la tarantella

in what seems now to be a massive oversight, i failed to mentioned that i was once a dancer.  four or five years - one a piece - of jazz, tap, tumble, and ballet. i loved it. was extremely proud to be able to do a front hand spring and tap my little shoes and plie in various positions. i miss it sometimes. definitely have stiffened up and been out of practice, but i'll get the urge to move and then i'm jerry-maguiring across the floor all at once.

look! little me.

i'm not calabrian, i can't even understand a lot of the calabrian dialect, but i do know that the calabrian version of the tarantella is the most heart-pumping, foot-tappingly splendid version.  instantly, you feel joyful. it's hard not to be when you're bouncing up and down and in circles. my toes kind of naturally go into the little double taps whenever i hear the accordian start winging.

italian folklore tells that this dance will help you sweat out the poisonous venom of the tarantula's bite.  i may or may not be interested in dancing this at the big-fat-italian wedding we have coming up in a few weeks. the steps seem forgiving so long as you can keep the rhythm and stay light on your feet.  last night i was essentially 85% less stressed than i was before spinning frenetically around the dining room.  sweat that poison out, indeed.

or... http://youtu.be/rK9dapwEbgw