THE SOUL
BEHIND
THE DANCE
A passion born to represent Panama
Panamá del Alma Mía is a folkloric company and academy founded in January 2013, dedicated to the promotion, preservation and projection of Panama's traditional music, dances and cultural expressions.
Our
essence
Our artistic proposal draws on elements representative of the country's different regions and brings them to the stage through shows that combine dance, music, costumes, tradition and artistic expression.
We are a community of dancers, musicians and artisans, united by the commitment to keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it on to new generations.
We believe folklore is not only learned: it is lived, felt and shared. That is why every rehearsal, every performance and every trip is an opportunity to strengthen our identity and proudly carry the name of Panama.
We train dancers.
We nurture identity.
Why be part of PAM?
Because dancing is also learning who we are.
Being part of Panamá del Alma Mía means much more than learning dance steps. It is growing within a community where children and young people can:
- Develop discipline and responsibility.
- Build self-confidence and security.
- Learn to work as a team.
- Get to know and value our traditions.
- Live national and international artistic experiences.
- Proudly represent Panama.
- Create bonds and friendships for life.
We currently have more than 125 dancers, organized into five companies:
- Pre-Kids
- Kids
- Intermediate
- Youth
- Adult
Our Founders
Marlenis L. Barrios de Rodríguez and Oscar Rodríguez Lee
Marlenis Barrios de Rodríguez and Oscar Rodríguez Lee are cultural promoters, artistic directors and trainers in the field of Panamanian folklore, whose career has been built on a vocation for culture, dance and the training of new generations.
Their experience as dancers, later as parents and now as directors has allowed them to understand folklore from a comprehensive perspective.
They use the study of folkloric expressions as a methodology to turn them into choreographic proposals of strong visual and interpretive impact, preserving their essence while bringing them closer to contemporary audiences.
They have also built an artistic community in which discipline, commitment, respect and a sense of belonging are fundamental pillars, creating a bond of trust with their dancers and their families. They are active members of CIOFF® Panama, taking part in spaces for cultural exchange, promotion and cooperation.
The conviction that guides their work is that preserving tradition does not mean freezing it in time, but knowing it deeply in order to give it new forms of expression and pass it on with pride to present and future generations.
Their greatest legacy is built precisely there: in every dancer they train, in every stage they conquer and in every story of Panama they keep alive through dance.
Founding dancers
They represent the perseverance, commitment and passion for keeping our traditions alive, inspiring new generations to keep dancing for Panama.
- Adriana DenisseRodríguez B.
- Daniuska E.Pinilla Bonilla
- DannaPeralta B.
- Gabriela AlejandraArosemena R.
- Bolívar AntonioToral Morales.
- Carlos JavierVásquez Guevara
- Farid AugustoSoto D.
- Mario RaúlVillarreal Góndola.
- Oscar ManuelRodríguez Barrios
Our dancers
More than 125 dancers are part of Panamá del Alma Mía. Our community brings together five companies of different ages and levels, united by a passion for folkloric dance.
Meet the people who, with commitment and pride, keep our traditions alive and represent Panama on every stage.
Meet our dancers
People who support us
Panama
in the world
Since October 2013 we have been active members of the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF®), an international organization dedicated to promoting and safeguarding traditional cultural expressions.
Our career has allowed us to represent Panama at international festivals and cultural gatherings, bringing our music, our dances and our colors to stages around the world.
CIOFF®
Panamá del Alma MíaPanamá del Alma Mía on international stages
- Colombia 2015 — XXI Mercedes Montaño Gathering (Cali) and the "Baila en mi Antioquia" Festival.
- Portugal 2017 — XXXVII International Festival of the City of Porto and Paranhos.
- Mexico 2019 — Gustavo Vaqueras International Folklore Festival in Zacatecas.
- Colombia 2023 — IPC Danza con Colombia International Festival.
- Hungary 2025 — XXXII International Folklore Summer Festival and Folk Art Fair.
- Colombia 2025 — Latin American Summit of Folkloric Dance Masters and World Dance Festival - Colombia.