Panama

Known for its diverse culture, gorgeous beaches and renowned canal, Panama is home to a number of growing metropolises and acts as a link between Central and South America.

With Movement Exchange, you will have the opportunity to meet and dance with the Panamanian people by taking local dance classes and immersing yourself in folkloric rhythms. Additionally, students will guide and facilitate dance classes for the community and perform at the culminating community dance concert.

The experience will be followed by a 3-day sightseeing trip of San Blas Islands and Tobago. Come learn about the importance of community, movement, entrepreneurship and activism through the exploration of this fascinating country rich in history and tradition.

You must register for the Dance and the Embodied Community course. This course fulfills the FPA core requirements and elective requirements. It may also be taken toward the BA in Arts Leadership as well as the FPA minor (based on specific disciplines: Theatre, Visual Arts, Music or Dance.)

• Estimated Cost: $2,432
  • This includes the 3-credit course taken during spring semester, on-site transportation, hotel accommodations, comprehensive health insurance, cultural excursions, all meals and round trip airfare.

Experimental-based learning in Panama: Spring Break 2024

Requirements

• Must enroll in Dance and the Embodied Community course
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of departure
• Students under any active form of academic or disciplinary probation at the time of departure will not be permitted to participate in the program.

Course

This course is designed for students interested in merging performing arts, teaching, social activism, and entrepreneurship through dance. It informs students on how to use literary and movement arts within community settings and how community engagement through dance can serve as a medium for social entrepreneurship. In studio sessions, students will construct and design classes, dance and movement exchanges, and community events. Students will reflect on movement practices and how they inform community-based learning in dance, as well as how the body can act as a medium to tell both personal and cultural narratives. Students will develop theoretical bridges between a community’s concerns, needs and assets; entrepreneurship; and the University's mission.

Contact

Professor Hannah Park
Email: hpark@iona.edu or studyabroad@iona.edu