Panama, September 2, 2026. - Panamanian dancer José Garrido returned to Panama as a member of the German tanzmainz company and participated in the opening of the 15th issue of PRISMA-Panama's International Contemporary Dance Festival, where the group introduced Soul Chain, creation of renowned choreographer Sharon Eyal with a choreographic language characterized by precise movement, physical intensity and a close relationship between dance and music.

The presentation, held on 31 August at the Teatro Áurea Baby Torrijos of the City of Las Artes, marked Garrido's return to Panamanian scenarios after his professional career in Europe.

Garrido, from Santa Ana, began his artistic training in 2010 at the Connecciones Program, an initiative of Creative Space Foundation that uses dance as a development tool for children and youth. His performance in his program allowed him to continue his professional training abroad.

He later earned a scholarship to study his degree in dance at Codarts University of the Arts, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, where he completed his training as a dancer. After graduating, he joined tanzmainz, a contemporary dance company at Statsteater Mainz, Germany.

His participation in PRISM represented an opportunity to meet with the Panamanian public and with part of the artistic environment where his training began. He did so at this time from a new position: as an international company with a track record at the contemporary European scene.

The presence of Garrido also put into perspective the journey of young Panamanian artists who have found in artistic training a way to conduct professional careers both inside and outside the country.

The 15th issue of PRISM takes place until September 27 with the participation of companies, choreographers and artists from Panama, Europe and Ibero-America as well as training and public presentations.