HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The sound of rhythmic footwork and vibrant chants fill the attic of Phoebus United Methodist Church, where the Panamanian Folkloric Group of Hampton Roads gathers to rehearse.

The group in Newport News was founded in 1992 by Aura Robinson, who moved to Virginia after her husband was relocated due to the military. Robinson first formed a folkloric dance troupe in Oklahoma in 1979 and brought that passion with her to Hampton Roads.

“My husband is in the military, and we decided to retire here,” Robinson said.

Since then, the group has been a space where Panamanian culture is celebrated and shared with the wider community. Robinson even reunited with a former member from her Oklahoma troupe after moving to Newport News.

“We started performing in 1992 and we haven't s

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