Neapolitan Tarantella Circle Dance
A traditional dance from southern Italy performed in a circle at a very fast tempo: side gallops, heel hops, partner elbow swings and turns dancing in the center to the beat of a hand drum. Students work on triple-meter rhythm, coordination and connecting with classmates.
How to play
- Introduce the tarantella as a lively dance from Naples and tap the beat on the hand drum so the class claps in time (2 min).
- In one big circle holding hands, practice 8 slides to the right and 8 to the left (3 min).
- Teach the heel hop: alternate touching a heel forward with a small hop, hands on hips, 8 times (3 min).
- With a partner, link right elbows for 8 hops turning, then switch to left elbows for 8 more (3 min).
- Put the whole dance together: slides, heel hops, elbow swing and a turn in which 4-5 students dance in the center while the circle claps (6 min).
- Repeat the dance a little faster each time and finish with everyone meeting in the center for a final pose (3 min).
Rules
- Hold hands in the circle without yanking.
- Start elbow swings slowly and let go if someone loses balance.
- Everyone dances in the center at least once; the teacher tracks turns.
Variations
Easier
Dance to slow music and drop the elbow swing, keeping only slides and heel hops.
Standard
Dance the full sequence with center turns and gradually increasing speed.
Harder
Make two circles, one inside the other, that move in opposite directions and switch partners at every elbow swing.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays the hand drum and sets the beat from the circle, and partners dance around them on their turn.
- Visual impairment: the student holds hands with two guide partners, and each step change is called out loud.
- Fitness level: offer a no-hop version with marched steps and let students rest by playing the drum.
Learning goals
- Perform a traditional circle dance to a fast rhythm.
- Coordinate slides, hops and swings with classmates.
- Enjoy a cultural tradition by sharing the center of the circle.
Equipment for a class of 25
- music: 1
- hand drum: 2
Teacher tip
Always start at half speed, because the challenge and the laughs come when it speeds up. With a large class, make two circles and have one student in each keep the beat on a hand drum.
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