Domenico da Piacenza facts for kids

Domenico da Piacenza (born around 1400, died around 1470) was a famous Italian dance teacher during the Renaissance period. He was also known as Domenico da Ferrara. He was very popular with his students. Two of his most famous students were Antonio Cornazzano and Guglielmo Ebreo da Pesaro. Both of them later became successful dance teachers themselves. Domenico da Piacenza received a special award called the Order of the Golden Spur sometime between 1452 and 1463.

Who Was Domenico da Piacenza?

Domenico da Piacenza was born in a city called Piacenza in Northern Italy. This was around the year 1400. He is known as the very first dancing master. He started teaching dance around 1440. People believe he taught not only dance steps but also dramatic acting and fancy dance moves.

Moving to Ferrara

Domenico moved from Piacenza to Ferrara. This happened when Leonello d'Este was the ruler (Marquis) of Ferrara, between 1441 and 1450.

A Special Award

Between 1452 and 1463, Domenico da Piacenza received the Order of the Golden Spur. This was a very important award. Many people think he was made a knight by Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor.

Dances for Weddings

Domenico was a skilled choreographer. This means he created dances.

• In April 1455, he created a dance for a wedding. This was for Tristano Sforza and Beatrice, who was the daughter of Niccolò III d'Este.
• Later in 1455, he choreographed more dances. These were for the wedding of Ippolita Maria Sforza and Alfonso II.

His Famous Book on Dance

In the 1450s or 1460s, Domenico da Piacenza wrote a very important book. It was called De arte saltandi et choreas ducendi. This means "The Art of Dancing and Leading Dances."

First Dance Guide

This book was the first guide about dancing and choreography in Europe. It gave instructions on how to do many different dances. It also explained what a person needed to be a good dancer.

What Makes a Good Dancer?

Domenico believed that successful dancing needed several important skills. He wrote that a good dancer should have:

• A good understanding of music tempo (the speed of the music).
• Knowledge of different dance steps.
• Good manners while dancing.
• Agility (being able to move quickly and easily).
• Moderation in their movements (not too wild or too stiff).
• Good body control.
• The right speed for the dance.

Domenico da Piacenza died around 1470 in Ferrara, Northern Italy.

See also

In Spanish: Domenico da Piacenza para niños