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