Ep 1. Puglia, Italy

In season 3 episode 1 of Bare Feet With Mickela Mallozzi, the host travels to Puglia, Italy to explore the region's rich cultural traditions and unique dance styles. Mickela begins in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare, where she meets local dancers and musicians who teach her the Pizzica, a traditional dance with roots in ancient healing rituals. As she moves to the beats of the tambourine and accordion, Mickela learns about the history of the dance and its significance in Puglian culture.

Next, Mickela heads to the city of Lecce, known for its stunning Baroque architecture and traditional folk music. She meets up with a group of musicians who introduce her to the Tammurriata, a dance that originated in southern Italy and has evolved into various regional styles. Mickela learns to keep up with the fast-paced rhythm of the Tammurriata, which is often accompanied by the sounds of the zampogna, a type of bagpipe.

Moving deeper into Puglia's countryside, Mickela visits the town of San Vito dei Normanni, where she learns about the Tarantella, another popular dance form in the region. Unlike the Pizzica, which is traditionally danced to cure the bite of a poisonous spider, the Tarantella is a festive dance that celebrates life and love. Mickela joins a group of locals who show her the basic steps of the Tarantella, including the fast and intricate footwork that is characteristic of the dance.

As Mickela continues to explore Puglia's rich dance traditions, she also discovers the region's culinary delights. She visits a local farm where she learns about the production of olive oil, which is a staple ingredient in Puglian cuisine. Mickela also tries her hand at making handmade pasta, a skill that has been passed down through generations of Puglian families.

Throughout the episode, Mickela's enthusiasm and curiosity are infectious as she immerses herself in Puglian culture. She brings her signature Bare Feet style to each dance form she encounters, adding her own unique spin to the traditional steps. By the end of the episode, viewers will feel like they have taken a journey through Puglia alongside Mickela, experiencing the region's vibrant music, dance, and culinary traditions firsthand.