Educate and empower at-risk children through dance

In January, a group of our students danced at the inauguration of the ‘’City of Arts’’, a center dedicated to the arts that integrates dance, theater, music and fine arts in a single place. Our students shared the stage with students from the National School of Dance and musicians from the Symphony Orchestra.

During our summer break, we had two weeks of aerial and contemporary dance classes and academic tutoring to help our students prepare for the upcoming school year. During this time, we were visited by the renowned Mexican dancer and choreographer, Isela Quintana, who dictated a contemporary dance workshop for our students.

At the end of February, we started regular classes for our students–which include aerial and contemporary dance classes–, increased academic support three times a week (instead of one or two previously)  and began “psyco-social” counseling.

In aerial and contemporary classes, we continue to teach everything from punctuality to working in a team, from responsibility to trust –possibly the most difficult value we teach these children and youngsters who are so used to fending for themselves and trusting no one.

For the academic support sessions, we have signed an Alliance Agreement with a reputable local  university, Universidad Santa María La Antigua, and recruited several volunteers to tutor our students, whether in small groups or individually.

Thus, thanks to the economic support obtained so far, we have been able to continue our program, transforming the lives of our students and having a positive impact on several at-risk communities.

Thank you for believing in us and the work we do for the benefit of our Panamanian youth.

On September 23rd we had our end-of-course showcase for the Danzarea program, titled ‘’15 Flights’’ in celebration of our fifteen-year anniversary, a testament to our continuous effort to educate and empower children and teenagers through dance. Family and friends were able to enjoy the show that our teachers and students had been preparing for months. We are very proud of our young ones for their responsibility, discipline, and dedication to the program.

Throughout almost the entire month of November, classes in public schools across the country were canceled due to protests and social unrest. Within a few days, we implemented a contingency plan to ensure the right to education, recreation, and socialization for our students. Our students needed a safe space for gathering that provided opportunities for training and comprehensive development, and this is what Danzarea gave them: 16 hours of aerial and contemporary dance class, and 27 hours of academic support, including reading comprehension and subject-specific tutoring, 3 hours of integration activities and 1.5 hours of cultural activities. We are very proud of our students and teachers for having continued the training and tutoring plan with such passion for the 3 weeks that this contingency plan lasted.

Having concluded the program this year full of energy and enthusiasm, we look forward to  a strong 2024 filled with ambitious goals and personal growth!

From all of us at Gramo Danse, Happy Holidays to you and yours!