Thursday, February 16
7:00 p.m.
Villard Room
Mixing folklore, religion, dance, and music, pizzica is a form of tarantella from Apulia, in Southern Italy, that is used in two ways: the pizzica-tarantata expels the venom from a spider bite, and the rhythmic pizzica-pizzica is performed in social festivities. After providing a general overview of the two forms of tarantella, Dr. Biagi will teach participants the basic steps of pizzica-pizzica in a dance workshop. No dance training is required to participate in the workshop; women should preferably wear long skirts and comfortable shoes.
Extensively trained in experimental music and dance as well as performance art, Laura Biagi has studied with Meredith Monk, Pauline Oliveros, and Denise Stoklos, among others. She holds a Ph.D in Performance Studies from New York University. Her research focuses on the relationship between music, dance, religion and healing in Southern Italian folklore. She collaborates with musicians, dancers, visual artists and curators in Italy and abroad and lectures regularly in Italian folk music.
The event is sponsored by the Italian department, in collaboration with the departments of Anthropology and Dance.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.
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