Workshop on traditional Piedmontese dances and knowledge of traditional musical instruments. Pinerolo and Turin - TO.

The experience

The valleys of Piedmont are deeply connected to the traditions of village dances, moments when the inhabitants would come together to celebrate community events.

In the mountain villages from where many Piedmontese departed for new lands, there weren’t many pastimes, and young people didn’t have much time for leisure activities. They worked from morning till night to help their families make ends meet. However, the desire to celebrate was strong, and when young people gathered on holidays, all it took was a player of the “semitoun” (diatonic accordion or organetto) to create a great celebration and lively dances.

One of the most well-known sung dances of Piedmont was the Monferrina, originating in ancient times in the Monferrato region and then spreading throughout much of Piedmont and even into some alpine valleys.

In recent decades, there has been a rediscovery of traditional dances, led by the Occitan valleys, from Valle Varaita to the valleys of Pinerolo. Today, many, including many young people, come together to dance the correnta, the giga, the cadrilha, accompanied by live music from local musicians. With this workshop, held in the Pinerolo area, you can immerse yourself in this joyful atmosphere, learn the basics of some traditional Piedmontese dances, and become acquainted with the typical musical instruments of the region, including the hurdy-gurdy and the accordion.

Following this, if possible, you may participate in a typical village celebration, where you can join the dancers and locals and practice these fun dances, which are mainly done in groups.