FOLKLORE Y RITMOS
DE PANAMA
Panama culture in Austin, Texas
Splendor and Culture of Panama Event - 2025
A vibrant evening full of color, music and tradition where guests enjoyed folkloric performances by Folklore y Ritmos de Panama, Murga Inspiracion Chorrerana, TV celebrity Elvia Munoz (La Chichi de Papaa), Almendra Sofia C.C (Queen of Calle Arriba de las Tablas - Panama) and Folklore Dance Studio.
Folklore y Ritmos de Panama Folkloric Dance Ensemble
Left to Right:
Sonia, Wendilyn, Leidiana, Katia, Lourdes, Fatima, Lorena, Jenny & Sogna.
HAVANA NIGHTS
Austin Hispanic Chamber Gala
Front (left to right): Lourdes and Jenny.
Back (left to right): Sonia, Fatima, Leidiana.
PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL ART FORMS
At Folklore Y Ritmos De Panama, we are committed to preserving traditional art forms and ensuring the continuity of Panamanian cultural expressions, safeguarding the authenticity of our heritage.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Join us in fostering a sense of community and belonging through our initiatives, as we strive to engage individuals in the exploration and celebration of Panama's folklore and rhythms, promoting inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
Members of Folklore y Ritmos de Panama en Austin
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Directed by Mrs. McInnis, our dance ensemble is made up of an incredible group of folkloric dancers who share a deep love for Panamanian culture. Their dedication and passion shine through every weekend as they practice, simply for the joy of sharing a piece of Panama with the Austin community. Through music, movement, and tradition, they help keep the Panamanian culture alive and beautifully inclusive.
Sulipsa
Sulipsa is a Board Member and one of our Lead Dancers. She has been with the group since the very beginning, dancing through every chapter of our journey. Her leadership, commitment, and passion for folkloric dance continues to guide and inspire us, both on and off the stage.
Jenny
Jenny is a Board Member and Lead Dancer who brings both heart and precision to our group. As our treasurer, she keeps us organized and grounded, and as our unofficial memory keeper, she ensures we stay perfectly in sync on every step. Her dedication, wisdom, and steady presence make her an irreplaceable part of our dance family.
Left to right
Katia, Lorena and Sulipsa.
Backstage at the Panama and World Rhythms event in June 2025 at the Dell Jewish Community Center.
Left to right
Jenny, Lorena and Leidiana wearing the traditional Pollera de Lujo.
Backstage at the Panama and World Rhythms event in June 2025 at the Dell Jewish Community Center.
Sonia:
Funny, talented, and full of life, she’s a joy to dance alongside. Her breathtaking pollera, crowned most beautiful, is a true reflection of her love for folkloric tradition. Our go to makeup artist and the one to take care of our beautiful polleras.
Austin Hispanic Chamber Event - Havana Nights Summer 2025.
Wendilyn:
Wendi is our youngest dancer and may be the newest generation in the group, but she brings the sweetest spirit. With her gentle disposition and her adorable toddler often by her side, she fills our rehearsals with warmth and joy.
Splendor & Culture of Panama Gala - November 1st, 2025.
Leidiana has been with our group since the very beginning, a true guardian of our Panamanian traditions. Her incredible collection of folkloric dresses and jewelry is a testament to her passion, dedication, and love for our culture. Every piece she wears tells a story, and through her, the beauty and richness of Panamanian folklore come alive for all of us.
Splendor & Culture of Panama - November 1st, 2025.
Lorena is one of our longest-standing dancers, sharing her talent, time, and heart with the group for many years. Her dedication and love for folkloric dance shine through every step, inspiring everyone around her. She carries our traditions with grace and warmth, and her presence is a true gift to our dance family.
Splendor & Culture of Panama - November 1st, 2025.
Left to right
Fatima, Sonia, Lourdes, Director Marta McInnis, Jenny, Leidiana and Katia.
At the Austin Hispanic Chamber Gala Havana Nights - Summer 2025
Left to right
Jenny, Sulipsa, Sonia, Katia, Peter, Wendilyn, Malena, Leidiana, Lorena.
Congo Dance Ensemble. Multicultural event Panama and World Rhythms - June 2025.
Fatima
Fatima has been dancing with the group for many years, growing right alongside the ensemble and becoming a true pillar of our dance family. Her sweet nature, kindness, and gentle presence make her someone everyone feels lucky to dance beside.
Hola Austin Fest - October 2025.
Katia
Katia is our go-to for social media and website support, keeping us connected and visible. With a memory for dance and rhythm, thanks to growing up with a musician dad, she picks up steps confidently. Her loud, joyful laugh fills the room, and her love for practice makes every rehearsal a lot of fun.
Splendor and Culture of Panama Event - November 2025.
Lourdes:
Lourdes is our proud Chiricana dancer, known for her unmatched elegance and grace in folkloric dance. She is also our best salomadora, the voice that brings our performances to life and instantly puts a smile on everyone’s face. If you hear us cheering during a dance, chances are it’s Lourdes doing her thing.
Hola Austin Fest - October 2025.
Peter, persuaded by his wife Wendi, has become an official part of our dance ensemble. Though he wasn’t born in Panama, he embraces the traditions with dedication and passion, dancing with the heart and spirit of a true Panamanian. His commitment and love for the art make him a valued and inspiring member of our ensemble.
Splendor and Culture of Panama Event - November 2025.
Sogna is the newest member of our dance ensemble, and she brings a natural elegance that is simply breathtaking. One of our tallest dancers, her movements flow like a swan, graceful, smooth, and captivating. She’s our go-to dancer when it’s time to refine and perfect our routines, making her an invaluable and beautiful addition to the group.
Splendor and Culture of Panama Event - November 2025.
Gabriel is one of our honorary Panamanian dancers, originally from Mexico, and he has been embraced by our family with open arms. He has traveled with Folklore y Ritmos de Panama, sharing our traditions with hundreds of people, and his dedication and passion help bring the beauty of Panamanian culture to life wherever he goes.
Splendor and Culture of Panama Event - November 2025.
Rogelio or Señor Rogelio, as we all affectionately call him, is not only the president of Folklore y Ritmos de Panamá but also one of our most experienced and respected dancers. Deeply committed to preserving the authenticity of our folkloric traditions, he brings both knowledge and heart to everything he does. Señor Rogelio has a unique way of grounding the group, offering calm, encouragement, and unwavering support that means more than words can express.
Photo: Nov. 2025