Join Emmy Award–winning executive producer, host, and dancer Mickela Mallozzi of the popular PBS series “Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi” as she shares her approach to travel through the universal languages of dance and music. She likes to say she “makes new friends by dancing with strangers,” and in doing so Mallozzi has learned over 100 different styles of dance in more than 40 countries.
In a globe-trotting series, Mallozzi explores three distinctive regions to discuss the history and impact of dances that she’s tried and documented in her show. She traces their roots and influences, their evolution through generations, and their role in linking communities.
Please Note: Individual sessions are available for purchase.
October 26 Ireland
Irish step dance, Appalachian clogging, and tap share the same tradition: sean-nós, or “old style,” dance. Mallozzi dives into this expressive and improvisational style that has influenced many art forms in Ireland and the United States.
November 2 The Caribbean
One of the most culturally rich regions of the world in terms of music and dance, the countries of the Caribbean meld influences from the indigenous Taíno people (from West Africa by way of the trans-Atlantic slave trade) and from Europe. Mallozzi focuses on the French Caribbean’s Gwo-ka dance traditions and their relation to similar forms found in Puerto Rico and other islands.
November 9 The Silk Road
Along the ancient Silk Road trade route stretching from China through Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Western Europe, spices and luxury goods weren’t the only valuable commodities traded and exchanged. The music and dance forms that developed along these routes cross-pollinated and influenced each other over the course of 1,500 years. Mallozzi looks at the traditions of Fergana, Bukhara, and Khorezm styles of Uzbek dance.
3 sessions
Photo caption (upper right): Mickela Mallozzi (center) in Puglia, Italy
Listen to Mickela Mallozzi’s interview on the Not Old Better podcast with host Paul Vogelzang.
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