Butera

First things first... A "ballo di gruppo" is a type of collective choreography where some individuals move their body parts in unison following the rhythm of the music. There are two types of group dance: those inspired by traditional couple dances and those created to specific music.

For me this was more of an encounter of the third kind. I didn't think anything of it when Siri asked: "Gina, are you coming with us? We're going to eat and then dance." I thought to myself: Sounds good, I'll go with you!

When I saw the location - I had no idea, but one thing was clear: hardly any tourists ever got lost here and thus it would be fun!

The whole thing took place in a kind of sports and event facility. The building inside was brightly lit with very white light, but I know that from Portugal, Greece and Turkey. Blinding shock...

So off we went to the reserved table - nothing works without a reservation. Then Italian home cooking and table wine and then they got started.

People streamed onto the large area in the middle and then the music boomed so that the beams shook. Sound shock...

At first they danced in circles like German folk dance and then they danced while looking in the same direction, more like robots. Last but not least there were a few couple dances. One thing was clear: everything follows a precise sequence of steps and every song has its precise choreography. No chance if you haven't learned that.

There were people of all ages but the majority were over 45 and also many seniors. The whole thing is called “ballo di gruppo” and is ideal for studying people.

What an experience!Read more