Amici Italiani Dance Troupes
Adult Troupe
Directors: Bea Giamaresse Ricotta, Stephanie Ricotta, Johnny Fandel
Amici Italian (Italian Friends) established in 1985, by Shirley Martignoni Fedeli, gathers Italian Americans of all ages and backgrounds to learn and share the rich tradition of Italian Folk Dance. The main goals of Amici Italiani are to preserve and share the Italian culture, by educating and entertaining audiences with the color and warmth of the rich Italian heritage of its members.
Detail to authenticity is maintained with Bea Giammarese Ricotta, as Director, and Stephanie Ricotta and Johnny Fandel, as Dance Instructors. Dances performed are researched through The Italian Folk Art Federation of America, Inc., in which Amici Italiani has active membership. Their dances include various Quadriglias, Saltarellos, Mazurcas, Tarantellas and Codigliones.
Youth Troupe
Directors: Pauline Urso and Anna Mirabile
The Amici Italiani Youth Troupe continues the tradition begun in 1989. Twenty young dancers between the ages of 8 and 14 learn traditional Italian folk dances passed down through generations. We work with the boys and girls to introduce the them to, music and the movements of their ancestors. The majority of the dances are from the southern regions of Italy and Sicily. Two of the favorites from those areas are the Old Tarantella and Ragunesi. Ballo Sardo is a line dance from Sardina. From the northern regions three of the dances are Zoccalitanz, Ballo del Truc, and La Staggia. Monte Virgine is a dance from central Italy.
Amici Italiani Youth Troupe is dedicated to helping to preserve the rich Italian heritage and culture of the greater Rockford Area. One generation reaches out to the next. The music and dance transcend age and diversity and unite us in the warmth of the traditions of our homeland.
