Tarantella Dance and Drumming Seminar

 

Saturdays, March 2, 16, 23 and April 13

2:00 - 4:30 pm

 

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Alessandra Belloni, internationally renowned singer, dancer and percussionist and Artist in Residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  This workshop will focus on the healing power of the Tarantella dance to give participants the means to fortify themselves against daily stresses. Students will become empowered through discovery of the ancient art of frame drumming and a technique of music and dance therapy that will enable them to discover the means to achieve homeostatic balance and inner relief of stress, while restoring spiritual and physical energy.

Each class is designed to follow the method described in her Book/DVD Rhythm is the Cure. This enables students to continue their studies independently after the course is complete. The workshop consists of four two-hour classes. Students will begin each session with an hour of drumming followed by an hour of dance. Students will learn the variations of the basic 6/8 rhythm of the Tarantella that originated as music and dance therapy to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula. The dance movements represent an unbroken chain of inspiration from pre-Christian times to the present. They embody and culminate the different dance traditions that we know today as Flamenco, Belly Dance, and Tribal Dance. Students will also learn the Tammorriata, an elegant and sensual dance from Naples performed by couples playing castanets to the rhythm of a large drum, called the Tammorra. The Tammorriata is based upon an improvisational style of drumming and singing usually enacted during the summer rituals in honor of the ancient Earth Goddess Cybele, and now worshipped as the Black Madonna.

Alessandra Belloni is renowned in her field and travels worldwide to perform group and solo concerts in theaters, universities, and international percussion festivals. Belloni began her career in her native Rome with the great actress Anna Magnani in "La Lupa," and with legendary film director Federico Fellini in "Casanova." She is Artistic Director and Lead Performer of I Giullari di Piazza, an ensemble of musicians, vocalists, and dancers that specializes in authentic Southern Italian music and theater events, dating back to the 13th century. Belloni is a REMO artist and was selected as one of the best percussionists in the world by DRUM! Magazine. She has been invited to appear in percussion festivals in London, Brazil, Poland, France, Italy, Australia, Rome, and throughout the U.S.

$300 per person.

To register or pay by credit card, please contact the Public Education Office at 212-932-7325 or email education@stjohndivine.org.

Checks can be made payable to The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.