The space is Panama. We are situated at the contact point between two continents and a number of cultures, which have emerged from the meeting of European, indigenous and African traditions. And it is precisely this folkloric heritage of the Coclé region and all of Panama that ACADEMIA DE DANZAS FOLKLÓRICAS FRANCISCO DE LEÓN showcases.
The time is twelve years. On 15 March 2014, Professor Francisco de León founded an ensemble which, in just over a decade, would become an “ambassador” presenting the country’s artistic heritage at festivals in Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. And amongst all these places, one in particular is worth mentioning: at the 32nd Grand Prix der Folklor Festival in Germany, the ensemble won the second prize.
Is space more than just Panama? No doubt, because the ensemble is likely to want to convince us that – as the programme’s title suggests – “Panama is the heart of the universe.” ACADEMIA DE DANZAS FOLKLÓRICAS FRANCISCO DE LEÓN is going to take us on a journey through time and space. We will see highly elegant, joyful and energetic folk dances. We will get a glimpse of the history of the Panamanian people through colourful costumes and dynamic choreography. Accompanied by the accordion, drums and local instruments, melodies based on the traditional rhythms of cumbia, tamborito and traversaos will fill the air.
There will also be that which is most important at the FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF MOUNTAINS – as it builds a timeless bridge between the current and past generations of children – traditional games and pastimes such as rayuela, spinning tops and marbles.
Is space more than just Panama? No doubt, because the ensemble is likely to want to convince us that – as the programme’s title suggests – “Panama is the heart of the universe.” ACADEMIA DE DANZAS FOLKLÓRICAS FRANCISCO DE LEÓN is going to take us on a journey through time and space. We will see highly elegant, joyful and energetic folk dances. We will get a glimpse of the history of the Panamanian people through colourful costumes and dynamic choreography. Accompanied by the accordion, drums and local instruments, melodies based on the traditional rhythms of cumbia, tamborito and traversaos will fill the air.
There will also be that which is most important at the FESTIVAL OF THE CHILDREN OF MOUNTAINS – as it builds a timeless bridge between the current and past generations of children – traditional games and pastimes such as rayuela, spinning tops and marbles.