The Woman Who Turned Dancing into a Passport to the World

Mickela Mallozzi, Emmy award-winning host of PBS's Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi, transforms strangers into dance partners across seven continents. Whether learning sean-nós in Ireland or celebrating Matariki in New Zealand, in this episode of Travel Tales by Afar, Mickela reveals how asking permission opens doors to authentic cultural experiences—and why the best travel connections happen when you follow your passion. In this episode, you'll discover How cultural appreciation differs from cultural appropriation—and why permission is key What it's like to film a travel show without rehearsals or mirrors Why dance reveals migration patterns and cultural connections across continents Don't miss these transformative moments [03:00] How Mickela's mission evolved from selfish adventure to platform for marginalized communities [06:00] The weekly Zoom meetings with Māori elders that made filming in New Zealand possible [11:00] Growing up in an immigrant family—from slaughtering chickens in Italy to catching the travel bug [14:00] The Europade festival that reminded her why she fell in love with this work [19:00] How Irish sean-nós connects to Appalachian clogging and eventually becomes tap dancing [23:00] Why the Caribbean is her favorite place to see cultural fusion in action [28:00] Her best travel advice: Find what you love at home, then do it everywhere you go Read the transcript of the episode Follow Mickela Mallozzi on Instagram. Watch Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi seasons 7 and 8 (premiering December 2025) Read more about Mickela's adventures in Ireland and Morocco on afar.com. Be sure to subscribe to the show and to sign up for our podcast newsletter,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Behind the Mic⁠⁠⁠⁠, where we share upcoming news and behind-the-scenes details of each episode. And explore our other podcasts,⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Unpacked⁠⁠⁠⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week, and ⁠View From Afar⁠, where we spotlight the people and the ideas shaping the future of travel. Travel Tales by Afar is part of Airwave Media's podcast network. Please contact [e-mail] if you would like to advertise on our podcast.