Saltarello

Part of the Folk & Traditional family · 14th–19th c.

Central Italian leaping couple dance in 3/4 or 6/8 — Rome, Naples, Abruzzo, Marche. Originated in Central Italy · 14th–19th c.. Typically danced around 160-200 BPM (fast).

About Saltarello

Family: Folk & Traditional
Origin: Central Italy
Era: 14th–19th c.
Tempo: 160-200 BPM (Fast)
Format: Partner
Beginner accessibility: Intermediate

Leaping couple dance in 3/4 or 6/8; Rome, Naples, Abruzzo, Marche.

What to expect: Danced at Italian regional folk festivals and cultural celebrations. Rarely encountered outside central Italian cultural contexts. Preserved in folk dance groups and regional cultural associations.

Lineage

Branches

Dances that grew from Saltarello:

Where to find Saltarello events

We don't have verified saltarello events on the calendar right now. Check the full event feed for related styles, or submit one if you organize.

Going for the first time

Folk and traditional dance nights vary widely — Scandinavian, English country, square dance, contra. Most are caller-led so you're walked through every figure in real time. No partner needed; the format rotates everyone through the set.

Listen for the caller. Thank your partner and the band. If live music is playing, applaud between tunes.

Related dances

Tarantella

Submit a saltarello event →