Manu Gonçalves’ Journey: A Career Built on Passion and Opportunity #StaffSpotlight

Manu Dance Instructor at DWM Galleria

Manu Gonçalves is a shining example of what can be achieved when hard work, dedication, and a passion for dance come together. During his time with Dance With Me (DWM), Manu has gone from instructor to Dance Development Coordinator, and has had a tremendous impact on our students and the entire DWM family.

Manu started dancing in Dakar, Senegal where he was born. Surrounded by art and dancing growing up, Manu fell in love with dance. It became an opportunity for him to be creative through body movement, playfulness, and partnered dance. He and some friends came together to create the first Latin Night in Dakar called “Salsa Dakar”. When he’s not leading a DWM dance line, you’ll find him exploring new music, out in nature, or traveling to learn about different cultures.

Manu dancing rhythm with a student

When asked about his success, Manu credits the support and training he has received. “Dance With Me provides its instructors with the right tools to ensure that their students make progress and reach their maximum potential with their dance career,” he says. He also appreciates the opportunities for growth within the company. He goes on to say,

“The training, the coaching, and the opportunity to work with the best in the industry helped me become a better instructor.”

Manu Gonçalves' Journey

 

Manu’s story is one of many that demonstrates DWM’s commitment to helping their team reach their full potential. Manu is proud of the culture of support and growth that DWM has created and he seen its impact on his own career. His story shows that, with the right resources, anyone can reach their goals and become the dancer they always wanted to be. DWM is a place where you can do just that – learn, grow, and take your dance career to the next level.

01 About the author

The person behind this guide

Picture of Ilia Vinikovskiy

Ilia Vinikovskiy

Born July 16, 1990, in Kiev, Ukraine, he began his journey as a Latin dancer at 8 years old. When he was 12, he won his first national championship in the Ukraine.  Ilia was only 15 years old when he was invited abroad to represent Poland and to study with top world teachers. Over the next few years he lived in various European countries such as England, Denmark, Italy, Hungary and Norway to train with top teachers and study Latin American dancing. His intense professional career led him to be very well recognized in the world of Latin dance. He has trained with world champions such as Bryan Watson, Carmen, Hans Galke, Lene and Colin James, Carolyn Smith and Graham Oswick, just to name a few.

03 Start dancing

Your first lesson is $49

Pick the studio nearest you and book an intro with a Dance With Me coach. Come alone or bring a partner — every studio starts new students the same way.

  • No partner needed
  • No experience needed
  • Private lesson with a coach

676 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10012

37 West 37th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018

27 Glen Cove Road
Greenvale, NY 11548

2029 Lemoine Ave, Ste 201
Fort Lee, NJ 07024

11600 Rock Rose Ave #110
Austin, TX 78758

600 N Shepherd Dr, Ste 405
Houston, TX 77007

1501 Lake Robbins Dr, Suite 160
The Woodlands, TX 77380

290 Grand Ave
Southlake, TX 76092

5259 Marathon Ave
Fort Worth, TX 76107

3500 Peachtree Rd, Suite 1074D
Atlanta, GA 30326

420 S Rampart Blvd #140
Las Vegas, NV 89145

Prefer to compare? See all studios on the map.

Reading about it is step one. Dancing is step two.

Book your $49 intro