19th-century dances and dresses, Trieste revives Austria
Polkas and quadrilles on the occasion of 'Kaiserfest'
02 November, 12:05The occasion for the historical dances and a short parade through the central streets of Trieste was the 'Kaiserfest,' an event promoted by Altamarea Eventi and co-organized with the City of Trieste and in collaboration with Trieste Ottocento to commemorate emperor Franz Joseph and the centuries-old bond that united Trieste and Austria.
Accompanied by violinist Tamara Iatco, the couples performed in Ponterosso Square with quadrilles, some polkas in a circle, and marches in a line, representing in this way, explained the association's president, Marisol Cozzi, "different lineups of dancers of the 19th century, recreated by scholars following historical manuals." In the opening, the performers' soundtrack was the famous Radetzky March; in the finale, the ladies and their dancing partners involved the audience in the show.
The association's research began a decade ago and has led it also to recreate vintage events, such as evenings in historic villas or outdoor picnics, using cutlery, following recipes, and proposing games from the mid-19th century. "At the basis of everything," Cozzi assured, "there is a lot of work in researching details," which the audience and tourists appreciate. (ANSA).