About Us
Tradizione Vivente - The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, Inc. has been in existence for over sixty years. The exact date of its origination is not certain, but we have confirmed a confident estimation from our elders that it was started sometime in 1945. The dance group was formed so many years ago in order to pass time with those fellow cugini (cousins), fratelli (brothers), and paesani (fellow Italians) who lived in the neighborhood. This organization was established through one of the sole instigators, Elisa Di Polis, who has since passed away. Her efforts encouraged many others to join the club with the intention to spend an enjoyable time with those dear friends and family from the "old country." The original members of the group have since departed, only to leave behind a treasured gift, of which they probably never initially conceived of its longevity and existence.
Today, the dance group strives to keep alive the traditions that were passed on to us from our ancestors. We work hard to preserve Italian heritage the way we know best: through music, dance, and costume. It has been our honor to travel all over the United States performing for various events. Our performances include festivals, weddings, benefits, anniversaries, religious functions, and all other types of events both near and far.
In Milwaukee, we are proud to be a part of local events such as "International Holiday Folk Fair", and "Festa Italiana", where we have been pleased to perform since its inception more than twenty-five years ago. "Festa Italiana" fills the Milwaukee lakeshore with singers, dancers, musical groups, exhibit halls, artwork, cuisine -- all Italian -- and with thousands of visitors who are also Italian -- at least for the day!
In our efforts to sustain the rich culture that intricately bonds us together, our group has evolved to become a close-knit family. We come together weekly, leaving aside the complex lives we live in order to serve our need to practice and enjoy ourselves. Reminiscing about the historical past enables us to recall the attributes that the generations before us had inscribed. We can passionately remember the struggles, hardships, successes and the blessings that some of the Italians encountered. It has been told that the means of dancing was quite a remarkable way in which to console one another in difficult times.
Tradizione Vivente (Living Tradition), currently consists of thirty-five to forty members. The group's members range in age from thirteen to fifty-plus years old. Since our group consists of a children's group as well, we are able to further our pursuit of cultural preservation. The younger generation of members usually join the adult group after dancing in the Children's Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee (who also have a dedicated page on our site). This indeed is one of our goals, to inspire the younger generation of Italian-American children and youth to keep alive the traditions of our past. We know that the future belongs to the youth, therefore it is their task to continue our spirit.
Benvenuto, e ballo con noi!!!