Panadanza Dance Company

Hello, Wisconsin locals, especially those in the vibrant city of Milwaukee! Are you ready to immerse yourself in rhythm, culture, and a truly unique dance experience? Look no further than Panadanza Dance Company, a gem right here in Milwaukee, WI. Founded in 2008 by the incredibly talented Karlies Kelley, Panadanza is more than just a dance studio; it’s a passionate endeavor to celebrate the rich traditions and African roots of Latin American dance and music, while building a strong, inclusive community.

At Panadanza Dance Company, the philosophy is simple yet profound: "dance belongs to all, in all spaces, dance is key to living a more colorful and meaningful life!" Karlies Kelley, a native of Panama and a multidisciplinary movement artist with a BFA and MFA in African Diaspora Dance from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, created Panadanza to stay connected with her roots, build community, and create safe, healing spaces for women and young people. This deep-seated mission permeates every class and performance, fostering an environment filled with "body positivity and love and respect for yourself and others."

The impact of Panadanza is beautifully captured in the words of a satisfied participant: "Karlies Kelley makes me love Mondays!! She is little but she is FIERCE!! I'm an athlete but never took a dance class before and she is able to breakdown her routines so that all levels can learn it. She harbors a unique energy that makes you want to keep coming back. We learn a new style of Latin dance each week, along with some history behind the dance. The classes are filled with body positivity and love and respect for yourself and others. This is unlike anything I've ever been a part of before and I invite everyone to come experience it! Everyone deserves a little bit of Karlies Kelley in their lives!!!" This testimonial perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, inclusive, and enriching experience that awaits you at Panadanza Dance Company. It's a place where learning dance steps is just the beginning of a journey of cultural appreciation, self-discovery, and joyful connection.

Panadanza Dance Company is conveniently located at 2499 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of Milwaukee's vibrant Bay View neighborhood, making it highly accessible for residents throughout Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. The studio is situated within The Delaware House, a collective of independent experts, dancers, and instructors, creating a dynamic and supportive environment. From the intersection of S. Kinnickinnic Ave. and E. Russell Ave, you simply head east four blocks on Russell, and The Delaware House is at the second stop sign on Delaware Ave.

Public transportation options are available in the Bay View neighborhood, making it convenient for those who prefer not to drive. For those driving, ample street parking is generally available in the vicinity of The Delaware House, ensuring a stress-free arrival and departure for students. The easy accessibility of the studio, nestled within a lively and community-oriented part of Milwaukee, further enhances its appeal. Being close to local businesses like G. Groppi Food Market, Cactus Club, and Palomino Bar, allows for integration into daily routines, making it easy to combine your dance class with other errands or social outings. This central and well-connected location underscores Panadanza Dance Company's commitment to serving the diverse population of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with ease and convenience.

Panadanza Dance Company, under the direction of Karlies Kelley, offers a focused yet rich array of services designed to immerse participants in Latin American dance and culture:

• Afro-Latin Dance Classes: Specializing in diverse Latin dance styles that explore and celebrate their rich traditions and African roots. While specific styles offered weekly might vary, a focus on styles like Salsa, with historical and cultural context, is a key component.
• Classes for All Levels: Whether you're a complete beginner who has never taken a dance class or an experienced dancer, routines are broken down to be accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.
• Cultural & Historical Education: Beyond just learning steps, classes often incorporate the history and cultural significance behind each dance style, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation.
• Community-Based Performances and Workshops: Panadanza actively engages in professional and community-based performances, showcasing the vibrant traditions of Latin America and involving community members. They also offer workshops that provide immersive learning experiences.
• Safe and Healing Spaces: A core mission of the company is to create safe and healing environments, particularly for women and young people, fostering self-love and body positivity through movement.
• Regular Classes: Karlies Kelley teaches a class on Monday nights at the Delaware House, providing a consistent opportunity for locals to participate.
• Engagement with Diverse Dance Forms: Karlies Kelley's background as a versatile dancer and choreographer means the company's offerings may touch upon styles ranging from West African, Brazilian, Caribbean, Modern, and Jazz, all through an Afro-Latin lens.
• Youth and Adult Programs: Active involvement in the Milwaukee community to engage both youth and adults in positive and unifying ways through dance.

Panadanza Dance Company distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a truly unique and valuable asset to the Milwaukee community:

• Charismatic and Expert Instructor (Karlies Kelley): Karlies Kelley is consistently lauded for her dynamic and unique energy, her ability to break down routines for all levels, and her inspiring passion for dance. Her extensive background, including a BFA and MFA in African Diaspora Dance, ensures top-tier instruction.
• Inclusive and Body-Positive Environment: The studio is celebrated for fostering a space filled with "body positivity and love and respect for yourself and others," making it welcoming for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.
• Cultural Immersion: Beyond just dance steps, Panadanza provides rich cultural and historical context for the Latin dance styles taught, enriching the learning experience and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art form's roots.
• Community Building: A core mission of the company is to build a community around music and dance, creating strong connections among participants and fostering a supportive "dance family."
• Focus on Healing and Well-being: Karlies Kelley specifically aims to create "safe, healing spaces for women and young people," emphasizing the therapeutic and empowering aspects of dance.
• Versatile Offerings: While rooted in Latin dance, Karlies Kelley's broad expertise means that classes can draw from a wide array of styles, keeping the curriculum fresh and engaging.
• Active Community Involvement: Panadanza Dance Company is actively involved in the Milwaukee community, participating in local events and engaging diverse groups through movement.

For those in the Wisconsin area eager to experience the vibrant dance and community at Panadanza Dance Company, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 2499 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA

Phone: (414) 350-2940

Mobile Phone: +1 414-350-2940

For locals in Wisconsin, especially those in Milwaukee and its dynamic Bay View neighborhood, Panadanza Dance Company is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to connect with dance, culture, and community. Its suitability for our local community stems from its unique blend of expert instruction, cultural enrichment, and a deeply nurturing environment. The glowing review from a new student, an athlete with no prior dance experience, who found Karlies Kelley to be "FIERCE" and capable of breaking down routines for "all levels," perfectly highlights the studio's accessibility and effectiveness for diverse learners. This inclusivity is a major draw for Wisconsinites looking for welcoming spaces.

The fact that classes are "filled with body positivity and love and respect for yourself and others" speaks volumes about the studio's commitment to holistic well-being, going beyond mere physical movement. For our local community, this means a dance experience that is not only fun and educational but also empowering and emotionally supportive. Learning a new style of Latin dance each week, coupled with insights into its history, offers a rich cultural experience right here in Milwaukee, allowing locals to travel the world through rhythm without leaving their city.

Karlies Kelley's dedication to creating "safe, healing spaces for women and young people" further solidifies Panadanza's role as a vital community asset. It's a place where locals can find not just dance instruction, but also a sense of belonging, self-discovery, and joyful expression. By choosing Panadanza Dance Company, Milwaukee residents are not just enrolling in a class; they are becoming part of a vibrant, respectful, and culturally rich "dance family" that truly embodies the spirit of community and the transformative power of dance. It's clear why "Everyone deserves a little bit of Karlies Kelley in their lives!!!"

Panadanza Dance Company

2499 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA