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teaching dance

Welcome to
Panama

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free arts education

International Dance Exchanges

Every year we host multiple international dance exchanges to Panama where dancers from around the world get to come to Panama to teach dance to the youth in our programs, take dance classes from local professional artists, and learn about the history and culture of Panama.

teacher with students

Sustainable Dance Education

We run a year-round sustainable and free dance education program for under-resourced youth in and around Panama City. We provide free dance classes taught by professional teaching artists in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and breakdancing. Classes are taught on a weekly basis to our partner organizations.

Dance Performance

Annual Show

Every year we host a large Annual Show in Panama City so that all of our students have the chance to experience performance on a professional scale. We also invite local dance companies to perform in the show, and our American dance diplomats on our exchanges perform as well.

traveling in Panama
Sustainable Dance Education

Free Weekly Dance Education

     Empowering Youth Through Movement

Movement Exchange provides year-round, high-quality dance education to under-resourced youth across Panama City. By employing four local professional instructors, we ensure our students receive consistent, weekly training in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, and breaking. We are proud to partner with vital community organizations including Hogar San José de Malambo, Paninka School, Hogar de la Infancia, Alcaldía de San Miguelito, Santa Ana, and Movimiento Nueva Generación.

Beyond the studio, we believe in holistic artistic growth. Our students participate in quarterly "Beyond the Studio" experiences—from museum excursions and professional performances to specialized workshops with international guest artists. The year culminates in our Annual Show, where every student takes center stage to perform on a professional stage in Panama City, celebrating their growth and the power of movement.

Panama Annual Dance Show

ANNUAL SHOW

The Annual Show: A Celebration of Movement

Since 2010, Movement Exchange has hosted an Annual Show in Panama City, giving every student in our programs the chance to shine on a professional stage. This vibrant showcase features guest dance companies, the National University of Panama, and our visiting US Dance Diplomats.

To more deeply honor our local partnerships and the Panamanian school calendar, the Annual Show is shifting to a new seasonal home. Starting in 2026, this celebration will take place each Fall, strengthening our commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and community growth.

Upcoming Show: Fall 2026

volunteering
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teacher with student
student dancers
young students in Panama
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