Panama Culture In Austin, Texas
Folklore Y Ritmos De Panama
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Copa Airlines Inaugural Flight Ribbon-Cutting & Media Event.
Direct Flights From Austin, Texas to Panama City, Panama
On July 6th, 2023, history was made as Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Copa Airlines launched the first-ever nonstop service from Austin, Texas to Panama City, Panama. This unprecedented event has created a new bridge, connecting Austin with 32 countries through Copa Airlines’ comprehensive network and its Hub of the Americas® located in Panama City. Read More….
Our History
Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá was directly founded as the result of a need in the community and our then-future constituency soliciting directly for us to present our culture and dances. Under the direction of our Director Marta McInnis, a small group of people motivated by their love of culture answered the call. They introduced Austin to Panamanian folklore in 2000 at the International Festival at the local St. Louis Church. At that moment, Marta McInnis first conceptualized the idea of Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá as a long-term venture. Her tireless dedication and support toward the mission of cultural exchange led to her founding the group in September of 2001 to fill an expressed need in the community. The group, since its humble beginnings 20 years ago, has been bringing the color, sounds, and movements of Panama through the teaching to adults and young dancers in Austin and the region, whether as spectators or participants. Since then, the group has worked on spreading the cultural art and creating awareness to promote and support diversity, becoming a placemark for constituents who don’t find themselves represented elsewhere.
About US
Our Mission
Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá is a 501(c)3 nonprofit cultural organization based in Austin, Texas. The organization’s goal is to support, encourage and promote the understanding of the traditions and culture of Panama by conducting public performances of dance, music, and theater. The troupe prides itself in building a highly versatile repertoire that contains
traditional and modern interpretations from Panama’s regions and diverse populations. The group strongly believes in cultural exchange as direct enrichment of the community. Since its inception, the group has served as a bridge of cultural outreach between the dancers
and the various agencies, organizations, families, and individuals throughout the city of Austin. Folklore y Ritmos de Panama will strive to extend its cultural expression to a broader audience representing the diverse population that composes the Austin community.
Director
Born in Panama, Marta McInnis received her education in Panama City and Kingston, Jamaica. This early exposure to diversity is evident in the multicultural flair she fosters in her dance company, Folklore y Ritmos de Panama en Austin. Ms. McInnis, best known for her unique choreography and beaming smile on stage, is one of the foremost authorities of Panamanian folklore in Austin and throughout Texas. She debuted professionally as a dancer with the accomplished Folklorico group of Dale Carnegie and later joined the University of Panama’s dance troupe, Baila Panama Baila. She has since participated in and led numerous workshops and performances in the United States and abroad. Her goodwill has earned the group respect, and she is often invited to national Panamanian performances and, more recently, this summer, the honor to dance in Italy and France. She first introduced Austin to Panamanian folklore in 2000 at the International Festival at the local St. Louis Church, where she first conceptualized the idea of Folklore y Ritmos de Panama. Her tireless dedication and support toward the mission of culturalexchange led to her founding the group in September 2001. She has continued to spread that love for her culture throughout her teaching to adults and young dancers in Austin and the region. Her high standard and strive for authentic hand-crafted national dress Polleras set her troupe apart from all others in the Lone Star State.
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