Manuel Ruiz

Argentinian-born performing artist, dance educator, choreographer, producer, and arts program director with an international background in classical ballet, musical theatre, acting, and vocal performance. Brings a decade of experience teaching children and works across a wide range of dance styles.

Artistic Director - Latinoamérica Baila

(2024)

Leads an international youth dancer agency and development program that brings young dancers to New York City during the summer for advanced training, artistic growth, and professional development.

Performing Arts Specialist - New York Edge Community Schools

(2024 - 2026)

Supports performing arts programming and student engagement in community-school settings. Created and delivered three shows for an audience of approximately 1,000 students.

Dance and Theatre Teacher - Leep Academy Bilingual Academy

(2024 - 2025)

Taught dance and theatre to students in kindergarten through Grade 5. Created 25 choreographies for approximately 500 students for the school's spring show, featuring material inspired by Matilda and Annie.

Classical Ballet Training - Olga Ferri & Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón - Buenos Aires

(2009 - 2010)

In 2009, received a 100% merit scholarship in dance from Olga Ferri and moved to Buenos Aires to study under her guidance. In 2010, was invited to continue training at the Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón. Performed in events including Swan Lake at Teatro Colón, Paquita, The Nutcracker, a tango production with Angel Prince Company, and Disney's Violetta Tour.

Finalist - Talento Argentino - Argentina

(2010 - 2010)

Participated in the Argentine talent competition, becoming a finalist with a group of dancers.

Actor - Paseo La Plaza, Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires

(2011 - 2012)

Performed in Les Misérables and Hair.

Guest Performer - International Festivals

Performed at international festivals, including the Fiesta del Litoral, in a production choreographed by Luis Marinoni for an audience of approximately 10,000.

Scholarship Recipient - Joffrey Ballet School - Chicago; New York

(2014 - 2014)

Received a 100% scholarship to Joffrey Ballet School Chicago and later transferred it to New York. Performed in The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty at the Skirball Theatre Center. Was invited to perform and choreograph at Alvin Ailey and Ballet Hispánico, and selected by Earl Mosley for a production at the Brooklyn Museum of Art reopening gala.

Producer & Director - Misiones, Argentina

(2015 - 2015)

Produced and directed Otra de Payasos and Te Encontraré de Nuevo, a tribute to Hugo Midón and Carlos Gianni presented in Misiones, Argentina, reaching more than 20,000 people.

Program Leader - Latinoamérica Baila

(2016 - 2016)

Began developing Latinoamérica Baila with international dancer Andrei Vassiliev, focusing on discovering emerging dance talent.

Creator & Producer - Falling Angel

(2017 - 2017)

Launched the international production Falling Angel, inspired by dancer Andrei Vassiliev's artistic journey, featuring Erica Cornejo, Tatiana Berenova, and Olga Pavlova.

Visitor of Honor; Distinguished Visitor - Governments of San Luis and Corrientes, Argentina; Mendoza - Argentina

(2017 - 2017)

Named a Visitor of Honor by the governments of San Luis and Corrientes, Argentina, and a Distinguished Visitor in Mendoza.

Program Creator - Latinoamérica Baila

(2018 - 2018)

The program conceived and created by Manuel Ruiz grew into an international scholarship initiative supporting pre-professional dancers.

Co-Artistic Director; Choreographer - Vassiliev Academy of Classical Ballet

After three years as Co-Artistic Director, continued as a choreographer developing productions across Latin America and Europe. His choreography Experience has been performed in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. He has choreographed participants in YAGP, the Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition, and CIALD.

Singer & Recording Artist - This Is the Moment

(2019 - 2019)

Released his first musical production and album, This Is the Moment, produced by Rodrigo Aranjuelo.

Program Relaunch - Latinoamérica Baila

(2023 - 2023)

Reopened Latinoamérica Baila following the COVID-19 period. The choreography Experience was added to the repertoire of the Ballet of Monterrey in Mexico and a company in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

International Arts Program Development - Latinoamérica Baila - New York City; Miami

(2023)

Expanded Latinoamérica Baila through pre-professional programs including Broadway Here I Come in New York City and Bailatinos in Miami, as well as a professional conservatory in the United States.

Bachelor of Arts - Saint Francis College — Special Program

Classical Ballet Training - Dance - Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón (2010 - 2010)

Classical Ballet Training - Dance - Olga Ferri (2009 - 2009)

Dance Training - Dance - Joffrey Ballet School Chicago (2014 - 2014)