Based in Melbourne, Manuel is the co-director of Latin Dance Tribe, and has been teaching dance professionally and full-time since 2005, specialising in Afro-Latin dance styles, including Kizomba, Semba, Cuban Salsa, Rueda de Casino, Reggaeton and Bachata.
Known to many in the Australian Kizomba community and one of the pioneering Kizomba teachers in Australia, Manuel has featured at numerous national Kizomba festivals and has taught at highly-esteemed international Kizomba festivals such as LIKE Festival Portugal. Manuel is also co-founder and artistic director of the Australian Kizomba Festival, Australasia’s first dedicated Kizomba Festival in Melbourne.
He has a strong following in Melbourne (Kizomba Tribe Melbourne) and regularly travels around Australia, conducting Kizomba workshops, bootcamps and private lessons, hosting Kizomba parties and training/mentoring various Kizomba instructors. He is also an experienced Afro-Latin DJ (known as DJ Manny Valdez) and percussionist.
Manuel is a top-calibre teacher in every regard – renowned for his warm and friendly teaching style, clear and engaging methodology, extensive knowledge, alongside a huge dose of charisma and fun. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from and be inspired by this talented instructor!