A properly educated dancer recognizes that the lessons learned in the studio mirror those found in life. Each step forward demands balance, each stumble offers grace, and the rhythm they follow becomes the quiet pulse of personal growth. They come to understand that determination alone is not enough. True achievement requires discipline, commitment, and connection. With every level mastered, a new sense of accomplishment unfolds, along with a clearer vision of the path ahead.- Manny Cardona
Manny discovered his love of dance at the age of eight and began teaching and choreographing by sixteen. As a young dancer, he distinguished himself on the competitive circuit, earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious titles of Mister Dance of Kentucky, and Master Dance of Ohio. He performed and toured with the Dayton Ballet in productions such as Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and American Cinderella, while also appearing in theatrical works like The Wiz, Grease, and Damn Yankees.
Tap holds a special place in Manny’s heart, a passion that emerged in his teenage years and continues to shape his artistic journey. He has studied with some of the most respected names in the tap world and remains a lifelong student of the craft. His tap choreography has been consistently recognized at competitions, earning overall placements and numerous judges’ awards for its creativity, musicality, and precision.
Above all, Manny believes in a students-first approach, prioritizing the individual growth, confidence, and joy of every dancer he works with. His goal is not only to teach technique, but to inspire a lasting love of dance in each student.
