Tarantallegra

Spell Name: Dancing Feet Spell

Incantation: Tarantallegra

Pronunciation: /təˌræntəˈlɛɡrə/ tə-RAN-tə-LEG-rə

Spell Branch: Charms

Magical Discipline(s): Jinxes

Appearance:

Description: Makes victim's legs dance uncontrollably, so the victim cannot control his or her movements (recalling the tarantella dance).

Regulations: Legal

Skill Level: Beginner

Etymology: The Tarantella is a dance originating in Italy. It was believed to cure the effects of the bite of a Tarantula by causing the victim to sweat out the toxin. It wasn't until centuries later that scientists determined the Black Widow was actually the venomous spider in question; people merely blamed the Tarantula because of its size.[12] Allegra may be derived from allegro, a musical tempo meaning "quick and lively"; or simply from the word "leg" as this is the only body part affected by the charm.

References: First used by Draco on Harry in the Duelling Club in Chamber of Secrets. It can be stopped using Finite, as mentioned in Order of the Phoenix. It is notably used against Neville in the Department of Mysteries, causing the prophecy to be broken.

Notes:

• Essential Tip # 1: You must have an unobstructed view of your subject in order to properly cast the Tarantallegra.
• Essential Tip # 2: In order to make a subject dance, it must first possess legs (a spell for growing legs appears in the advanced CAST-A-SPELL training handbook)."

— Tips on casting, Cast-a-Spell handbook