Our History

In April 1991, after realizing that their Culture was not represented at the multicultural festivals in Southern California, Victor Grimaldo and family members created Ballet Folklorico Viva Panama, and later, a group of Panamanians joined.  The organization began expanding its services in response to the need for greater exposure to Panamanian Culture.

Viva Panama Organization (VPO) is the merger of these services to meet the needs of the Southern California community and to provide a more comprehensive expression of the Culture of Panama.  The formal inauguration of the organization took place on Sept. 14, 2002, in Los Angeles, California, with the visit of the Panamanian Miss Universe 2002, Justine Pasek.
 

Our organization had the privilege and pride of establishing the International Week of Panama in the County of Los Angeles in 2003, when we celebrated our Centennial at the Anson Ford Theatre.  Our organization is the primary cultural representative of our country in Central and Hispanic Associations in the Los Angeles area.

Our dance company comprises talented individuals from diverse professional fields who enjoy sharing their culture through music and dance. Its main goal is to provide audiences with a high-quality sample of Panama's spirit and flavor. It is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance; our repertoire comprises original pieces approached with a contemporary vision, striving to preserve the originality and authenticity of the rhythms and movements of traditional dances. 

Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs and bringing forth the true spirit of the Panamanian people. Currently, Ballet Folklórico Viva Panama maintains a full performance schedule year-round throughout California, other states, and other countries. The company has performed in Texas, Nevada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, France, Monaco, and Italy.