Viktor Manoel

Jul 19

Viktor Manoel is a Mexican-American Street Dancer, choreographer, actor, and writer. He is one of the few remaining OGs in the Street Dance Culture, playing a significant role before Waacking, as it is known today, even existed.

Since a young age, Vikor Manoel was involved in Mexican folk dance, country, and other genres, all encouraged and enjoyed by his family. However, at venues like Paradise Ballroom, he used fake IDs to truly bond with his partners in what could be considered a historical alliance that would result in a completely new and lasting way of dancing.

In a time when numerous social stigmas were associated with the LGBTQ+ community, being gay or associating with the community was not socially acceptable. Individuals had to conceal their sexual orientation and refrain from participating in events that were deemed unsuitable for their gender. However, disco clubs provided a space where dancing symbolized freedom, and the word “punk” was used as a form of self-expression, and resistance against oppression.

Viktor has showcased his talent in performances alongside artists such as Grace Jones from 1978 to 1980 or David Bowie, in the World Stadium Glass Spider Tour, Norman Iceberg, and many more.

He was featured in films such as Staying Alive directed by Sylvester Stallone, as well as Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo, Glass Spider, and Female Perversions.

He is not just knowledgeable about history; he embodies history itself. Being around him is like experiencing excellence at its peak. Over the past two decades, he has traveled the world, spreading his wealth of knowledge to this day, Viktor is still active, teaching and dancing to the younger generations.

Street Dance Roots pays tribute to his art by proudly inducting him into the Hall of Fame.