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The afternoon is in full swing at Altamarea. The sun loungers are occupied, holidaymakers are relaxing, reading, and scrolling on their phones. Children are playing, running, and sometimes driving their parents crazy. Over at the bocce court, it’s madness: I witness a fiercely competitive match. The crowd is excited, the players are focused, and comments on each throw fly in all directions, followed by bursts of joyful laughter. Suddenly, the recognizable Toum Toum Toum Toum of Altamarea echoes from the loudspeaker. “Popolo dell’Altamarea!” announces Alessandro with a big smile. From his small gazebo, the head entertainer lists the afternoon’s events and lets the music take over the place. Altamarea awakens from its gentle midday nap.

A crowd of children gathers in the small square: Francesco, the entertainer and dancer of the day, steps onto the stage to the tune of Baby Shark, and the show begins, a half-hour performance for delighted parents, proudly filming what they see as the promising start of a dance career for their little ones. Some parents join in with their children and, for a brief moment, fully enjoy this short return to childhood. Arms up, then down, we spin, clap our hands, and, of course, check to see if the parents are still watching!

The crowd grows in the square, the music draws in regulars and newcomers alike. Curious passersby walking along the Passeggiata del Ponente stop to enjoy the show, and some sway to the rhythm before continuing their stroll. The sun still shines brightly, gradually tinting the late afternoon with a warm orange hue. Half-finished spritzes on the bar tables signal that happy hour has arrived.

Now it’s time for group dancing. Almost instinctively, dancers fill the square. Strangers just minutes ago, they now become dance partners, moving (almost) in unison as part of a group. They exchange glances, sometimes shy, sometimes amused or admiring. Everyone gives their best effort, and rightly so: the audience is watching! Right foot, left foot, clap your hands, and spin, don’t forget the little hip wiggle, of course!

The movements grow more confident, relaxed, and expansive as the songs progress. Smiles multiply, and it even seems like friendships are forming: some people start dancing together. The music mixes with laughter and applause, and the atmosphere is so warm it almost feels like a family celebration.

Soon, almost too soon, the music softens and silence slowly returns.

At the end, everyone goes their separate ways… ready to come together again tomorrow.