Testimonials from Students
Manny Viarrial has the rare ability to be BOTH a technically gifted dancer with an amazing sense of musicality AND an extraordinary dance instructor, infusing his students with his passion for dance. He puts his students first in every lesson, and the instruction becomes a magical, fun time that makes learning the steps and styling easy. I leave each class lit up like a Christmas tree. Most importantly, I know of no one with a greater commitment to the art of dance and no one more passionate about bringing joy to both his students and his audiences. He pours his heart and soul into everything he does. I am one of the lucky ones who get to study with him and my life is forever changed for the better.
~~ Mary LoVerde
“Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances.” ~~Maya Angelou
Manny is a great instructor and a wonderful caring person. My dancing ability has grown tremendously because he has taught me the dance skills needed. He believes in you from the start and doesn’t stop until you have the confidence and skills to dance and have a great time. He will help you be the dancer that you want to be. ~~ Stacy Jenks
April 1st of 2011 - May Stacy rest in peace. What courage and love she had for life. You will so be missed by all who loved you. Manny
Manny is a great dance teacher. He is a joy to know and is very patient with slow learners. He stuck with me and changing me from a hillbilly to a decent dancer. He's the best. ~~Terri Harrington
I wasn't much of a dancer, but always loved watching ballroom dancing. I decided to try, and found the perfect teacher - Manny. His patience and talent for teaching made it a joy to learn different dances. He never made me feel awkward, or inadequate, but rather he was a huge supporter of my progress. I have been learning from Manny for 12 years, and will continue for many more.
~~ Cheryl Graham
Manny could teach an elephant to dance.....He's terrific. Marvin and I have never had so much fun...We go out on the dance floor and feel great wherever we are. Manny builds confidence and makes sure that you know what you're doing...We recommend his teaching style to all of you...He's the best.
~~ Shari Medler & Marvin Kleinman
It is with pleasure that tell you about my positive experiences with Manny, as an instructor and as a person. Manny has changed my dancing by enhancing my dance skills. Technically, Manny is an expert. Manny teaches his dancers to open up to their inner spirit and learn how to move to the music. Manny will help you feel good about your dancing and your ability to dance. He is a treat to have as an instructor. Manny will help you to grow into the best possible dancer that you can possibly be.
~~ Dee Becker
Taking dance lessons from Manny has changed my life. In the three plus years of taking privates and over a year in group lessons, I have become a better dancer, but more importantly, I have become a better person.
I love learning to dance from Manny. Manny brings out the best in his students. He remembers what it was like to be a beginner dancer putting his students at ease. He teaches each student what they need to learn for their own level of dancing. Personally, my technique improves with each passing lesson and I have Manny to thank for becoming the dancer I am today. Not only is Manny the best dance coach around, but he is a true friend. Manny makes learning fun!!!
~~ Janice Hoffman
Manny has been our dance coach for nearly five years. After trying other instructors, we felt we were not satisfied with our progress in learning how to dance. We spend several hours each week with Manny, both together and separately, learning west coast swing and various forms of ballroom dance. What we enjoy the most about Manny’s teaching style is that he spends a great deal of time on proper dance technique and less time on just learning “moves”. We have found that focusing on proper technique subsequently makes any dance “move” look great. Manny is patient, informative and professional, while at the same time making our lessons so enjoyable and well worth our time and effort.
~~ Patti & Kenny Moore
Manny's unique approach to teaching should be studied by other teachers. His life is one of quite grace on and off the dance floor where he shows that anything is possible and anyone can learn to see the possibilities. He dances what he preaches, when he asks you to do something be assured that he is doing.
For proof, all you have to do is watch him dance with anyone--that is what he will teach. Manny teaches his students that dance is partnership, not just a move. He’s taught me to care about my partner, making her feel comfortable. Manny does not show you those big fancy complex freaky moves like other instructors.
He teaches his students how to dance them so they can, with timing, with style, and gracefully done. It is not about the move it is about the dance, which is why Manny is a teacher of dance, and
not an instructor. ~~ Phil O’Neill
Manny is a great dance instructor, whether it is in a group class or a couple’s lesson or in a one on one private lesson.
Manny has a great respect for each person’s level, while teaching that person to be a better dancer then that Person ever thought they could be. Manny has a talent that allows him to bring out the best in all of his students. I am proud to call Manny my dance instructor as well as my friend.
~~Fred Schneiter
Manny has been working with Martie and I for the last three years. He has encouraged my wife and I to connect on the dance floor. He makes us feel like we are learning something. My wife and I love his teaching style. Manny is a very patient and loving person. He invests so much of his time in getting my wife and I to love, connect, and enjoy what we love so much, and that is to dance.
In the loving memory of my wife, Martie, I know she would say that Manny made a big difference in our lives. It is my pleasure to have him as my coach and most importantly MY FRIEND! ~~ John Cutic
I have been a student of Manny’s since 1998. We go back to the days of Carters Dance Studio in1981. We took classes together with our instructor Jean Smith. Manny has grown so much that I decided to take up lessons in Salsa and West Coast Swing. He has helped me out so much that my dancing of today is current. It’s hard to change old habits but Manny’s patients and love for teaching has drawn me to try harder to be a good social dancer. His remarkable knowledge for teaching is amazing. I learn so much. He details everything. I know that he has my best interest at hand. He is a great Instructor and a great friend. I would recommend him to anyone that wants to be a solid dancer. Thank you Manny for the great years that you have given me. You're the Best my Friend,
~~~Jeff Sellmen
Beginning dancers prefer to take "intermediate" level classes.
Intermediate dancers prefer to take "advanced" level classes.
Advanced dancers take private lessons to work on their basics.
-Author Unknown
Nearly three years ago-as a “beginner” WCS dance student-I began taking “intermediate” classes with Manny’s Sunday evening group. Within a few months, I “graduated” to private lessons with Manny, where I ultimately began to properly learn the basics. I have found that Manny is unique in his focus on detail and technique at the basic level. This helps me to consistently advance and progress my dancing to a higher level. Today, I routinely go back to private lessons with Manny where I resume working on my basics. The lessons have helped me to evolve and improve-on my own-even during periods when I am not taking any instruction. I am also amazed to learn that the basics are so sexy…Chicks dig me now. Thanks Manny!
~~~ Rick Spielmaker
I have taken lessons from Manny for about two years. My area of expertise is competing in Country. I have a main coach in Country however working with Manny gave me a different perspective of dancing West Coast Swing. I had the pleasure of dancing with Manny in the 2009 US Open Swing Dance Championships Masters division and had a ball. I learned so much and yet became a better dancer. Manny’s ability to teach me was amazing. He pushed me to the highest level. He always wanted me to be the very best. I learned so much from him and found that I am a more confident dancer today than ever before. His love and determination inspired me to be the very best at anything in life. His generosity and love for our partnership is so valued by me. Thank you Manny for believing in Me!
~~~ Karen Mackie
Contact Manny Viarrial at: Dancemanny@aol.com or 303.521.0063