Who is Manny Chacon?

Emanuel “Manny” Chacon is a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director from Wilmington, Delaware whose passion for movement began at a young age through the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. What started as an exploration of rhythm and discipline evolved into a lifelong devotion to storytelling through dance. A tool he has uses to educate, empower, and connect communities across the world.

While attending the University of Delaware, Manny pledged Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity, Inc., where he began performing and competing with his brothers regionally and nationally. Under the mentorship of industry choreographer J-Romeo, his technical foundation deepened and his creative voice began to take shape. After earning his degree in Marketing & Interactive Media in 2014, Manny balanced a career in higher education admissions at Cabrini University with evenings dedicated to refining his craft. Teaching, training, and performing with artists throughout Philadelphia’s vibrant dance scene.

In 2016, Manny’s journey reached a pivotal moment when he joined the world-renowned Step Afrika!, the first professional company dedicated to the art form of stepping and one of the top African-American owned dance companies in the United States. Making history as the first Latino ever cast in the company, Manny toured across 45 states and over 15 countries, engaging in cross-cultural residencies, embassy performances, and large-scale productions that bridged rhythm, history, and identity. His time with Step Afrika! reinforced his belief that dance is a global language capable of building bridges between people and cultures.

Beyond the stage, Manny has made his mark as a creator, curator, and educator. He is the founder of La Cultura Dance Collective, a company dedicated to preserving and celebrating reggaetón culture through performance, workshops, and choreography. His movement vocabulary blends Capoeira, Hip Hop, House, Afro, Dancehall, Stepping/Body Percussion, Gumboot, and Zulu, creating a vibrant fusion that embodies diversity and cultural exchange. Through La Cultura, Manny has developed programs that connect communities to the cultural roots and social messages behind popular forms of dance, making the art both accessible and meaningful.

In 2024, Manny expanded his impact by becoming the Artistic Director and Curator of the Cityfest Dance Jubilee, a city-wide festival presented by the City of Wilmington, Parks and Recreation, and Cityfest Arts. Under his direction, the Jubilee has become a growing platform for local studios, independent artists, and cultural organizations to perform, collaborate, and celebrate Wilmington’s rich dance community. His leadership in this initiative has helped spotlight homegrown talent while fostering a sense of unity across genres and generations.

Manny’s artistry has also taken him to major stages and media platforms. He has danced for artist such as Kid ’n Play, MC Lyte, Don Miguelo, Taylor Dayne, and more… appeared in national television commercials for Villanova University and Sheetz, and performed at prestigious venues including the White House and the Kennedy Center. Each experience reflects his versatility, seamlessly transitioning from theatrical stages to commercial sets while maintaining his commitment to authenticity and cultural integrity.

Today, Manny serves as the Assistant Director of Dance for Student Performing Arts at Villanova University, where he mentors young dancers, develops programming, and continues to bridge the worlds of education and performance. Through every role he takes on (performer, teacher, or director) Manny remains driven by his mission to uplift communities, celebrate cultural diversity, and use movement as a means of connection, healing, and inspiration.

Rooted in the values of culture, community, and creative excellence, Emanuel “Manny” Chacon continues to build a legacy that reminds others that dance is more than movement, it’s a reflection of life, identity, and the power of unity.