia) Italy
'DAUGHTERS OF CYBELE' - Women Drummers for World Peace
featuring Southern Italian ritual drumming and chants in honor of the Black Madonna.
followed by a special healing dance and percussion workshop
SUNDAY MAY 31 3:00pm to 7:00pm
at the Dance Studio at 65 Cereus Road near Springtown Road.
cost $ 60 -info Abelloni@aol.com or kristaoarcea@earthlink.net
Followed by a hands on tambourine workshop and tarantella dance workshop following the book by ALessandra Belloni RHYTHM IS THE CURE by Mel BAy Publications.
Feast Sicilian in Little Italy, San Diego California
Giovanna
sicilianfesta@cox.net
Saturday, May 16, 2009
1:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Learn chants that invoke and honor the healing energy of the Sun and the Black Madonna. Practice the ancient ritual dances of the Tammorriata, a beautiful Neapolitan dance, orignally done in honor of Mother Earth, the Goddess Cybele - the trance dance Ritmo e Danza di San Rocco, a spinning dance.
Ending the day with the Spider Dance : Pizzica Tarantata,which originated as music and dance therapy to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula; All are welcome. Dancing will take place in bare feet, and you are requested to wear white clothes. Women are requested to wear skirts. Frame drums and tambourines will be provided by REMO.
REMO Recreational Music Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon AVe North Hollywood CA 91605
tel (818) 982-9461
cost $ 50..00
Jerry or Mike
jzacarias@remo.com or mdenno@remo.com
Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26, 2009
12:00 pm
SEATTLE WORLD PERCUSSION FESTIVAL
Concert and workshop
Join Alessandra Belloni in this wonderful 3 days event sponsored by REMO and Pro-Mark in the great Seattle Center for the Seattle WOrld Percussion Festival
SEATTLE CENTER ,
Seattle, Washington
Eric Wilson
eric@compfit.com
Sunday, April 19, 2009
4:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
workshop
Learn chants that invoke and honor the healing energy of the Sun and the Black Madonna. Practice the ancient ritual dances of the Tammorriata, a beautiful Neapolitan dance; Pizzica Tarantata, which originated as music therapy to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula; and Ritmo e Danza di San Rocco, a spinning dance. All are welcome. Dancing will take place in bare feet, and you are requested to wear white clothes. Women are requested to wear skirts. Frame
drums and tambourines will be provided.
Church on the Edge -
701 Undercliff AVenue - near Sterling PLace
Egdewater NJ 07020
cost: $ 50.00
Alessandra Belloni
ABelloni@aol.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
9:00 pm
DAUGHTERS OF CYBELE
Concert
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Italian Music and Dance Company I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA, Alessandra Belloni has assembled "Daughters of Cybele," a unique ensemble of women using voice, percussion and ritual dance to honor the healing power
On this Spring Equinox join us for an interactive and therapeutic drumming, music and dance
workshop, featuring Southern Italian ritual folk dances combined with the unique sound of frame
drums and tambourines. Learn chants that invoke and honor the healing energy of the Sun and the
Black Madonna. Practice the ancient ritual dances of the
Tammorriata, a beautiful Neapolitan dance;
Pizzica Tarantata
, which originated as music therapy to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula; and
Ritmo e Danza di San Rocco
feet, and you are requested to wear white clothes. Women are requested to wear skirts. Frame
drums and tambourines will be provided.
, a spinning dance. All are welcome. Dancing will take place in bareWorkshop # A05WKS218A
Center for Alternative Health
Register on-line: www.peopleware.net/ace
$85.00
Information: 718-482-5026
Senior Citizens, 65 or older, are eligible for a 50% tuition discount on a space available basis
LaGuardia Community College/CUNY
31-10 Thomson Ave.
Long Island City, NY 11101
Minutes from mid-town on the E, V or #7 train
Tony Allicino
tallicino@lagcc.cuny.edu
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
workshop
The workshop and the book introduce the students to the rich tambourine and dance tradition of Southern Italy, The “Tarantella,” an ancient ritual performed to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
** Students will learn the techniques of Tarantella tambourine playing, and will come to understand the truly healing and stress relieving effect of these rhythms and dance, as well as learn about the history of this ancient tradition. .
The clinic covers basic tambourine techniques, including relaxation of the wrists and hands to allow speed and endurance, as well as advanced brush techniques and an introduction to Brazilian rhythms.
Regional styles and variations of the Tarantella will include: Tarantella (fast, obsessive 6/8), Pizzica Tarantata (12/8 with varied accents), Tammorriata (rhythm in 4/4 played in honor of the Black Madonna), Tarantella di San Rocco (tambourine duo with snare drum), and Tarantella alla Montemaranese (smaller tambourines and unusual syncopation on the 6/8).
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE FOR THE ARTS
Percussion Department
David Johnson
djohnson@muse2calrts.com
Sunday, March 15, 2009
12:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
workshop
Southern Italian folk dances and rituals are joyous forms of music and dance therapy that have been a source of healing for hundreds of years. In this workshop, we’ll learn ancient Neapolitan chants used to invoke the healing powers and to honor the Black Madonna as a form of prayer to request miracles in our lives. A central part of the workshop will be learning the healing dance of the Pizzica Tarantata. In this workshop students will dance inside a circle of tambourine players, learning the fast steps and wild rhythms of the Pizzica. The ritual takes place on a white sheet, in a spray of red ribbons and involving spider-like dance movements, as if emerging from a spider web. We¢ll also learn the Tammurriata, a sensual dance from Naples, and the Calabrian spinning dance, much like the trance-inducing movements of the Sufis. In this workshop we¢ll experience how movement, dance, drumming and music help us to release anxiety and stress, dissolve sexual blocks and open us up to receive from the heart, by bringing the mind and body into a total state of relaxation.
Note: Participants will be barefoot. Women should wear skirts, and, if possible, everyone should wear white clothes. Tambourines will be provided, but you may bring your own.
REMO Recreational Music Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-0461 tickets $ 50
Jerry Zacarias or Mike De Menno
jzacarias@remo.com or mdenno@remo.com
Friday, March 13, 2009
8:00 pm
DAUGHTERS OF CYBELE
CONCERT
WOMEN DRUMMERS FOR WORLD PEACE
A Women's Ensemble
Alessandra Belloni has assembled a unique ensemble of women using voice, percussion and ritual dance to honor the healing power of female energy in "Daughters of Cybele,"
at REMO Recreational Music Center.
Countries around the world, including Southern Italy, Brazil, Africa and the Middle East have musical traditions based on the power of women. Belloni and Company will emulate one of the most ancient ways of praying and healing, including sacred chanting by female voices in harmony, accompanied by various percussion instruments (frame drums, tambourines, shakers, djembes, ballaphones, dumbecks, riqqs, mazhars, and marimbas). Dancers will spin and stomp their feet in celebration of life and peace.
With "Daughters of Cybele," Alessandra Belloni carries on the tradition of Roman priestesses who played the tambourine in worship of Dionysus, god of ecstasy and wine, and the Earth goddess Cybele.
REMO Recreational Music Center
7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave.
North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-0461 tickets $ 15
Jerry Zacarias or Mike De Menno
jzacarias@remo.com or mdenno@remo.com
Sunday, March 8, 2009
3:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
workshop
ALESSANDRA BELLONI
~ REMO Signature series artistinternationally renown percussionist, singer-dancer in RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Featuring Southern Tambourine style and rhythms of :
Tammoriata – 4/4 rhythm done in honor of the Black Madonna
Trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO dating back to the Middle ages, used as a healing ritual similar to the Whirling Dervishes dance Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle.
The Fast 12/8 rhythm and dance Pizzica Tarantata, used against the mythical bite of the tarantula , which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society, originated as ecstatic dance in Honor of Dyonisus God of Ecstasy and wine.
Featuring Italian singer & percussionist, dancer ALESSANDRA BELLONI (Remo Artist) with master percussionist Dror Sinai on Middle Eastern percussion
A fiery percussive journey from Southern Italy the Middle East and to the North East of Brazil featuring a cross cultural collaboration of trance, rhythm, ritual drumming and chants in honor of Mother Earth and the coming of Spring.
presented by Rhythm Fusion
(831) 423-2048
1541-C Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Dror SInai
rhythm@rhythmfusion.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
4:00 pm
CARNEVALE DI VENEZIA
COmmedia dell'Arte
VIA VANTI
Mount Kisko
Train Station 2 Kirby Plaza Mount Kisko
NY 10549
(914) 666-6400
Carla GAmbescia
Saturday, February 14, 2009
10:00 am
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Workshop
Southern Italian folk dances and rituals are joyous forms of music and dance therapy that have been a source of healing for hundreds of years. In this workshop, we’ll learn ancient Neapolitan chants used to invoke the healing powers and to honor the Black Madonna as a form of prayer to request miracles in our lives. A central part of the workshop will be learning the healing dance of the Pizzica Tarantata. In this workshop students will dance inside a circle of tambourine players, learning the fast steps and wild rhythms of the Pizzica. The ritual takes place on a white sheet, in a spray of red ribbons and involving spider-like dance movements, as if emerging from a spider web. We¢ll also learn the Tammurriata, a sensual dance from Naples, and the Calabrian spinning dance, much like the trance-inducing movements of the Sufis. In this workshop we¢ll experience how movement, dance, drumming and music help us to release anxiety and stress, dissolve sexual blocks and open us up to receive from the heart, by bringing the mind and body into a total state of relaxation.
Note: Participants will be barefoot. Women should wear skirts, and, if possible, everyone should wear white clothes. Tambourines will be provided, but you may bring your own.
New York Open Center
83 Spring Street Soho New York
tel (212) 219-2527
Members $ 120 non members $ 130
09WA26S
Aracely Brown or ALessandra Belloni
ABelloni@aol.com
Friday, February 13, 2009
7:00 pm
DAUGHTERS OF CYBELE - Women drummers for World Peace
Concert followed by workshop Feb 14th
Tonight a unique ensemble of women using voice, percussion and ritual dance will honor the healing power of female energy found in musical traditions from around the world, including southern Italy, Brazil, Africa and the Middle East. We will emulate one of the most ancient ways of praying and healing in cultures everywhere: sacred chanting by female voices in harmony accompanied by different percussion instruments (frame drums, tambourines, shakers, djembes, ballaphones, dumbecks, riqqs, mazhars and marimbas) with dancers spinning and stomping their feet in celebration of life and peace. And Alessandra Belloni will carry on the tradition of Roman priestesses who played the tambourine to worship Dionysus, god of ecstasy and wine, and the Earth goddess Cybele. Don't miss this fiery global percussive journey in honor of the feminine principle.
Lorraine Calculli - tambourines, frame drums and shakers
Francesca Silvano - ritual dance,
Jennifer Bowen - Middle Eastern Dance
Juliet Gentile - Sufi Dance and chant
The New York Open Center
83 SPring Street - Soho New York
tel (212) 219-2527 tickets $ 20 for members and $24 non-members
09WAP25P
Aracely Brown or Alessandra Belloni
ABelloni@aol.com
Sunday, February 8, 2009
4:00 pm
RHYTHM IS thE CURE
Workshop
BAsed on the Healing power of the tarantella trance dance and the rituals in honor of the Black MAdonna, divided in 2 parts, first percussion and 2nd part dance
THE CHURCH ON THE EDGE
710 Undercliff Avenue -
Edgewater New Jersey
cost $ 50
Alessandra Belloni
ABelloni@aol.com
Monday, January 12, 2009
6:00 pm
APAP Showcase w/ Daughters Of Cybele with Alessandra Belloni, Judy Piazza & Ubaka Hill + Metro Strings and Brazztree
Concert
APAP Showcase (6pm - 9pm) with performances by
Daughters Of Cybele with Alessandra Belloni, Judy Piazza & Ubaka Hill - World Premiere of Women Voice and Percussion Ensemble
also featuring Alessandra Tartivita on vocals, dancer Francesca Silvano, Joe Deninzon on violin, Wilson Montuori on guitars, Vinie Scialla on percussion & drums.
Metro Strings
Brazztree
at DROM
85 Ave A
New York, NY 10009
dromnyc.com
$10 at the door
Saturday, January 10 - Sunday, January 11, 2009
8:00 pm
TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE
music and dance show
'TARANTELLA - SPIDER DANCE is a one-of-a-kind presentation that invokes ancient traditions of the Winter and Summer Solstice, when people gathered in the woods to celebrate orgiastic rites in honor of Dionysus. Women danced with swords to the sounds of tambourines and violins in a frenzy driven by the myth of the spider. Originating in Greek rites of the Bacchantes, the tradition continued into the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when women involved were called Tarantate. By stomping their feet and spinning, the women symbolically expelled the poison of the mythical bite of the tarantula.
January 10-11 at ATA, 314 West 54th Street. near 8th AVenue chenuchian Theatre - 2nd floor
tickets $ 20 & 25 - free to APAP Members
call smartix at (212) 868-4444 or got osmarttix.com
Alessandra Belloni - Audrey Ross
ABelloni@aol.com
Saturday, December 20, 2008
8:00 pm
TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE - Winter Solstice Celebration!! December 20, 21 & Jan 10, 11
Dance Theater & Music
Saturday December 20 at 8:00pm
Sunday December 21 at 3:00pm
Saturday January 10 at 8:00pm
Sunday January 11 at 3:00pm
Come celebrate the holidays and the Winter Solstice with TARANTELLA: SPIDER DANCE!
For a colorful change of pace this holiday season, enter the wild and erotic world of "TARANTELLA - SPIDER DANCE," a presentation of Alessandra Belloni and I Giullari di Piazza. Performed by an international company of singers and musicians, joined by exciting stilt, aerial, and fire dancers, "TARANTELLA - SPIDER DANCE" weaves a magic spell for audiences of all ages.
Concept/writing/direction are by Alessandra Belloni; music director is Joe Deninzon; and choreography is by Belloni and Antonio Fini, who have created movement full of surprises and featuring masks, fire, and dancers as spiders crawling on the floor, only to be captured in the web of the spider woman.
Limited 4-Day Engagement
ATA Theatre
314 West 54th St (Near 8th Ave.)
NY NY
Friday, December 12, 2008
5:30 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE at St. Mary's Church
Concert
RHYTHM IS THE CURE - Alessandra Belloni's one woman show, a fiery percussive journey through the South of Italy dedicated to the healing power of drumming.
at St. Mary's Church
West 126th Street (and Amsterdam Avenue)
Donations $12
Sunday, December 7, 2008
5:00 pm
Special concert at Snug Harbor for the Inauguration of the Tuscan Villa
Concert
Sunday December 7th
Special concert at Snug Harbor, Staten Island, for the Inauguration of the Tuscan Villa
Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Saturday, December 6, 2008
9:30 am
Opening ceremony of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Concert
Saturday December 6th @ 11;30 am
Opening ceremony of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Music of Spider Dance with Alessandra Belloni & violinist Joe Deninzon
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY
Friday, December 5, 2008
5:00 pm
Christmas Benefit Party at THE CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
Fundraiser
Join us as we look into the new year with hope and honor Dean James Parks Morton, who has been Dean of the Cathedral of St John the Divine for 25 years and co-chairman of our Board of Directors.
We will have food, wine and raffle prices that include a time share vacation in Florida, drums, books/DVDs, CDs, and concert tickets. We will play music from our Christmas show LA CANTATA DEI PASTORI and from our Solstice show TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE and will also invite the audience to dance.
The funds raised with our Christmas benefit party will go towards the productions costs of our annual Solstice celebration, TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE, which will be presented on December 20, 21, and Janaury 10 & 11th at ATA (American Theatre of Actors) 314 West 54th Street, near 8th Avenue. Everywhere the show played, including Italy last summer, it has been a resounding success, often called the “Italian River Dance.”
Christmas Benefit Party on Fri, December 5th
at THE CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY
219 Sullivan Street (b/w Bleecker & W.3rd St)
in Greenwich Village
7pm
Monday, November 17, 2008
1:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE at the New School for Social Research
Solo Concert
Monday November 17th @ 3:30 PM
Alessandra Belloni solo concert RHYTHM IS THE CURE at the New Scholl for Social Research
New School for Social Research
2 West 13th Street (in the Lobby area)
Friday, November 7 - Saturday, November 8, 2008
6:00 pm
Solo Concerts at U. of Mary Steel Drum Band/North Dakota Conservatory - November 7 and 8
Workshops & Solo Performance
November 7, 8
Solo Concerts - North Dakota Conservatory
U. of Mary Steel Drum Band
at the Belle Mehus Auditorium
Saturday, October 25, 2008
5:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE (5pm - 8pm)
Workshop
Featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with their unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
Part 1: We will review the rhythms and chants in honor of the Black Madonna known as Tammoriata – done in honor of the Black Madonna (originally ancient rites for the Earth Goddess Cybele) and work on the TARANTELLA 6/8 rhythms including the CALABRESE RITMO DI SAN ROCCO.
Part 2: Students will also learn the trance 6/8 dance of SAN ROCCO called the THE SPINNING DANCE, based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco dating back to the Middle ages and used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle. TARANTELLA DEL ’600 sixteen century traditional dance. THE CARNIVAL DANCE TARANTELLA ALLA MONTEMARANESE - a circle dance with masks done in honor of Dyonisus!
The final part will be dedicated to the healing trance dance of purification called Pizzica Tarantata, used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakra according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB.
Alessandra will end the sessions using the ocean drum, creating the sound of the waves in a final relaxation invoking the healing power of the water. Please wear white and red, the ritual colors of the Tarantate. (Please do not wear black.)
Cost: $ 50 for more information (201) 224-3833
at FIRST PRESBITERIAN CHURCH
701 UNDERCLIFF AVE. Edgewater NJ 07020
Alessandra Belloni
ABelloni@aol.com
Friday, October 17, 2008
5:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE (7pm - 10pm)
Workshop
Featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with their unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
Part 1: We will review the rhythms and chants in honor of the Black Madonna known as Tammoriata – done in honor of the Black Madonna (originally ancient rites for the Earth Goddess Cybele) and work on the TARANTELLA 6/8 rhythms including the CALABRESE RITMO DI SAN ROCCO.
Part 2: Students will also learn the trance 6/8 dance of SAN ROCCO called the THE SPINNING DANCE, based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco dating back to the Middle ages and used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle. TARANTELLA DEL ’600 sixteen century traditional dance. THE CARNIVAL DANCE TARANTELLA ALLA MONTEMARANESE - a circle dance with masks done in honor of Dyonisus!
The final part will be dedicated to the healing trance dance of purification called Pizzica Tarantata, used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakra according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB.
Alessandra will end the sessions using the ocean drum, creating the sound of the waves in a final relaxation invoking the healing power of the water. Please wear white and red, the ritual colors of the Tarantate. (Please do not wear black.)
Cost: $ 50 for more information (201) 224-3833
at FIRST PRESBITERIAN CHURCH
701 UNDERCLIFF AVE. Edgewater NJ 07020
ABelloni@aol.com
Saturday, October 11, 2008
5:00 pm
Workshop & Solo Performance, Sat & Sun, October 11 & 12
Workshop & Solo Performance
Friday, October 10, 2008
5:00 pm
Alessandra Belloni & I Giullari Di Piazza
Dance & Music
In occasion of Italian Cultural Month, the Annual Premio Colombo 2008, Alessandra Belloni & I Giullari Di Piazza will perform at the Lehman High School in the Bronx, NY
Saturday, October 4, 2008
3:00 pm
Siena College's 7th Annual Diversity Family Dinner
Concert
60 minute music & dance performance for Siena College's 7th Annual Diversity Family Dinner.
5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Siena College
515 Loudon Road
Loudonville, New York 12211-1462
Concert - Alessandra Belloni, Joe Deninzon & other
The Droma Gypsy Festival 2008 will bring over a dozen Gypsy and Gypsy-influenced artists from Europe and the US to NYC for 9 days of colorful Gypsy spirit (Sept 24 Oct 3). In its 4th year running, the festival will once again present the breadth of contemporary Gypsy music from all over the world with a line-up that includes bands which preserve the original musical forms as well as others that mix it up with electronica, jazz, dub and European-style cabaret.
Alessandra Belloni will perform on the same bill as Viva Patshiva.
Drom
85 Avenue A (b/w 5th & 6th St)
New York, NY 10009
212-777-1156
Buy Tickets at
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producerevent/38689?prod_id=8608
Rub the rust off thy armor, iron thy chain mail and polish up on ye chivalry because the 2007 Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park will be held on Sunday, September 28th, 2008, 11:30 am - 6:00 pm
The Medieval Festival brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume. Visitors are greeted by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters. The afternoon is concluded with a thrilling joust between four knights on horseback. Costumed vendors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell a wide variety of medieval crafts as well as food and drink.
Fort Tryon Park - New York City
Washington Heights Section of Manhattan/ 190th St. vicinity
Alessandra Belloni is proud to announce her eighth annual workshop in Tuscany,
Italy... In celebration of her eighth year, Alessandra Belloni proudly announces a
SPECIAL GUEST: ANGELO TONELLI, Italian writer, philosopher, theatre director
and shaman. He specializes in the healing and ritual aspects of ancient Greek
mythology, incorporating dance and theatre. He will lead meditations, visualizations
and movement exercises. In addition, reiki will be offered by Antonio Fini, lead
dancer, choreographer and Dyonisus in the production Techno Tarantella
Spider Dance.
The workshop will take place at LA CHIARA DI PRUMIANO in VAL DELSA, FLORENCE.
La Chiara is a beautiful 17th century villa in rural Tuscany with its own hamlet and
chapel. The villa offers spacious rooms with wonderful views, swimming pool and
horseback riding. Set amid 40 acres of Chianti Classico vineyards and olive groves,
La Chiara is renowned for its regional cooking and home grown vegetarian specialties.
Join Alessandra for a healing musical journey in the magical land of Tuscany, Italy.
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For more information and a registration form, please e-mail:
ABelloni@aol.com or tuscanyworkshop@aol.com
Cost $ 1,400 double room, $ 1,300 triple room
including 3 meals, but not transportation.
Contact in Europe: info@prumiano.it
The Spider Dance, or "Tarantella," is a wild erotic dance ritual from Southern Italy used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula. An earlier version of this production was presented Tehatre for the new Cuty to sold out audiences last december. This new production has folk dances choreographed by Alessandra Belloni and modern dances choreographed by Antonio Fini, who is originally from southern Italy. Its music infuses ancient melodies and instrumentation; Arabic, Middle Eastern, and Brazilian rhythms; and for the first time, techno beats and electronic music. Arrangements are by violinst Joe Deninzon. Some music has been composed by Alessandra Belloni.
Beautiful Medieval Monastery near Zaratoza, Spain
Ana Ara
info@espiritudelsur
Thursday, July 31, 2008
2:00 pm
SACHEON INTERNATIONAL PERCUSSON FESTIVAL
concerts and workshop
A One woman show featuring the tarantella rhtyhm, and dance and deidcated to he healing power of drumming, presented by tambourine virtuoso, singer/dancer Alessandra Belloni, Remo Artist, and author f book/dvd RHYTHM IS THE CURE, published by Mel BAy Publications
other workshops sponsored by REMO to be confirmed
SACHEON PERCUSSION FESTIVAL
SAmcheonpo Bridge Memorial Park
Korea - sponsored by Percussion Dept - Prof Choi Jog Sil
World Percussion Research Institute Chung Ang University
featuirng dances from TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE, presented by
Ivan Thomas, Joe Deninzon, WIlson Montuori, Alessandra Tartivita, Steve Gorn. Vinnie Scialla, Antonio FIni, Caterina Rago
St. Ann's Festival, St Ann's square, Main Stage Head Liner 704 Jefferson Street Hoboken NJ 07030
tel 201 659-1114
Jennifer LAmperi
jenniferlamperi@gmail.com
Sunday, July 20, 2008
12:00 pm
FESTIVAL OF COLORS
WORKSHOP AND CONCERT
Special Healing Percussion Workshop and women' concert featuring Southern Italian
ritual drumming used as music and dance therapy, combined with the unique
style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of
the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula and chants, drumming and dances in honor of the Black Madonna.
RHYTHM STAGE
Max M. Fisher Music Center 3711 Woddward Avenue (home of Detroit Symphony Orchestra)
MAsked commedia dell'arte characters, sward fighters, stilt dancers, fire dancers and more, entertaining the audience as they pic nic on the beautiful grounds of Caramorr center for Music and the Arts in Katonah, Westchester.
MOnday June 30 - Wednesday, July 2nd - WARSAW, POLAND
ALLESANDRA BELLONI - RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Workshop and Concert
At the PERKUSIA Percussion Festival
Special Healing Dance & Percussion Workshop featuring Southern Italian
ritual dances used as music and dance therapy, combined with their unique
style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of
the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For more information contact stas@percussion-art.pl
WARSAW, POLAND
stas@percussion-art.pl
Saturday, June 28, 2008
12:00 pm
ITALIAN CULTURAL VILLAGE
workshops and concert
Most specifically, the performance harkens back to the historic Dance of the Tarantula, a healing trance dance for women from the Greek rites of the "Baccantes." Women involved in these rites, called Tarantate, danced the "Pizzica Tarantata" ("the bite of the spider tarantula," also called "the bite of love"). A bite of love drives them to dance in a wild frenzy in order to free themselves of repressed sexual desires. Instrumentation in this piece combines the traditional and the modern. Traditional percussion instrumentation will include tambourines, frame drums, dumbeck, riqq and castanets. Modern instrumentation will include drum set; electric violin techno beats and electronic music.
Arachne, played by dancer Sharon Li VArdo, challenges the Goddess Athena, played by percussionist/singer Alessandra Belloni into a weaving contest. Arachne wins and Athena, taken by jealousy, destroys her competitor's creation. A humiliated Arachne commits suicide and hangs herself from a tree. Athena then transforms her into a spider, played by Aerial dancer Fran Sperling thus condemning her to weave her web forever. The performance concludes with a collective trance dance cleansing ceremony. The audience is invited to participate in this celebration of life and love with dancing and wine.
The musical ensemble includes Alessandra Belloni (lead vocals, southern Italian percussion and ritual dance), musical director Joe Deninzon (electric and acoustic violin) percussionist s Vinnie Sciala &Singers are Alessandra Belloni (mezzo soprano), Ivan Thomas (baritone, from the original show "River Dance") and Alessandra Tartivita (soprano).
The dance company includes eight dynamic dancers .and fire dancers of different cultural backgrounds. Appearing will be dancers from the Martha Graham Ensemble, guided by Antonio Fini also in the role of Dyonisus, Italian folk dancers Caterina ragoa nd Francesca Silvano and stilt dancer Mark Mindek.
Theatre of RIverside CHurch
91 Claremont Avenue
New York, NY 10027
Russ Jennings and Jewel Kinch
rjennings@theriversidetheatre.org
Tuesday, June 17 - Sunday, June 22, 2008
5:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP & PERFORMANCE
Tuesday, June 17th - Sunday June 22nd,
GODDESS CONFERENCE IN BUDAPEST HUNGARY
RHYTHM IS THE CURE Workshop and TARANTELLA Performance.
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For more information, contact Krista at
kriszta@indigo.axelero.net
or kriszta@vereskriszta.com
Featuring ALessandra Belloni vocals, percussion and dance,
Joe Deninzon acoustic and electric violin
Antonio FIni and Caterina Rago dance
Italian Cultural Club West View Clubhouse,
Birchwood SpringLake, Long Island
Ralph Zeth
zeth8244@optonline.net
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
4:00 pm
FUND RAISER
concert
I GIULLARI Di PIAZZA, Italian folk music and stil dance by MArk Mindek
House of the Redeemer 7 east 95th Street
Audrey Ross
AudreyrossPub@aol.com
Tuesday, May 27 - Wednesday, May 28, 2008
1:00 pm
FUND RAISER FOR TARANTELLA -SPIDER DANCE
CONCERT/PARTY
A special fund raiser for I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA and our new prodcution SPIDER DANCE honoring the Very Rev Dean James PArks Morton former dean of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Please join us if you believe in our mission of creating a great show about the history of the Tarantella and its healing powers, we are working on making this world music opera into the Italian River Dance. Little Red School Theatre
Little Red School
40 Charlton Street downtown Manhattan
between 6th Avenue and Varick Street
tickets $ 60.00 including show, wine ,food
Alessandra Belloni
Abelloni@aol.com
Saturday, May 24, 2008
8:00 pm
LOWER EAST SIDE THEATRE FESTIVAL
CONCERT
Southern Italian ritual trance dances and music, featuring Alessandra Belloni, voice, percussion and dance, Joe dDeninzon, violin, WIlson Montuori, guitars, and dancers Antonio Fini and Caterina Rago
Theatre for the New City
155 first Avenue near east 10the Street tel (212) 254-1109
The production has the flavor of Cirque du Soleil and the potential of being the new River Dance. Ms. Belloni and Antonio Fini (of Martha Graham Dance Company) have created a choreography full of surprises using masks, fire, and spiders crawling on the floor.
An earlier version of this production was presented at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in 1996 and played to a sold-out audience as "The Dance of the Ancient Spider." In articles on the year's best World Music CDs, the sound track of this production made the top ten lists of Jon Pareles of the NY Times and Dan Hackman of the Los Angeles Times.
"Tarantella - Spider Dance" is intended to involve the audience of all ages, especially young people, in a collective ritual dance of liberation known as the Pizzica or Spider Dance. The traditional Tarantella was a dance to expel a spider's venom, to celebrate new energy and expel the "old poison" out of the body.
This is Ms. Belloni's first foray into "techno" music. The show features a new take on the tarantella folk rhythm and dance that Ms. Belloni calls "techno Tarantella Ecstasy." The techno sound is mainly created by the Russian violinist Joe Deninzon who is originally from St. Petersburg and leads the jam-band Stratospherus. He has been dubbed the Jim Hendrix of the violin.
Alessandra Belloni is a Remo artist with her own line of signature series tambourines. An internationally-known virtuoso of this instrument, she is reviving its use in an ancient women's tradition. Women priestesses honoring the Goddess of the Earth and the Moon, in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome mainly played the tambourine and its "cousin," the frame drum. Today it is still used in Southern Italy, and Ms. Belloni is the only woman who has mastered this instrument while combining it with singing and dancing.
**The Tammorriata - a sensual dance and rhythm done as fertility rite in honor of the BLACK MADONNA done all around Naples in May outside the churches, originally temples of the Earth Mother Goddess Cybele - participants will learn a 4/4 rhythm with strong African origins and a beautiful couples’ dance using also castanets.
***the ancient ecstatic dances and rhythms in honor of Dyonisus as the trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO or THE SPINNING DANCE, ***the healing trance dance of purification called PIZZICA TARANTATA used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society.
2:00pm to 7:00 pm (including break)
Cost $ 60- in a studio in New Paltz at 65 Cereus Way
A fiery one-woman show featuring voice and percussion, with Southern Italian tambourines, frame drums, ocean drum, Bodhran, shakers, harmonium, and doumbek. A fiery “percussive journey” through the South of Italy exploring through songs, dance and rhythm the magic rituals and tarantellas used as therapy and exorcism the healing chants in honor of the Black Madonna, lullabies, love ballads, women’ work chants and protest songs-
Concluding with the authentic “Pizzica Tarantata,” the healing trance dance from Puglia used as an exorcism to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, a mental disorder that afflicted mainly women, going back to the ancient Greek rites of Dyonisus.
FEATURING SOUTHERN ITALIAN DANCES AND SONGS AND RHYTHMS OF THE TARANTELLA
and tambourine rhythms
Fort Laurerdale, Florida
Jay SHapiro
info@oliveoildigest.com
Sunday, April 27 - Tuesday, April 29, 2008
4:00 pm
FUND RAISER for TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE post poned to May 27
replaced with RHYTHM IS THE CURE workshop
CHURCH ON THE EDGE
710 UNDERCLIFF AVENUE
Edgewater New Jersey near Sterling Palce, bus NJ trnasit 158 & 188 stops at Veteran's park
call (201) 224-3833
admission $ 40
Alessandra Belloni
Abelloni@aol.com
Sunday, April 13, 2008
12:00 pm
TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE
workshop
In this workshop featuring Southern Italian folk dances and rituals, learn chants used to invoke the healing power of the sun and moon, as well as a repertoire of therapeutic dances, accompanied by the beat of frame drums and tambourines. Alessandra presents these unique dance movements which trace their roots from Southern Italy back to ancient Greece, with connections to Iran, Egypt and Andalusia, as well as to the traditions of the Gypsies who traveled from Rajasthan through North Africa, Morocco and Spain to Sicily and Calabria. Carrying an unbroken chain of inspiration from pre-Christian times to the present, these dance movements embody the diverse traditions of dance we know today as Flamenco, Belly Dance and Tribal Dance. Prepare to be enraptured by these exciting and healing dances! Videos collected during Alessandra’s research are shown at the beginning of the workshop demonstrating actual rituals from outside the churches of Southern Italy.
COST: $75/woman pre-registered postmarked by March 29, 2008 (mail to The GODDESS TEMPLE of Orange County,17905 Sky Park Circle, #A, Irvine, CA92614); $85/woman at the door
The magic rituals and tarantellas used as therapy and exorcism the healing chants in honor of the Black Madonna, lullabies, love ballads, work chants and protest songs. Concluding with the authentic “Pizzica Tarantata,” the healing trance dance from Puglia used as an exorcism to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, a mental disorder that afflicted mainly women, going back to the ancient Greek rites of Dyonisus.
The GODDESS TEMPLE of Orange County,17905 Sky Park Circle, #A, Irvine, CA92614;
Sunday, April 6, from 10 am to 5 pm - New York Open Center, NYC
ALLESANDRA BELLONI -
REMO Signature Series Artist
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Workshop Number: 08WAD03M
Admission: Open Center Members: $120 / Nonmembers: $130
Southern Italian folk dances and rituals are joyous and healing forms of music and
dance therapy. In this workshop, we’ll learn ancient Neapolitan chants used to invoke
the healing power of the sun and to honor the Black Madonna. In this way we request
miracles and healing in our lives. A central part of the workshop will be learning the
dance Pizzica Tarantata, which originated as a ritual to cure the mythical bite of the
tarantula. In the Pizzica students will dance inside a circle of tambourine players.
Each student will take a turn inside the circle, learning the fast steps and wild rhythms
of the Pizzica. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor—on a white sheet, surrounded
by red ribbons—and the dance involves spider-like movements, as if emerging
from a spider web. We’ll also learn the Tammurriata, a sensual dance from Naples, and
a Calabrian spinning dance similar to trance-inducing movements of Sufi dances.
We’ll experience how dance, drumming and music allow us to release anxiety, relax sexual
blocks, open the heart and liberate our expression. This brings the mind and body into a
state of total relaxation.
Note: Participants will be barefoot. Women should wear skirts, and, if possible, everyone
should wear white clothes. Please do not wear black. Tambourines will be provided,
but you may bring your own.
NEW YORK OPEN CENTER
83 Spring St # 1
New York, NY 10012
(212) 219-9635
Featuring Southern Tambourine style and rhythms of :
Tammoriata - 4/4 rhythm done in honor of the Black Madonna
Calabrese trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO dating back to the Middle ages, used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle.
The Fast 12/8 rhythm and dance Pizzica Tarantata, used against the mythical bite of the tarantula , which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. A very fast and energetic ecstatic dance originally done in Honor of Dyonisus God of Ecstasy and wine.
Pre=registration is required!
Concert and workshop will take place at Cayuga Vault,1100 Soquel Av. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062
Pre registration at Rhythm Fusion 1541-Pacific Ave.Santa Cruz,CA 95060 831/423-2048
Concert -$15, Workshop $60 pre-register for Both $65
Tickets : $ 15 Cayuga Vault,1100 Soquel Av. Santa Cruz, Ca. 95062
Dror Sinai
rhythm@rhtyhmfusion.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
11:00 am
THE ADVENTURES OF ON GIOVANNI AND HIS SERVANT PULCINELLA
CONCERT AND WORKSHOP for students
for students only
Byram Hills High School
12 Tripp Lane, Armonk, NY 10504
Rob Di MArtino
RDiMartino@Byramhills.org
Saturday, March 15, 2008
3:00 pm
RHTYHM IS THE CURE
workshop
Part 2 Students will also learn the trance 6/8 dance of SAN ROCCO called the : THE SPINNING DANCE, Based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco, dating back to the Middle ages, used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle.
TARANTELLADEL ’600 sixteen century traditional dance.The final part will be dedicated to the healing trance dance of purification called Pizzica Tarantata, used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakra according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB
First Presbiterian Church–
710 Undercliff Ave.
EdgewaterNJ07020
cost : $ 30 tel. ( 201) 224-3833
Alessandra Belloni
ABelloni@aol.com
Friday, March 7, 2008
5:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Thursday, March 7, from 1:15 pm to 3:00 pm - Boston, MA
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
ALLESANDRA BELLONI - REMO Signature Series Artist
Percussion and dance workshop at Berklee College of Music for Women's History Month
Special Healing Dance & Percussion Workshop featuring Southern Italian
ritual dances used as music and dance therapy, combined with their unique
style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of
the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For more information contact Julia Madeson
At jmadeson@berklee.edu
Berklee College of Music
1140 Boylston Street Room 1-A
BOSTON, MA
Julia Madeson
jmadeson@berklee.edu
Saturday, March 1, 2008
3:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 23, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Edgewater, NJ
Cost: $50
ALESSANDRA BELLONI ~
internationally renown percussionist, singer-dancer
REMO Signature series artist
PRESENTS
Special Healing Dance & Percussion workshop focusing on the origins of the Tarantella as a healing dance of purification
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with their unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
In Part 1 we will review the rhythms and chants in honor of the Black Madonna known as Tammoriata – done in honor of the Black Madonna (originally ancient rites for the Earth Goddess Cybele).
Part 2 Students will also learn the trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO called the : THE SPINNING DANCE, Based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco, dating back to the Middle ages, used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle.
The final part will be dedicated to the healing trance dance of purification called Pizzica Tarantata, used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakra according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB.
Alessandra will end the sessions using the ocean drum, creating the sound of the waves in a final relaxation invoking the healing power of the water. Please wear white and red, the ritual colors of the Tarantate.
(Please do not wear black.)
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For more information (201) 224-3833
Or send an email to ABelloni@aol.com
FIRST PRESBITERIAN CHURCH
701 Undercliff Ave.
Edgewater NJ 07020
ABelloni@aol.com
Saturday, February 23, 2008
3:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Saturday, February 23, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Edgewater, NJ
Cost: $50
ALESSANDRA BELLONI ~
internationally renown percussionist, singer-dancer
REMO Signature series artist
PRESENTS
Special Healing Dance & Percussion workshop focusing on the origins of the Tarantella as a healing dance of purification
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with their unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
In Part 1 we will review the rhythms and chants in honor of the Black Madonna known as Tammoriata – done in honor of the Black Madonna (originally ancient rites for the Earth Goddess Cybele).
Part 2 Students will also learn the trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO called the : THE SPINNING DANCE, Based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco, dating back to the Middle ages, used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle.
The final part will be dedicated to the healing trance dance of purification called Pizzica Tarantata, used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakra according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB.
Alessandra will end the sessions using the ocean drum, creating the sound of the waves in a final relaxation invoking the healing power of the water. Please wear white and red, the ritual colors of the Tarantate.
(Please do not wear black.)
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For more information (201) 224-3833
Or send an email to ABelloni@aol.com
FIRST PRESBITERIAN CHURCH
701 Undercliff Ave.
Edgewater NJ 07020
ABelloni@aol.com
Saturday, February 16, 2008
1:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Monday, February 16, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm - University of Hawaii
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Cost $50, Discount Rate for Students $40
Special Healing Dance & Percussion Workshop featuring Southern Italian
ritual dances used as music and dance therapy, combined with their unique
style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of
the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For infromation contact Shannon Simonelli at
simonell@hawaii.edu
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII At Manoa
Temporary Dance Building
Lower Campus
(Park in the lower campus parking structure)
Shannon Simonelli
simonell@hawaii.edu
Monday, February 11, 2008
2:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Monday, February 11, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm - University of Hawaii
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Cost: FREE
Sponsored by the Italian Department
Special Healing Dance & Percussion Workshop featuring Southern Italian
ritual dances used as music and dance therapy, combined with their unique
style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of
the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
For a more details on this workshop, visit the following link RHYTHM IS THE CURE
For infromation contact Nadia Inserra at
inserra@hawaii.edu
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Nadia Inserra
inserra@hawaii.edu
Thursday, February 7, 2008
4:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
WORKSHOP
Thursday, February 7, at 6:00 pm - Hawaii Big Island
WORKHSOP OF HEALING TRANCE DANCES AND DRUMMING
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Special Healing Dance & Percussion Workshop featuring Southern Italian
ritual dances used as music and dance therapy, combined with their unique
style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of
the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
For information contact Neiri Parisi
at hawaiimermaid@hotmail.com
HAWAII BIG ISLAND
Neiri Parisi
hawaiimermaid@hotmail.com
Sunday, January 20, 2008
4:00 pm
DAUGHTERS OF CYBELE
CONCERT
Sunday, January 20, at 6:00pm
On The West Coast
ALLESANDRA BELLONI -
REMO Signature Series Artist
with MIRANDA RONDEAU
FRAME DRUMS & VOCALS
Admission : $20
The GODDESS TEMPLE at Orange County
17905 Sky Park Circle, #A Irvine, CA 92614
toll free: 1-877-N-TEMPLE
Contact the Director, Ava, with any questions or helpful comments.
949-651-0564
DIRECTIONS:
from the San Diego 405 freeway, in the city of Irvine,
exit MacArthur ?† north (inland) on MacArthur two streets,
past Main to Sky Park East. Left on Sky Park East one street
to Sky Park Circle. Right on Sky Park Circle about two blocks
to building 17905 on right. Temple at end of building.
Abundant free parking all around.
Healing, Dance and Percussion Workshop
12 to 5pm admission
Cost: $120
ABelloni@aol.com
ABelloni@aol.com
Saturday, January 5, 2008
5:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Saturday January 5th 5:00pm to 9:00pm
ALESSANDRA BELLONI ~
internationally renown percussionist, singer-dancer
REMO Signature series artist
PRESENTS
Special Healing Dance & Percussion workshop focusing on the origins of the Tarantella as a healing dance of purification
to bring in the light during Epiphany week-end
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Saturday January 5th 5:00pm to 9:00pm-
Featuring Southern Italian ritual dances used as music and dance therapy combined with their unique style of tambourine, and focusing on the ancient healing trance dance of the Tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula.
In Part 1 we will review the rhythms and chants in honor of the Black Madonna known as Tammoriata – done in honor of the Black Madonna (originally ancient rites for the Earth Goddess Cybele).
Part 2 Students will also learn the trance 6/8 rhythm and dance of SAN ROCCO called the : THE SPINNING DANCE, Based on a trance tarantella from Calabria in honor of San Rocco, dating back to the Middle ages, used as a healing ritual against the plague. Everyone spins together in a spiral and in a circle.
The final part will be dedicated to the healing trance dance of purification called Pizzica Tarantata, used to cure a mental disorder called Tarantismo, which afflicted mainly women, who felt stuck in the spider web of their society. Every student will learn the steps of the Pizzica, which are very fast and energetic. Part of the ritual takes place on the floor, and the dance is actually a spider-like movement on the ground. This part has the most amazing healing effect, releasing stress, blockage of sexual energy, as well as opening the heart and throat chakra according to the movements, as if coming out of an imaginary SPIDERWEB.
Alessandra will end the sessions using the ocean drum, creating the sound of the waves in a final relaxation invoking the healing power of the water. Please wear white and red, the ritual colors of the Tarantate.
(Please do not wear black.)
The NY GYPSY FILM FESTIVAL presents:
A Night of Original Gypsy Tarantella
with
Alessandra Belloni
and I Guillari di Piazza
7pm - 9pm Screening of Documentary "The Pied Piper of Hutzovenia"
Documentary follows Eugene Hutz of GOGOL BORDELLO through the gypsy camps of Hungary, Siberia and his native camps in Ukraine
9pm Special live gypsy-tarantella performance by
Alessandra Belloni
and I Guillari di Piazza
w/ Special guest the Rev. Gypsy Joe
11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
2007 Medieval Festival
Rain date: Oct 7 '2007
At Fort Tryon Park
New York, NY
(212) 795 - 1600 www.whidc.org whidc@aol.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
5:00 pm
At Westchester Italian Cultural Center
One Generoso Pope Place
Tuckahoe, NY 10707-4000
(917) 771 - 8700 programs@wiccny.org
Sunday, September 23, 2007
12:00 pm
At Westchester Italian Cultural Center
One Generoso Pope Place
Tuckahoe, NY 10707-4000
(917) 771 - 8700 programs@wiccny.org
Saturday, September 22, 2007
5:00 pm
Sat Sep 22 '2007 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
(Prog. info to be provided shortly)
At Westchester Italian Cultural Center
One Generoso Pope Place
Tuckahoe, NY 10707-4000
(917) 771 - 8700 programs@wiccny.org
Thursday, September 20, 2007
5:00 pm
At Westchester Italian Cultural Center
One Generoso Pope Place
Tuckahoe, NY 10707-4000
(917) 771 - 8700 programs@wiccny.org
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
5:00 pm
Westchester Italian Cultural Center
One Generoso Pope Place
Tuckahoe, NY 10707-4000
(917) 771 - 8700 programs@wiccny.org
Sunday, September 16, 2007
10:00 am
Diane Kennedy Center
562 Summit Avenue
Jersey City, NJ
Sunday, September 9, 2007
8:00 am
I Giullari di Piazza performance
Arthur Avenue
East 187th Street
Bronx (Street Fair)
Friday, September 7, 2007
5:00 pm
Basically for Women Program at The New School
[65 Fifth Avenue, 2nd floor, Wolff Conference Room] Contact Giulia Prestia at 212-229-5900 x3657 for more information
Monday, August 27, 2007
5:00 pm
Annual Healing Dance Percussion Workshop
RHYTHM IS THE CURE Annual Workshop in Tuscany Italy August 21 - 28, 2007 IN THE BEAUTIFUL RENAISSANCE VILLA LA CHIARA DI PRUMIANO, in the mystical and magical hills of Tuscany, between Florence and Siena
Goddess Conference 2007
1st-5th August
with Fringe events from 29th July-6th August
Celebrating the Crone Goddess at Lammas
With Ceremonies, Adorations and Praise Songs to the Crone for Her love, wisdom and transforming power. We shall honour the Crone in the landscape of Avalon, as Crone Nolava, as Keridwen, Keeper of the Cauldron of Death and Rebirth, as Queen of the Underworld, as the Dark Goddess who reveals what is hidden, and as Nine Clan Grandmothers. This Crone Conference is open to women and men of all ages, with illustrated talks, presentations, workshops, beautiful artwork & stalls, performances, music, song, poetry, dance. Take part in fabulous workshops, join one of Nine Clans for support and to participate fully in the Opening Ceremony and others throughout the Conference. Celebrate the Queens and Crones in our Goddess community. Make Lammas Bread Crones. Participate in a Healing Ceremony on Chalice Hill and at the Sacred Lammas Bonfire. Take an inner journey to deeply heal childhood and past-life wounds to your Feminine Self and listen to the wisdom of the Nine Grandmothers. Dance the night away at the Goddess Gala Buffet and Masque and join our Pilgrimage through the Landscape to Chalice Well and Glastonbury Tor with a Fruit Feast!
Special Southern Italian ritual drumming and dance
~ ALESSANDRA BELLONI ~
Internationally renown percussionist, singer-dancer
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
Special Southern Italian ritual drumming and dance workshop
Friday, July 13, 6-10pm NEW YORK OPEN CENTER
85 SPRING STREET
Celebrating her book and Instructional DVD
with Mel Bay Publications
Dedicated to the healing power of the Tarantella trance dance
In this workshop we will learn how to use Southern Italian ritual folk dances and rituals as a joyous form of music and dance therapy. We will begin with drumming and ancient Neapolitan chants used for healing and to honor the Black Madonna, and then learn several ancient ritual dances: the Tammurriata, a beautiful, sensual dance from Naples; the Pizzica Tarantata, a wild dance performed to exorcise a mental disease called tarantismo; and a Calabrian spinning dance, similar to certain Sufi trance-inducing arts. We will also learn the basic techniques of the tambourine, its accents and accompanying chants and discover other healing rituals. Learn how to release stress, unblock sexual energy, open your heart and throat chakras and achieve deep relaxation. Note: Participants will be barefoot. Women should preferably wear skirts, and if possible everyone should wear white clothes. The instructor will provide tambourines, but you are welcome to bring your own. Members $45/ Nonmembers $55 information or to register by phone please call 212-219-2527 x 2 www.opencenter.org
OPEN CENTER
85 SPRING STREET
Sunday, July 8, 2007
5:00 pm
SPIDER DANCE THE MYSTICAL POWER OF THE TARANTELLA
Alessandra Belloni and I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA SPIDER DANCE THE MYSTICAL POWER OF THE TARANTELLA
A trance dance production CELEBRATE THE WILD SUMMER SOLSTICE RITUALS IN HONOR OF DYONISUS WITH THE DANCE OF THE TARANTULA, Postponed to MID DECEMBER
Theater for the New City 155 1rst Avenue near 10th Street
PREMIERED ON JUNE 29TH THE TRADITIONAL FEAST OF THE TARANTATI, AND THE NIGHT OF THE TARANTULA…. AT ST SYNOD HALLAT ST JOHN THE DIVINE.
FOLLOWED BY A D.J. DANCE PARTY, WITH WINE IN HONOR OF BACCUS.
Written and directed by Alessandra Belloni with Arden H. Mason. Music by John La Barbera in collaboration with Joe Deninzon on electric violin.
Featuring aerial dancers, acrobats and stilt dancers
Italian Percussion Festival Contact Mario Riggio - mariggio@tin.it
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
5:00 pm
Workshop and Concert at PERC FEST
Laigueglia Italy contact Mario Riggio - mariggio@tin.it
Sunday, June 24, 2007
5:00 pm
Concert for Remo Belli
Concert for Remo Belli’s Birthday in his home town Aipignano, Piedmont Contact Mario Riggio - mariggio@tin.it
Friday, June 22, 2007
5:00 pm
Rhythm Is The Cure
Lerici Italy
Thursday, June 21, 2007
5:00 pm
The Argonauts
Lerici, Italy Piazza Del Castello June 23, 2007 Workshop Lerici contact Angelo Tonelli angelo_tonelli@libero.it
Saturday, June 16, 2007
5:00 pm
Tarantata Concert
Oratoria Santa Maria Assunta Comune di Spinea, Venice contact Prof Kiki Delli Santi Kikidelli@libero.it
Friday, June 15, 2007
5:00 pm
Rhythm Is The Cure Workshop
Oratoria Santa Maria Assunta Comune di Spinea, Venice
Saturday, May 26, 2007
5:00 pm
Spider Dance Concert
Theatre for the New City 155 First Ave tel 212 254-1109
Sunday, May 20, 2007
5:00 pm
Rhythm is the Cure DVD Release
~ ALESSANDRA BELLONI ~ Internationally renown percussionist, singer-dancer REMO Signature series artist presents: RHYTHM IS THE CURE Special Southern Italian ritual drumming and dance workshop Celebrating her book and Instructional DVD with Mel Bay Publications Dedicated to the healing power of the Tarantella trance dance
Sunday May 20, 2007 - 3 to 7pm First Presbyterian Church 701 Undercliff Avenue @ Sterling place Edgewater New Jersey right near George Washington Bridge Admission $ 75 including the book and DVD, $ 60 single admission – email Abelloni@aol.com or call 201 224-3833
The frame drum and tambourineworkshop will follow the lessons on her new instructional DVD and book that will enable the students to practice and learn this unique technique with a great healing energy. Students will learn : the original tarantella (Pizzica) fast 6/8 trance rhythm and dance, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula. (A form of mental disorder which afflicted mainly women (tarantate),who fell into an hypnotic state of mind, and in a trance they danced during the Summer Solstice. **TAMMORIATA a 4/4 rhythm and a beautiful sensual dance in honor of the Black Madonna * Tarantella alla Montemaranese, a carnival dance from (Naples) played on the smaller tambourines with a very unusual syncopation on the 6/8. Please wear white and red.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
5:00 pm
Rhythm is the Cure Workshop in Glastonbury UK
Three day Healing Dance & Percussion workshop
~ ALESSANDRA BELLONI ~ RHYTHM IS THE CURE in Glastonbury An amazing opportunity to experience powerful healing dances including the Tarantella, with world famous percussionist, singer-dancer and REMO Drums Signature series artist
Friday 11th May-Sunday 13th May 2007 Three day Healing Dance & Percussion workshop
Alessandra Belloni is artist in residence at New York’s Cathedral of St John the Divine and is director of the music, theatre and dance company i Guillari di Piazza. She presents concerts and workshops internationally in the USA, Brazil and Europe. Alessandra’s REMO Signature series tambourines may be purchased at the workshop as well as her new book!
Featuring Southern Italian ritual dances for music and dance therapy. Alessandra Belloni will teach unique drum and tambourine techniques and lead us in a series of dances to the Black Madonna and the Mother Earth Goddess. We begin with a processional chant in honour of the Black Madonna - Canto della Madonna di Montevergine and the ancient Neapolitan chant - Jesce Sole, an invocation to the Sun. Alessandra will then lead us in several powerful healing dances - Tammorriata - a beautiful, sensual dance from Naples, performed in pairs; Tarantella alla Montemaranese, a wild carnival processional dance from Naples, performed in a circle, wearing masks; and Ritmo E Danza Di San Rocco – the Spinning Dance in which people go into trance or ecstasy. On Saturday there will be an Evening Procession to Chalice Well with chants, drumming and dance in honour of the Black Madonna, preparing for the final ritual of purification in the trance dance of the Pizzica Tarantata, a very fast 6/8 rhythm from Puglia, which originated as a cure for the mythical bite of the tarantula spider. This powerful healing dance opens the heart and throat and releases stress and blocked energies.
This is a rare opportunity to work deeply with Alessandra Venue: St Mary’s Church Hall, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury Times: 11.00am-1.30pm, 3.00pm-6.00pm each day (later on Saturday) Cost: Full fee £150
Kathy Jones
goddessconference@ukonline.co.uk
Saturday, May 5, 2007
5:00 pm
Alessandra Performs at the Rome Art and Community Center
Rome Art And Community Center is a nonprofit multi-arts facility committed to fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and a strong community connectionthrough a broad range of programming and services."
Art And Community Center is a nonprofit multi-arts facility committed to fostering creativity, cultural awareness, and a strong community connectionthrough a broad range of programming and services."
Lauren Marie Getek Executive Director ROME ART AND COMMUNITY CENTER 308 W Bloomfield St. Rome, New York 13440 315.336.1040 Phone 315.336.1090 Fax
The Red Elephant presents... Alessandra Belloni w/ special guests Reggae Mcgowen
“Rhythm is the Cure” Italian Percussion and trance dance Haunting melodies and trance rhythms of southern Ancient prayers, chanting and drumming invoking the spirit worldItalian, African and Brazilian rhythms - Condomble - Maracatu - Samba roots trance dance of purification Tarantella – tambourine, and Djembe Tickets: $25
Red Elephant 1144 Bethel St., town park at Marks honoluluboxoffice.com...(808) 389-2227
Monday, April 23, 2007
5:00 pm
Workshop at UCLA
12 noon to 2:50 Schoenberg Music Building Room 1354
Saturday, April 21, 2007
5:00 pm
Rhythm is the Cure Book/DVD Release workshop
Special Southern Italian ritual drumming and dance workshop with Alessandra Belloni also Celebrating her book and Instructional DVD RHYTHM IS THE CURE with Mel Bay Publications Dedicated to the healing power of the Tarantella trance dance Fee: $50
Recreational Music Center 7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave. North Hollywood CA 91605 (818) 982-0461 contact Mike or Jerry
Friday, April 20, 2007
5:00 pm
Rhythm Is The Cure Concert and DVD Book Release
REMO PRESENTS RHYTHM IS THE CURE concert and release party with singer, dancer percussionist, Alessandra Belloni Remo Signature series Artist
A very Special Celebration for the BOOK and DVD with by Mel Bay publications With Miranda Rondau, frame drums , John Paul Tobin (viola), Jerry Zacarias latin percussion - a unique blend of Southern Italian, North African and Latin American rhythms and dance
Friday, April 20 8:00pm tickets $15.00
Recreational Music Center 7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave. North Hollywood CA 91605 (818) 982-0461 contact Mike or Jerry
Sunday, April 15, 2007
5:00 pm
Seattle World Percussion Festival
Workshop Book/DVD release in LA at Remo percussion
Celebrating the release of Alessandra Belloni’ book and DVD with Mel Bay Publications.
This concert is a unique blend of Southern Italian and Brazilian Music mainly from the North East, with influences from the Eastern World, North Africa and . This new collaboration among such special artists evolved in New York, the meeting place of all cultures and in , one of the most amazing countries for cultural and musical diversities. The haunting melodies and trance rhythms of Southern Italy, mainly connected to the rituals in Honor of the Black Madonna and the trance dance of purification known as tarantella have ancient roots in Africa.
Joe's Pub 425 Lafayette Tickets: $20
jserhoff@publictheater.org
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
9:00 am
Concert
Tarantata: Dance of the Ancient Spider
Onondaga Community College
contact 315 498-2583
Thursday, March 22, 2007
5:00 pm
RHYTHM IS THE CURE
A fiery percussive journey from Southern Italy to
TEMPLE BAR PRESENTS: RHYTHM IS THE CURE Featuring Italian singer & percussionist ALESSANDRA BELLONI (Remo Artist) with Brazilian guest artist from Recife : SIBA singer/ composer , also playing rabec (folk fiddle) & CHALO EDOARDO on Brazilian Percussion (Remo Artist) VIDA VIERRA & dancers from SWING BRAZIL
1026 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA www.templebarlive.com
REMO PRESENTS Rhythm is the Cure with Alessandra Belloni WITH BRAZILIAN GUEST ARTISTS
Remo Recreational Music Center 7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave. North Hollywood CA 91605
(818) 982-0461 contact Mike or Jerry
Saturday, January 13, 2007
5:00 pm
ON Stage Concert Series of CBC Canadian Radio
with the Sicilian Jazz Project directed by Michael Occhipinti Toronto Canada
Todd Fraracci Todd_Fraracci@cbc.ca
Wednesday, December 31, 1969
3:59 pm
TARANTELLA SPIDER DANCE
CONCERT
The Tarantella harks back to the ancient myth of the spider Arachne, who challenges the Goddess Athena to a weaving contest. Arachne wins and Athena, acting in a fit of jealousy, destroys her competitor's creation. A humiliated Arachne commits suicide, hanging herself from a tree. Athena then transforms her into a spider, thus condemning her to weave her web forever. The show continues with the Dance of the Tarantula, a ritual dance of liberation, in which women symbolically expel the poison of the mythical bit of the tarantula - also known as "the bite of love". The traditional Tarantella was a dance to celebrate new energy and expel the “old poison” from the body.
