Alessandra Belloni

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.
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