We recently connected with Emilio Manzano Sanchez and have shared our conversation below.
Emilio , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
To understand the source of my generosity, we first need to explore the environmental factors that have significantly contributed to it. I come from Colombia, a country profoundly affected by ongoing social issues like poverty, corruption, and internal conflict – these have shaped the living conditions of many Colombians, including my family and I. From a young age, I was taught the importance of respect, empathy, gratitude, and generosity, despite the challenges we faced. I believe my generosity stems from observing my family and peers. Coming from a hard-working family that struggled to make ends meet, we always found ways to support others and share the little we had. As my grandma used to say, “Donde come uno, comen tres, ” which translates to “Where one eats, three can eat,. ” and that is a lesson that has always been present throughout my entire life. Today, I continue to nurture my generosity through relationships and faith.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a professional dancer, choreographer, freestyle artist, and instructor based in Riverside, California. I have been training in dance for six years and have been teaching for the past two. Dance holds deep significance in my life. It is where I find authenticity and the freedom to be vulnerable, and serves as a powerful medium for self-expression, conveying emotions and thoughts that words often cannot capture.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of teaching is the opportunity to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and dance journeys, each distinct from my own. It is deeply rewarding to witness my students thrive, whether within the classroom or in their personal lives. I am passionate about being a source of inspiration and a guiding force, helping students progress from where they are to where they aspire to be.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that have been foundational pillars in my journey as a dancer are empathy, gratitude, and persistence. These values are not only integral to my identity as an artist but also deeply rooted in who I am as a person.
As an immigrant, I have encountered various challenges, including displacement, cultural adaptation, and social integration. These experiences have deepened my understanding of both my own path and the diverse struggles faced by others. I believe that fostering empathy requires the intentional creation of, or participation in, a community. Engaging with individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds broadens one’s perspective and nurtures empathy through shared support. Establishing a sense of belonging within a community driven by a common vision or purpose is essential in building awareness and connection.
Gratitude, to me, is a reflection of character. It is among the most profound and beautiful expressions of humanity. When I practice gratitude, I find that it strengthens relationships and fosters kindness in a world that can often feel indifferent. It provides me with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recognize the blessings that are frequently overlooked, as well as to honor the individuals who have played a role in shaping my personal and artistic journey.
Lastly, persistence is what sustains me over time, offering endurance and continuity to reach my personal and professional goals. I am committed to my vision, my values, and my passion. As a creative dancer, I intentionally surround myself with supportive friends, peers, and mentors who uplift and challenge me. My artistic expression is born from a place of vulnerability—not from a desire to impress or seek validation. My dance remains authentic to who I am, created both for myself and for those who find resonance in it. I recognize that sharing my art publicly invites both critique and rejection. However, I also understand that despite potential negative criticism, there is someone who may be inspired. That alone makes the journey worthwhile.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
A book that comes to mind would have to be “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book, originally published in 1997, is a practical guide to personal and spiritual freedom. The main idea of the book is to emphasize self-awareness, responsibility, and purposeful living. As the title states, there are four agreements which are: 1. Be Impeccable with your word; 2. Don’t take anything personal; 3. Don’t make assumptions; 4. Always do your best. Each agreement helped me gather sourceful tactics to seek clarity, emotional healing, and most importantly, living authentically.
Some of the nuggets I was able to get from each agreement, or that stuck with me, were:
1. “Or faith is so strong that the belief system controls our whole dream of life” (5).
2. “The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life” (26).
3. “You are never responsible for the actions of others; you are only responsible for you” (60).
4. “Assumptions set us up for suffering” (65).
5. “You express your divinity by being alive and by loving yourself and others. It is an expression of God to say, ‘Hey, I love you’” (85).
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilio_manzano_06/
Image Credits
Zae Vibez
Seji Gaerlan
Nicholas Shorter
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
