Saltarello felix

Synchrony between dancers is fundamental for the Saltarello; the fast rhythm forces the dancers to perform rapid and energetic jumps . The dance varies according to the geographical areas of the Apennines, even though the basic jump seems to be common. Once the man has invited the woman to dance, the couple try to skip in time to the music and then start to jump, always crossing one foot behind the other and sliding the foot forward before placing their weight on it (see movies in “events” page). The step can also be a simple jump and the foot, not bearing the weight, is energetically kicked forward and then put down next to the other, for the sequence to be repeated again.

The dancers’ arms are stretched out to the front , kept by their sides or behind, for the men. They can face each other and hold hands, then they alternate skilled movements imitating escapes, refusals, chases, with spiteful or courting gestures. The man can show his ability during the musical variations by dancing a kicked step called "spuntapiede", which the woman can also copy . The dance finishes when the dancers, taking each other by the arms reach an agreement, jump from leg to leg and taking side circle round steps in order to leave the dance floor.

In Rome the Saltarello was usually danced by two dancers, who normally never joined: this is represented on several prints of town backgrounds by Pinelli and other artists. In town, during the “ottobrate romane”, people danced at great lenght when, every Sunday and Thursday, Prince Borghese opened its park and allowed free entrance to townsmen for the custom of walk.
In the countryside around Rome and in different areas of Lazio, it was danced by several couples; dancers could be linked together by keeping hands on shoulders or behind back, or also by making a round with bended bodies and heads joined in the center.
The Saltarello could therefore be played like a round dance, as for the ancient dances.
In Ciociaria, after threshing or during summer nights, on the farm yard, the bagpipe player often danced together with dancers to press them to rythm.