Gregory “Da Dancer” Manning, has worked for eight years to re-define the definition of a male dancer. He has strived, and proven that dreams do come true if you work hard and believe. His inspiration is quite simple.
“Life and the art of dance,” said Manning is what inspire him.
On the outside, Manning appears to be a calm and a serene gentlemen, but on the inside his passion thrives of telling stories in an emotional creative way, and he does it not for the fame, but for those who enjoy the art of dance.
“As an African-American dancer, the stereotype (of being gay) will always be there but it is my job to change people’s minds to not see that,” said the 18-year old.
In every dance segment, he tries to portray the strength of a male figure that is pushing for a higher mark in society. Manning doesn’t want to be another male statistic, so his life is simply told on the stage where images are created to not only showcase his life, but his future as well.
The young dancer also enjoys modern dance because it is more earthly rooted and there is more bodily freedom. This type of genre also allows the dancer more creativity with forms of expression.
The next step for Manning is attending the Alvin Ailey School of Dance in New York, where he will work towards his Bachelors degree in Fine Arts.
