MANUEL GARRIDO was only nine when he discovered rhythmic gymnastics, though movement had been a part of him since his very first steps. While he would come to recognize his talent later, his parents saw it from the beginning. They became his guides, opening the door to a world of wonder: Cirque du Soleil.
From that moment on, there was no doubt—this little boy had found his calling. Dance came next, flowing naturally from within. Classical ballet? Not at first. But then came a teacher unlike any other—a woman whose passion burned so brightly she became his mentor, the one he still calls his second mother.
At fifteen, driven by his love for performance and the stage, Manuel began auditioning for the most prestigious schools and companies. He was accepted into the Royal Ballet in London, but chose instead to follow his family to Ecuador, where he joined the National Ballet School. There, he spent a year honing his technique and refining his stage presence, preparing for the journey ahead.
His path took him across the world:
2011 – The School of American Ballet (New York)
2012 – Canada’s National Ballet School (Toronto)
2014 – Vaganova Ballet Academy (St. Petersburg)
2015 – The Czech National Ballet (Prague)
2016 – Teatro alla Scala (Milan)
Each stop brought its own challenges—living far from loved ones, facing endless auditions, adapting to new cultures and expectations. But through it all, he remained unwavering.
Then, after years of dedication and discipline, the Paris Opera Ballet extended an invitation. It wasn’t yet a dream fulfilled, but a fragile beginning—a temporary contract in a world where only the most exceptional find their place.
What set him apart was more than talent. It was his open mind, his creativity, the personality shaped by his travels, his relentless pursuit of excellence—and above all, his passion. A few years later, he earned a permanent position within the legendary Paris Opera Ballet.
Today, Manuel dances on one of the world’s most revered stages. He embodies elegance, perseverance, and the raw emotion of movement. His international journey has gifted him with a rich cultural tapestry and a distinct artistic voice—one that weaves classical discipline with contemporary expression.
Through his art, he tells a story. One of resilience, transformation, and the timeless beauty of movement in its purest form.