Saltarello
A fast Italian folk dance defined by its characteristic leaping step.
The saltarello is a lively dance from Italy known for its jumping movements. It originated in the medieval period and remains popular in central regions like Lazio and Abruzzo today.
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- Named after the Italian verb for jumping.
- First recorded in a late fourteenth-century Tuscan manuscript.
- Danced by courtesans dressed as men at masquerades.
- Accompanied by bagpipes and diatonic accordions.
- Featured in Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony finale.
What is Saltarello?
This is an energetic Italian dance built around a distinctive hopping motion. The name comes from the Italian word for jumping. Dancers perform quick leaps that give the performance its unique character. Historically, it was a favorite at European courts and masquerades. Today, it survives as a regional folk tradition in central Italy.
Where does Saltarello come from?
The earliest record appears in a fourteenth-century Tuscan manuscript held in London. By the fifteenth century, manuals described it as an improvised dance using a specific double-step with a hop. It gained fame across medieval Europe. Later versions evolved into regional styles, such as the laziale variant in Rome and the romagnolo style in the north.
How is Saltarello danced?
The core action is a leap or hop, often executed on the upbeat. Dancers may use a double-step pattern before the jump. Historical sources describe groups of courtesans dressed as men performing this at parties. The footwork is rhythmic and bouncy, matching the fast triple time signature of the accompanying music.
The music of Saltarello
The rhythm is consistently fast and in a triple meter. Traditional accompaniment features the zampogna bagpipe or the organetto button accordion. A tamburello hand-drum provides the beat. Classical composers also adopted the form for piano, orchestral, and chamber works.
Costume and what is carried
Historical accounts mention dancers wearing men's clothing during masquerade events. Specific traditional costumes are not detailed in the sources, but the style relies on movement rather than elaborate dress to convey its energy.
When and where Saltarello is danced
It is danced during festivals, particularly the Roman Carnival and harvest celebrations at Monte Testaccio. It also appeared at court gatherings and social balls in the medieval and Renaissance periods. Modern performances keep the tradition alive in local community events.
Styles of Saltarello
Regional forms include the saltarello laziale in Rome and the saltarello romagnolo in Romagna. In southern-central areas like Abruzzo and Molise, the name becomes feminine: Saltarella. The German variants Hoppertanz and pas de Brabant reflect its spread beyond Italy.
What Saltarello means
The dance holds a place in Italian cultural heritage, especially in Lazio. It inspired classical musicians, including Mendelssohn, who featured it in his Italian Symphony. The form has transitioned from a courtly entertainment to a preserved folk practice.
Questions people ask about Saltarello
Where did the saltarello originate?
It originated in Italy, with the earliest records found in a fourteenth-century Tuscan manuscript. It later spread to other European courts.
What makes the saltarello unique?
The dance is defined by its leaping step, which involves a hop or jump. This movement gives the performance its energetic and distinctive quality.
When is the saltarello typically danced?
It is traditionally performed during festivals, especially the Roman Carnival and harvest seasons. It was also common at medieval court gatherings.
What instruments accompany the dance?
Traditional players use the zampogna bagpipe or the organetto accordion. A tamburello hand-drum usually keeps the fast triple rhythm.
Good reading and sources
- Saltarello on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
- Wikidata recordOpen data
- Videos of Saltarello on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Saltarello", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Ghungroo rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it describes the dance in outline: it is not a lesson. Traditions differ from one teacher, village or family to the next. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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