Embarking on a creative journey often begins with unexpected inspiration. For me, it was the prospect of Italy, culture, and dance colliding at my high school’s International Festival. Tasked with creating costumes for a Tarantella Napoletana performance, I dove headfirst into the world of traditional Italian folk dress. This project, initially conceived in my junior year, became the very spark that ignited my passion for blogging and sharing DIY adventures. Though a year overdue for this post, I’m thrilled to finally unveil the details of the Italian Tarantella dancing costume project!
The genesis of this project was simple: our Italian teacher envisioned a vibrant Tarantella Napoletana performance for the annual International Festival. Music was secured, dancers were eager (myself among them!), but a significant hurdle remained – the costumes. What would embody the spirit of this energetic Italian dance?
It was February 2011 when youthful enthusiasm led me to volunteer: “I can sew them!”. Luckily, the Italian club’s fundraising efforts meant finances weren’t a constraint. My next step was research and design. I presented my initial sketches to the Italian Club, and the voting process began to decide on the perfect aesthetic for our Tarantella Dancers.
My research began, as many do, with visual exploration online. My goal was to understand the key elements of traditional Tarantella dance costumes for both women and men.
Online image searches quickly revealed recurring themes in women’s Tarantella attire. I observed a consistent style featuring white blouses paired with dirndl-like vests or bodices. White aprons seemed to be a common accessory, and colorful, full skirts, often adorned with ribbon or lace trim near the hem, completed the look. It became clear that these elements represented the traditional dress associated with the Tarantella, a lively folk dance originating from Southern Italy.
Further image research reinforced these initial observations and provided more nuanced details.
A couple performing the Tarantella dance in traditional costumes
Vintage postcard depicting women in Tarantella costumes
Group of Tarantella dancers in vibrant folk costumes
Armed with visual references, I formulated a plan and ventured out to acquire patterns and fabrics. For the skirts, simplicity was key: panels of fabric, gathered at the waist with elastic. Aprons would be straightforward rectangles with drawstring ties. The real pattern focus was for the bodices and blouses, and I selected Butterick 6196, a pattern that seemed adaptable to the traditional style.
Budgeting was surprisingly efficient. Out of the allocated $140, I only spent $40 on fabrics! The remainder was dedicated to essential notions and decorative trims. My fabric choices included a sheer pink crepe, black suiting, green polyester damask for skirts, beige woven fabric for aprons, and red cotton for the boys’ sashes. A delightful discovery was the lining fabric for the bodices: a cheerful yellow with a tiny floral print in Italian colors – a nod to vintage charm and national pride! The bodices themselves were fully lined, boned, and finished with olive green binding.
The male costumes were kept simpler, reflecting a less elaborate traditional style. They consisted of white button-down shirts, black dress pants, and red sashes. However, I later enhanced their look by creating larger sashes and black cotton vests, adding a more complete and polished feel to their Tarantella attire.
Close-up of handmade Tarantella costume bodice
Tarantella dance performance costumes detail shot
Students in handmade Tarantella costumes posing
Full view of students wearing Tarantella costumes
Close-up of the sleeve and bodice drape of a Tarantella costume
This Tarantella costume project was more than just sewing; it was an immersion into Italian culture, a lesson in resourcefulness, and the unexpected catalyst for my blogging journey. Seeing the dancers in their handmade costumes, bringing the vibrant Tarantella to life, was an incredibly rewarding culmination of creativity and effort.
