Become a DANCE DIPLOMAT

Every year, Movement Exchange hosts international dance exchanges in Panama for dancers and movers from around the globe. These 7–10 day programs are rooted in a model of mutual artistic exchange: participants lead dance workshops for youth in our partner organizations and simultaneously further their own practice through classes with local professional artists. These exchanges include immersive excursions to engage with the history and culture of Panama. Join Movement Exchange today to teach, learn, and serve as a Dance Diplomat.

View Our PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK

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TEACH

Empower local communities by leading dance workshops within our partner organizations, including schools, youth foundations, and orphanages throughout Panama. We welcome all styles and genres of dance as we aim to expose students to diverse movement forms from around the world. As a Dance Diplomat, you will share your unique expertise while contributing to a sustainable culture of artistic and social exchange.

LEARN

Engage in technical training with local professional artists across diverse styles, including Panamanian Folklore, Salsa, Contemporary, and Vogue. Our exchanges also feature a residency at the University of Panama, providing a unique platform to both lead and attend classes within their dance department. This collaborative environment fosters a deep artistic exchange between visiting and local practitioners.

EXPLORE

Expand your perspective through cultural excursions that provide essential context for our work in Panama. While itineraries vary, programs typically include visiting the Panama Canal, engaging with an Emberá Village, and hiking Cerro Ancón. Each day concludes with facilitated reflections using our program handbook, helping you process your experiences and deepen your impact as a dance diplomat.

Why is it called an "EXCHANGE"?

We call our experiences "exchanges" because that is precisely what they are. We are exchanging culture, community, and friendship and using dance as the tool to do that. Yes, you are coming to teach and share what you know, but you are also coming to learn from the local professional dancers and what they can teach you about dance. It is a time to exchange information about our own dance communities with respect and get to know other artists around the world through movement. Dance is a universal language, and movement is an incredible tool to learn about other cultures and form deep connections with others.

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Join an OPEN CALL

Every year we host at least TWO Open Call exchanges which are open to all dancers and movers anywhere. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or someone who just loves to dance, you are welcome to join!

Our next Open Call exchanges:

August 2-9, 2026 (including our Annual Show)

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Organize Your Own Exchange

We have many universities, dance studios, dance companies, and high schools that will often organize international dance exchanges for their own group. We need a minimum of ten people to run a private exchange and we will work with you to customize the dates and the itinerary. Please contact us for more information!

EMAIL: info@movementexchanges.org

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View Our PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK

APPLY TODAY

View Our IN-COUNTRY HANDBOOK

DANCE DIPLOMAT noun

1: a person who uses their talent and passion for dance to influence positive social change

2: one who encourages others to dance to allow for cognitive, creative, and social growth

Program Details

For a Sample Itinerary

Program Donation:

Registered Chapter Member: $1,600

Students: $1,800

Non-Students: $2,000

A $500 non-refundable and non-transferrable deposit will be due at least 3 months before the exchange. The remainder of your program donation will be due at least 1 month before the exchange.

Program Donation Includes: