Pizzica in Piazza del Plebiscito

That's me in the blue dancing La Pizzica, a traditional dance of courtship from the region of Puglia in Italy - pizzica teachers Latizia and Gabriele came to the studio today to teach us the basics of a very old and simple dance.  Usually the dance is done between a man and a woman, but because very few men came to the class (step it up, guys!), we all learned both parts.  All of this in preparation for tonight's party that took place in one of the main piazzas in central Ancona - dance improvisation accompanied by live musicians (accordion, violin, and hand drum with singing).  The steps are simple, but what makes la pizzica is the woman's role in playing a game with the man (or men) that either catch her attention or vice versa.

This is one of the oldest dances still practiced in Southern Italy, and to this day, the fular, or the red scarf (sometimes other colors as well), is the instrument of coquettish courtship and masculine triumph when it comes to making a match.  Originally, the pizzica was a dance to rid the tarantata women who were overcome by the sickness and lunacy of love or lust (thought to have originated from the bite of the spider, specifically the tarantula - hence the name).  Over time, this folk dance has evolved into a still lively way of finding a mate, yet fluid and when done well, almost a dance of two connected souls.  The woman taunts the man with the scarf, teasing him and being reluctant to give him the sought after reward, and after much tempting, if the woman sees the man admirable enough, she will ultimately let him win and succumb to his advances.  The man then shows his victory by waving the fular high above his head for the people to witness.  And it's hot - come on, everyone loves a little foreplay.  There's no actual touching of one's body with the other partner, that is what the fular is for; a small and brief passageway to the forbidden place in lust.  And we wonder why Italians are known for being so hot blooded...