Tarantella Composition

Things I know about a Tarantella:

-A rapidly-paced piece in 6/8 with a dotted-quarter pickup.

-Normally switches between major and minor modes for varying strains (see Tchaikovsky: Cappriccio Italien)

-Is NOT a saltarello, which more often starts on the first beat of the bar.

What I'm less sure on:

-Recurring rhythms (if any)

-Traditional form specifics

-Phrasing

If anyone can help me out, I'd be very grateful. I wrote a tarantella a few years back which was beautiful and dark and powerful, but it turned out to ... be ... a saltarello. (Woe is me!)

Thanks in advance.