Indigenous Dance Stories

On November 6, the Downtown Alliance, “Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi” and the South Street Seaport Museum co-hosted an evening of dance, film and storytelling that honored Indigenous voices and traditions from around the world at the museum’s A.A. Thomson & Co. Warehouse.

Host and executive producer Mickela Mallozzi and series editor Jonathan Rogers presented four hand-picked segments from the acclaimed PBS travel series “Bare Feet” — including an exclusive first look at Season 8, premiering nationwide on December 1. Between each segment, Mallozzi and Jonathan shared candid behind-the-scenes stories and reflect on the process and responsibility of bringing global Indigenous traditions to the screen.

After the screenings, Louis Mofsie and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers led a performance and participatory Friendship Circle Dance — an inspiring celebration of community and connection. The evening concluded back in the gallery with a reception and the chance to continue the conversation.

Photos by Calla Kessler.