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01 Sep 06

A.Word.A.Day -- tarantism


  • tarantism (TAR-uhn-tiz-uhm) noun


    An uncontrollable urge to dance.


    [After Taranto, a town in southern Italy where this phenomenon was experienced
    during the 15-17th centuries. It's not clear whether tarantism was the symptom
    of a spider's bite or its cure, or it may have been just a pretext to dodge a
    prohibition against dancing. The names of the dance tarantella and the spider
    tarantula are both derived from the same place.]

02 Mar 06

Fascinating rhythm : Nature

  • The effect is stronger for men than for women, and women rate dances by symmetrical men relatively more positively than do men. It works both ways; symmetrical men value symmetry in women dancers more highly than less symmetrical men. In Jamaica at least, it seems that dance is a factor in sexual selection and reveals important information about the dancer.
  • One property that dance might reflect is bodily symmetry, often used in evolutionary studies to measure developmental stability and genetic quality.

Dancing ability attracts mates - Page One

  • "[Symmetry] is an indication of your underlying ability to handle what the environment throws at you," Cronk said. It shows good quality genes, and exhibits health and performance outcomes that lead to mate choice.

Dancing ability attracts mates - Page One

  • Next time you're at a party, a club or a dance class, don't be surprised if you find yourself attracted to the best dancer in the room.
  • Dance is often associated with courtship, Cronk said, because "it demonstrates coordination, balance and maybe even creativity."
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