Saltarelli are an early period dance, and comparatively little is known about them (as opposed to bransles, pavanes, and basse dances). They date from the 13th to the 14th century.

I have reconstructions and music for two of these dances, however the authenticity of the dances is dubious at best. The music is perfectly period, however, being available in each case on at least one manuscript.

This one has been widely published throughout the SCA.

The word “saltarello” derives from the italian word meaning jump or hop, and saltarelli are characterised by a hop which occurs at various places in each step.

SI -- Single forwards, on the inside foot.

Step forwards on the foot closest to your partner (right for men, left for ladies), and hop on that foot, leaving the other foot in the air and trailing behind slightly.

SO -- Single forwards, on the outside foot.

Step forwards on the foot furthest from your partner (left for men, right for ladies), and hop on that foot, leaving the other foot in the air and trailing behind slightly.

SA -- Single away from your partner.

Step away from your partner on the foot furthest from your partner, and hop on that foot, leaving the other foot in the air.

ST -- Single towards your partner.

Step towards your partner on the foot closest to your partner, and hop on that foot, leaving the other foot in the air.

DI -- Double forwards on the inside foot.

This is the same as a DR for men, and a DL for ladies. At the end of the last step, instead of closing feet, hop on the inside foot, leaving the outside foot in the air and trailing behind slightly.

DO -- Double forwards on the outside foot.

This is the same as a DL for men, and a DR for ladies. At the end of the last step, instead of closing feet, hop on the outside foot, leaving the inside foot in the air and trailing behind slightly.

DOb -- Double backwards on the outside foot.

This is the same as a DLb for men, and a DRb for ladies. Close feet at the end of the step, no hop is involved.

La Regina is a saltarello that has been reconstructed and choreographed to the music of the same title found in a 14th century manuscript, by Geffrei Louarn de Kaermeriadec. It appeared in the Letter of Dance, and has become quite popular.

It contains 4 verses and a chorus, and is a line dance for couples, as many as will.

Chorus

1 - 2

DI

Double fowards on your inside foot.

3

SA

Step away from your partner.

4

ST

Step towards your partner

5 - 6

DOb

Double backwards on your outside foot.

Verse A

1 - 2

SI SO

Two singles forwards, starting on your inside foot.

3 - 8

Chorus

Do the chorus as above.

9 - 16

Repeat

Repeat the verse and chorus.

Verse B

1 - 2

Men SO SI

Men do two singles turning in place, to end up facing back down the line.. The ladies pause while the men do this.

3 - 4

Ladies SO SI

The ladies do two singles turning in place. The men pause while the ladies do this.

5 - 10

Chorus

Repeat the chorus.

11 - 20

Repeat

Repeat the verse and the chorus.

Verse C

1 - 4

Men SI SO SI SO

Men dance in a circle around the ladies, and return to their original places, in four singles.

5 - 10

Chorus

Repeat the chorus.

11 - 14

Ladies SI SO SI SO

Ladies dance in a circle around the men, and return to their original places.

15 - 20

Chorus

Repeat the chorus.

Verse D

1 - 6

SI SO SI SO SI SO

Take your partner's right hand in your right hand, and both dance in a complete circle around your partner, and back into position, using six singles.

7 - 12

Chorus

Repeat the chorus.

13 - 18

SI SO SI SO SI SO

Take your partner's left hand in your left hand, and both dance around your partner, and back into position.

19 - 24

Chorus

Repeat the chorus