About Alessandra:

The only woman in the U.S. and in Italy with 35 years of performing and teaching the ancient healing tradition of Tarantella in folk dances and percussion combined with singing.

  • Artistic Director, Founder, and Lead Performer of music, theater, and dance ensemble I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA
  • Artist in Residence at New York City's Cathedral of St. John the Divine
  • A REMO Signature Series Artist with her own line of Italian tambourines
  • Author of the book/DVD Rhythm is the Cure and Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALESSANDRA HERE

DONATE TO THE BLACK MADONNA CENTER TODAY HERE

(All Donations are Tax Deductible)

Trailer for the documentary film by Alessandra Belloni,
Voyage of the Black Madonna:

   

The Cathedral of St John the Divine presents: ALESSANDRA BELLONI with I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA  

Artists in Residence in a special concert:  

 SACRED DRUMMING & CHANTS FOR THE SEVEN BLACK MADONNAS & ORISHAS 

based on Alessandra’s Book: Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna Featuring foreword by bestselling author Matthew Fox  

Published by Inner Traditions - Bear & Company  

THURSDAY MAY 11TH – 7:30 pm CATHEDRAL OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE  
1047 Amsterdam Avenue & 112 Street, tickets $ 35  

BUY TICKETS HERE

www.alessandrabelloni.com email Alessandrabelloni@gmail.com or blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com for more information  

The concert will feature: Alessandra Belloni - Artistic Director, Percussions and Vocals-  
John La Barbera - Music Director, Composer, Guitar, Mandolin, Chitarra Battente  
Joe Deninzon: Violin, mandolin and vocals  

Wilson Montuori - Guitar  
Steve Gorn - Bansuri Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinet  
DANCERS: Francesca Silvano, Peter De Geronimo, Mark Mindek - Stilt Dancer  

Join Alessandra Belloni, John La Barbera and I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA with the Black Madonna Center as they open a portal into the sacred sites of the mysterious Black Madonna in Italy and around the world. The concert is an enchanting journey of discovery of the seven Black Madonnas, following the ancient Neapolitan legend, known as the "Seven Sisters" in Southern Italy. This trip into traditional legends, miracles and history, transports audiences to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today. 

Join Italian Charities of America and Arba Sicula  
on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 
for a 
Southern Italian Concert by  

Alessandra Belloni  & I Giullari Di Piazza  

 

Refreshments at 6:30pm & Event at 7:30pm 
Doors Open at 6:15pm! 

  Italian Charities of America and Arba Sicula have collaborated  
to bring you a Southern Italian musical concert featuring 
award-winning tambourine virtuoso, singer, dancer and actress, Alessandra Belloni and I Giullari Di Piazza, an Italian music & theater ensemble featuring internationally renowned music director, guitarist and composer, John La Barbera. 

 This musical concert will feature both 
traditional and ancient Southern Italian music. 
This extraordinary event will include the internationally 
renowned Healing Dance of the Pizzica (Spider Dance) 
from the region of Puglia and tarantella's and love songs 
from the regions of Campania, Sicily and Calabria.  

  

Seating is limited, please click HERE register. 

Location of event is at Italian Charities of America's 
non-profit building at 83-20 Queens Blvd. Elmhurst NY 11373. 

  

Sponsored by Arba Sicula and Italian Charities of America

Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Workshop in Sicily: 

Summer Solstice 2023 

Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, teacher 

 Alessandra Belloni, Remo Artist, 

Author of "HEALNG JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA” by Inner traditions 

Proudly announces her 

Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Ritual Drumming & Chants workshop 

in Sicily for the Summer Solstice 

Join us for a MUSICAL JOURNEY TO THE BLACK MADONNA IN SICILY 

& THE SUMMER SOLSTICE at the MEGALYTHS OF ARGIMUSCO 

Register now! a few spots are still available!

This Pilgrimage is dedicated to the ancient traditions of the Black Madonna in Sicily and learning special Sicilian Folk Music, including drumming, chanting & dance at amazing locations by the sea and in the hills near the Black Madonna of Tindari & Mount Etna 

We start our journey on June 19th at Hotel Terre Di Eolo overlooking the sea 

The Hotel is an exclusive, newly-built facility (2017) born from the renovation of an ancient noble farmhouse, including, a courtyard, olive grove, beautiful view of the sea, the 

Aeolian Islands and the Nebrodi mountains. Its location is strategic due to its proximity to the sanctuary of the Tindari Black Madonna and the beautiful Mongiove beach. 

For more information: 

www.terredieolo.it 

We move on June 25th to the beautiful Airone Wellness Hotel overlooking Mount Etna 

Located in Zafferana Etnea, this hotel has been recently renovated, and overlooks the southern side of Etna. The green natural setting in which it is set guarantees an authentic oasis of peace for our guests. The two outdoor pools are located in our garden, surrounded by ancient chestnut trees and overlooking the wide landscape of the Sicilian Ionian coast. 

For more information: 

https://www.aironewellnesshotel.com/en/ 

Special Features: 

The Sicilian Folk Music Group SudCantica (https://www.facebook.com/Sudcantica) 
 with Federico Chiofalo - accordion, tambourine, guitar, Sebastiano Pietrini - vocals, guitar, tambouirne, Santino Scordino - bagpipe, tamboruine, Jaw’s hap 
Special musical presentation by the renowned Sicilian Folk Musician, Giorgio Maltese, from Catania. 
Special Lectures about Argimusco, by Philosopher writer Peppe Piscuneri 
Ritual drumming and chants led by Alessandra Belloni in various sacred sites & Mount Etna 
Yoga Sessions on the beach with Maria Christina Amore 

Coordinated by Davide Iosia & Alessandra Belloni 

Description: 

This workshop/pilgrimage will be a deep immersion in the ancient devotion to the Black Madonna of Tindari and other Black Madonnas to be fully experienced with drumming, singing and dance in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Sicilian Mother Land. 

As featured in Alessandra's book "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna ", 

This new workshop & pilgrimage will blend the Southern Italian musical tradition of the Black Madonna and the Divine Feminine with sacred locations in Sicily at The Megalith Stones of Argimusco, the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, and the Temple of the Goddess Cybele in Tindari. 

We will also feature the participation of special Sicilian Artists who will join us for wonderful jam sessions of Southern Italian Folk Music in great locations. 

 Drumming classes will be done at different powerful locations invoking the healing powers of the volcanic earth of Sicily combined with sacred chants of the Black Madonna. 

 Participants will learn the unique style of southern Italian tambourine playing and the ancient healing dance of the tarantella. 

Special yoga session on the beach with Maria Christina Amore, expert yoga instructor. 

During the Pilgrimage we will visit: 

  1. Black Madonna of Tindari on Beautiful Hill overlooking the sea 
  2. Megalyths of Argimusco 
  3. Feast of St. John and Festa du muzzuni 
  4. Black Madonna of Paterno, Catania 
  5. Black Madonna of Montalto

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ITINERARY, CLICK HERE!

 Free Bonus Video: The Black Madonna- Spiritual Mother

Filmed in Hawaii by Michael Bailey

Alessandra is sharing this special video with an in depth interview on the Black Madonna's esoteric traditions and true meaning as the Cosmic Earth & African Mother. This video also features the wisdom of scholar and spiritual leader, Father Phil Harmon. It was filmed and produced by the wonderful film maker Michael Bailey (co founder of Green Peace) from Planetviews productions Hawaii at Kahumana's Black Madonna chapel.

 Alessandra Belloni - Remo Artist 

proudly announces    

BLACK MADONNA DRUMMING & DANCE RITUALS & PILGRIMAGE IN SOUTHERN ITALY

  Alessandra Belloni - Remo Artist

proudly announces   
BLACK MADONNA DRUMMING & DANCE RITUALS & PILGRIMAGE

IN SOUTHERN ITALY

 
Get $100 off if you register by April 30th!
 
By the sea & mountains in the region of Naples
JULY 31 to August 8 or 9th 2023
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
 
These tours will involve a full immersion into the ancient drumming traditions and devotional chants in Honor of the Black Madonna, which can only be truly experienced in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Mother Land. This powerful journey will introduce and transport students to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.


ACCOMMODATIONS:

4 star hotels with swimming pools and gourmet food

• HOTEL DEI CONGRESSI near the Amalfi coast www.hoteldeicongressi.it
• HOTEL DE LA VILLE located in the mountains of Avellino  - www.hoteldelaville.it  


Total Cost 
$ 2,500 for single room (if you register by April 30th you will get $100 off from the actual price $ 2,600)
$ 2,400 for double room ($ 2,500 after april 30 )
Registration fee due: immediately $200 (non-refundable, applied to final payment)
Or VENMO & ZELLE also accepted. (Contact Alessandra for these options)
and notify Alessandra that you have paid at alessandrabelloni@gmail.com
 

Hotel deposit of 750$ Due April 30, 2023 (non-refundable after May 15, 2023) 

Final payment $ 1,550 Due June 1, 2023

 

Please pay hotel deposit here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BlackMadonnaCenter
 

Please specify that you are coming to the tour in Naples, Campania when you make a payment

 

Read About Alessandra's Best Selling Book:

THE HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA  

Published by Inner Traditions, with a foreword by bestselling author Matthew Fox, Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna is rated 5 stars on Amazon and has been No. 1 best selling in new releases under the categories of "Folk Dancing" and "Suggested Gifts"! 

Sharing her more than 35 years of research and fieldwork at sacred sites around the world, Belloni takes you on a mystical pilgrimage of empowerment, initiation, and transformation with the Black Madonna. 

An experiential guide to the ancient healing rituals of the Black Madonna:
• Reveals the practices and rites of the still-living cult of the Black Madonna in the remote villages of Southern Italy, including the healing rites of the tarantella dance
• Details shamanic chants, rhythms, and songs and how to use them for self-healing, transformation, and recovery from abuse, trauma, depression, and addiction
• Explores the many sacred sites of the Madonnas and connects them to other Great Goddesses, such as Isis, Aphrodite, Cybeles, and the Orisha Yemanja and Ochun
• Includes access to 12 audio tracks

Order now! 

Order on Amazon 

Order on Barnes and Noble 

Order as an Audiobook 

Learn more

 


Read Alessandra Belloni's Best Selling Book Healing Journey's with the Black Madonna TODAY! 

NOW AVAILABLE IN FRENCH! 

Alessandra is proud to announce that her book HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA published by Inner Traditions Bear & company (a best seller on Amazon under dance) is now being published in France, translated into French by a great Publisher, LE DUC with preface by brilliant writer and teacher Marianne Grasselli.

LA VIERGE NOIRE (The Black Virgin) Rituels de Guerison de la Grande diesse. 

https://espritdefemme.ch/les-vierges-noires/ 

https://www.editionsleduc.com/produit/2577/9791028522278/voies-de-guerison-avec-la-vierge-noire?fbclid=IwAR3T42PStTqqwwAr8_zpxWM5Etj9dPp6VQv1DZL_pY8-PzxMrbxi1Y09MFk

Donate Today

Dear friends around the world,

I hope that you are doing well and in good spirits.

We know there have been challenging times, and the world has changed tremendously. I have been working very hard these past two years to adapt my life as a touring artist, teacher, and performer by creating an online center/school with my company I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA and launching the FIRST SOUTHERN ITALIAN MUSICAL AND FOLKLORIC INSTITUTE. I'm asking for your support in helping me continue to realize these beautiful artistic and educational projects.

WHY WE NEED FUNDING

Our vision is to spread and keep alive the healing & folkloric traditions from Southern Italy as far and wide as we can, both live and online. This also follows the vision of our newly reformed board of directors.

We continue to do amazing work, but we need funding to continue performing and teaching online and in person through the end of 2023.

Specifically, funding is needed to:

• Present and produce new live performances

• Create and preserve online courses and ongoing classes for 2 to 6 artists

• Pay adequate artists' fees, technical crew, and administration costs for a cast of 3 to 12 artists

• Hire professional marketing and public relations personnel for the following projects to take place at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, NYU Casa Italiana, & the Italian American Museum.

• We are looking forward to launching an intensive ministry program with Alessandra Belloni and Father Phil to study the mystery of the Black Madonna and the teachings of the Holy Sophia. Final Ordination and Credentialing will allow candidates to perform as officiants of prayers, liturgies, rituals and ministry functions.

• We are currently working on creating a home base in New York while offering on-site and/or virtual field trips to specific historical and spiritual sites.

• We working on launching the First Southern Italian Musical Folkloric Institute!

Led by Internationally Renowned Singer, Percussionist, Teacher, and Author Alessandra Belloni & Co-Founder and Director John La Barbera from the Italian Folk Music, Theater and Dance Company I Giullari Di Piazza, (the Players of the Square) a non-profit organization founded in 1980 and artist in residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.)

The Center will have a base in New York at the proposed site of the Italian American Museum with Director Dr. Joe Scelsa as well as offering virtual courses & classes. We are also hoping for a possible collaboration with CASA ITALIAN NYU while offering on-site field trips to specific historic and spiritual sites in Southern Italy.

 

LIVE CLASSES! JOIN US!

Percussion Classes: 

 We will trace this style of percussion through the ages, from its ancient Greek roots, through the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its relevance today. We will study and practice basic “tarantella tamburello“ techniques: holding the drum with emphasis on arm movement, hand technique for triplets, and the 6/8 and 4/4 rhythms. Class sessions will be 12 lessons divided in 4 parts, will be held on Zoom weekly (90 minutes) and will be recorded. 

You must register and pay in advance. Group space is limited!

Schedule:

Monday 6pm ET: Advanced Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class 
Wednesday 6:30pm ET: Beginner Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class 
Thursday 5:30pm ET: Intermediate/Advanced Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class 

Cost: $50 for 90 min, 4 classes for $160

More information and how to register:

 

 

Singing Classes:

Each lesson will feature 2 songs from a specific southern Italian region: Campania, Calabria, Puglia, Sicily, and Lazio. We will describe the history, myths and legends that are part of this rich ancient folk tradition. You will receive lyric sheets with translations, and sheet music if available. Class sessions will be 8 lessons and will be held on Zoom twice a month, for 90-120 minutes. 

You must register and pay in advance. Group space is limited!

Schedule:

Every other Fridays 6:30pm ET: Singing/Chanting class with John La Barbera

Cost: $60 for 90-120min class

More information and how to register:

Study ONLINE with Alessandra!

Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, teacher, author Alessandra Belloni - Remo Artist proudly announces two self-paced courses on the Black Madonna:

“The Voyage of the Black Madonna Virtual Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of the Black Madonna in Southern Italy.” 

A Virtual Pilgrimage 

Immerse Yourself in the Healing Musical Traditions of the Black Madonnas of Southern Italy! 

Dance and drum your way through intoxicatingly beautiful and romantic Southern Italian hilltops and coastal towns where you will encounter seven enchanting and mysterious Black Madonnas. Across eight episodes plus an introduction, this pilgrimage opens a portal into the sacred sites of Southern Italy -- once known as Magna Grecia-- and the worship of the Earth Goddess, the African Mother, the Black Madonna. You will be immersed into a powerful world of ritual and magic. You'll learn chants, drum rhythms, and dances from master folk practitioners dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Black Madonna. Following the story of Alessandra's best-selling book, "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna" (Inner Traditions - Bear and Co., 2019) 


"Beginning Italian Frame Drumming in Honor of the Black Madonna"

Pre-requisite for all other self-guided courses

Beginning Italian Frame Drum in Honor of the Black Madonna, is a self-paced exploration of the TAMMORRIATA RHYTHM from the region of Campania. We will trace the Tammorriata’s ancient Greek roots through the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance, finally exploring its relevance today. You will learn several foundational drumming patterns. 

Interwoven with the instructional drumming videos are excerpts from Alessandra's books:

Rhythm is the Cure (Mel Bay Publications) & Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna(Inner Traditions - Bear & Company)

 


Patreon Announcement

Dear friends:  

I hope that you will read my  Patreon Page! In this challenging times the WORLD NEEDS HEALING! I hope you will join me in this special healing journey through music and film!  
If you join my Patreon page you will support my work and help me raise the money to create very crucial and needed artistic and educational projects, you will not only be supporting me, but you will be supporting a global healing community. As a Patreon you will have access to:  parts of  virtual mystical pilgrimage of empowerment, initiation, and transformation through the beauty and tradition of Italian folk music, chants, rhythms, and sacred songs from various regions of Southern Italy and much more ! CLICK BELOW!

Please support the work of Alessandra Belloni and
I Giullari Di Piazza!  Grazie!

Read about our Tarantata Performance and Dinner Fundraiser 2022

During this holiday end-of-year fundraiser, we honored Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante; actress, TV host and Ambassador of Made in Italy,  Eleonora Pieroni; as well as philanthropist and founder of Soul De Cuba Cafe, Jesus Puerto.

There was a performance featuring the South Italian Tarantella healing trance dances and ritual drumming chants and dance for the Black Madonna.

This was a special celebration of over four decades of work for I Giullari di Piazza who are artists in residence at the Cathedral of St. John Divine and who have also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space, to name but a few.

PAST EVENTS

2022-2023

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere Presents a

Live Performance and Special Event: 

The Healing Ritual of the Tarantella Dance 

Tuesday, April 25 at 7 pm in the Galleria

 

More Details to Follow Soon! 

Learn about the Healing Ritual Tradition of the Tarantella, Pizzicarella and Tammorriata folk dances from the Italian region of Puglia, Campania Sicily and Calabria. This special live performance will feature excerpts from the production Tarantella Spider Dance, Italian Tarantella trance dances, ritual drumming, and healing chants for the Black Madonna. 

 The event features artistic director, vocalist and percussionist Alessandra Belloni, John La Barbera on guitar and mandolin; and dancers Francesca Silvano and Peter De Geronimo. Belloni will also discuss her book “Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna,” detailing decades-worth of field research from many regions in Southern Italy.

 

PAST EVENT

Rhythm is the Cure Retreat in Hawaii

Healing Dance and Percussion Workshop 
from Southern Italy & Hula from Hawaii! 

February 27 to March 6th 2023 

in a new peaceful setting, in Oahu, HI: 
WINDWARD Quaker RETREAT CENTER: 
www.windwardretreat.org

Retreat Center Sold Out - Spaces Left for Locals

Accepting waitlist applications, please contact us to be added

Rhythm is the Cure is a 6-day, intensive healing workshop featuring Southern Italian ritual music and dance used as therapy for centuries throughout the Mediterranean. This new workshop will blend the Southern Italian musical traditions of the Black Madonna, and the Divine Feminine, with sacred Hawaiian Hula dance for the Goddess Pele. Every morning drumming sessions will be held on the beach.

Alessandra will be joined by special guest instructors: 

Father Phil Harmon, Archpriest, founder of Kahumana Farm & Retreat Center, a theologian who specializes in the Divine Feminine and the Black Madonna and will hold classes in the evening giving an orientation to the teachings and practices of the Western Esoteric traditions, the Mystics, and the Saints, the Black Madonna as the Earth-Mother in a Feminine Divine Trinity, with the Holy Sophia, her Celestial-Daughter, and with the Sacred Soul (Holy Spirit) and our Angelic Companions as the Being who unites the Earth and the Heavens. 

Auntie Nettie Armitage Lapilio, who will teach on the tradition of PELE, Hawaiian Goddess of the Earth, and the sacred Hula dances in honor of the goddess. She is a fully recognized Kumu Hula and Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner. She has been teaching Hula, Hawaiian Language and Music for 50 years. She is a practitioner of Ho’oponopono, a Traditional Hawaiian practice for healing both family and professional relationships. She is a highly sought-after professional musician and educator in Hawaiian circles.

For questions about registration, please contact u

PAST EVENT: SACRED DRUMMING & CHANTS FOR THE BLACK MADONNA & THE ORISHAS FROM ITALY & BRAZIL

SUNDAY JANUARY 29 – 7:00pm – at CORAZON PERFORMING ARTS 125 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290

This powerful musical journey will introduce and transport the audience to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.


The concert is inspired by two geographically distant but thematically parallel traditions. Southern Italian and Brazilian purification rites and procession performed in the summer to honor the archetypical sea goddess. In Brazil she comes from the West African Yoruba culture and is called Yemanja , in Italy she is called the Black Madonna of the Sea (once called Aphrodite). Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, dancer and REMO Artist Alessandra Belloni will be playing the ocean drum, recreating the sound of the waves of the ocean , her Yemanja drum made by Remo that combines the sound of the water with the drum, her line of Southern Italian tambourines and frame drums accompanied by a small ensemble of singers and percussionists.


Vida Vierra will sing the traditional Afro Brazilian Chants for Yemanja and Ochun, Goddess of Love, the Sea, the Rivers accompanied by djembes, congas, pandeiro & bells.
Southern Italy and Brazil share their common roots in Africa and worship of the Black Madonna as African Mother.

 

PAST EVENT: RAINBOW BODY MATRIX presents: A Celebration of the Black Madonna & Iemanjá.

 Join Vida Vierra & Dani Lunn as they host Guest Artist: Alessandra Belloni ~ An embodied journey into the mysteries of the Black Madonna and an honoring of the Feast of Iemanjá! Together we evoked the many faces of the Divine Mother through the power of sacred song and movement. 

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