Manny Viarrial began swing dancing in 1981, when he started his first west coast swing classes at Carter’s (Lovisone) Dance Studio in Denver, after having started dancing and competing in the high school dances doing street hustle. Manny decided, “This was the art I want to inspire others to love.”

He and partner, Linda, put routines together and compete around the Denver and Colorado area. In 1987, he was on a dance team through Karen Lee dance studios, performing all over Colorado and Wyoming. In 1991, the team competed at the US Open Swing Dance championships’ Team Division and Manny also competed in his first Showcase Division routine. It started his WCS competition career. He was a long-time competitor at the US Open Swing Dance Championships; and won the 2001 US Open SDC “Sophisticated Swing” routine division with his wife, Sue.

In 1993, Manny began teaching WCS on a part-time basis; and has been a full-time dance instructor since 1995.

Manny has competed in West Coast Swing but has great knowledge of, and has competed in, Rumba, Nightclub Twostep, Hustle, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Waltz and Country Two Step. Recently, Manny has been performing at many venues’ contemporary exhibitions.

Manny says that is not retired, and is still active in coaching, teaching and competing.