Tradizione Vivente has been a living tradition in Milwaukee since 1945. Otherwise known as the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, Tradizione Vivente -- which performs this weekend at Festa Italiana -- has been performing a wide variety of authentic Italian folk dances across the nation for more than 55 years. And they welcome new members to help keep Italian dance alive.

Lisa DeSanctis, one of the directors of the program says 'Tradizione Vivente' means 'living tradition' in Italian.

"That's what it has been since 1945. My siblings and I were born into the dance group and have begun to take it over."

Previously, all the dancers were of Italian descent, DeSanctis says, but now anyone can join.

Of course, one of the troupe's showpieces is the Tarantella, one of the best-known traditional Italian dances.

"Hundreds of years ago, this dance was used to dance out the venom from the bites of tarantulas in Italy," DeSanctis says. "But now, of course, it is just for fun."

The group also performs various styles of polkas and waltzes.

DeSanctis invites anyone to become a member of the Tradizione Vivente, whose members range from children to senior citizens. The group has performed at the Holiday Folk Fair, Il Grande Carnevale, the Irish-Italian Gala, A Taste of Italy, Festa Italiana and numerous ethnic festivals and Italian weddings and baptisms all across the Midwest, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Tradizione Vivente is looking forward to a 2002 trip to San Francisco.

No experience is needed to join the group. The instructors will teach you everything you need to know. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7:15-9 p.m. at the Italian Community Center.

For more information call Lisa DeSanctis, (414) 421-6722, or Mark DeSanctis, (414) 543-5486.