In Panama neighbourhood, dance is a ray of hope for children caught in cycle of poverty and strife

In the historic centre of Panama City, where the narrow alleys and colorful walls of the San Felipe neighborhood hold stories of struggle, resilience, and social stigma, one space shines with its own light. The faint rays of the sun peeking out after a drizzle on a Saturday afternoon illuminate a modest white building rising up along a street that seems to mimic a coin.

In the mornings, cars surround it, and at night, the building becomes the setting for street vendors selling hot dogs or skewered meat and long lines of people seeking a fun night out at one of the many nearby nightclubs.

Despite the slippery floor from the accumulated water, a small, excited girl runs and climbs to the top of the building, where a dance class awaits her.

In many neighborhoods across the country, daily life is a constant struggle between a lack of opportunities and the desire to break vicious cycles. According to data from the Public Ministry, 2023 was one of the most violent years in the last decade: 556 people were murdered, a 10% increase from the previous year.

In this context, the Fundación Espacio Creativo, or FEC, has become a refuge of hope and a springboard for those children who might otherwise...

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