by Anna Harsh
Italy is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its vibrant dance traditions. As a dancer and researcher, I have dedicated myself to preserving and promoting Italian dance for future generations. I started dancing as soon as I could walk. For over 500 years, artistic talent has been a revered tradition in my Italian family’s lineage. Dancing was built into my blood and I am grateful for the talent to share my heritage through movement.
Both of my maternal and paternal grandparents came to the United States in the early 1920’s from Reggio di Calabria. They passed on much of their culture through teaching me how to cook, sing, dance and even sew. Needless to say, I admired them and was greatly inspired. When I attended college to gain my degree in dance, my final thesis project was on Italian dance and what you can learn from seeing cultural dance. I had a hard time finding any books, videos or substantial research done to preserve Italian dances in the United States. So, I decided to change that for the future. I studied with dancers in Italy and brought back the information to United States to perform, preserve, and pass on to the next generation. This research project was the grass roots of how my dance company began.
Today, I continue traveling to Italy and studying with several renowned dance instructors. Through their guidance, I gained a deeper understanding of the history and significance of Italian dance styles and in turn learned so much about myself. This experience inspired me to write two books that delve into the complexities of Italian dance along with my research: La Danza: Conflict, Passion, and Healing and The Italian Dance Quest. These books serve as educational resources for dancers and enthusiasts interested in learning more about the cultural roots of Italian dance. It was important for me to see books on Italian dance to feel represented.
In addition to my written works, I have also produced a dance documentary titled La Danza – Bridging Time Through Dance. This film showcases my touring company called Allegro Dance Company along with the beauty and diversity of Italian dance styles, highlighting their evolution over time and the impact they have on contemporary dance practices. Through this visual medium, I hope to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Italian dance traditions. From the waltzes and saltarellos to the fiery tarantellas, dance tells our story.
As each generation passes away, I worry that the beautiful traditional dances that hold our stories will disappear. Together, we can ensure that these treasured art forms continue to thrive and inspire future generations of dancers. Let’s keep the spirit of Italian dance alive for years to come. Balliamo!
For more information visit www.allegrodancecompany.net.
Anna Harsh holds an M.A degree in Communication, B.A degree in Dance, E-RYT200 Yoga, and certified in Pilates. She has been teaching and performing dance for over 30 years.
