It is always inspiring to meet impactful individuals who have a passion and desire for serving the community. Many times, there are many people who incorporate community service and events while focusing primarily on their career or occupation. However, Manny Chacon is quite the opposite. Long before he discovered his passion for dance, Manny Chacon’s heart was always bent towards his community.

Manny was born in Wilmington, Delaware to a mom from Puerto Rico and a dad from Guatemala.

Manny credits his parents for growing up with a strong sense of community. In particular, his mother was his primary example. Manny’s mother was a social worker within the city of Wilmington for over 20 years. Her devotion for helping people in the community extended beyond her office hours. She would often open the doors to her home for folks who needed help.

As a result, Manny developed a mindset that always hinged on putting the community first. To this day, he is always mindful of how he can represent his community as well as redefine stereotypes.

His love for people can be seen in the fact that it always bothered him when folks were mistreated due to what they look like or because of where they came from.

With his passion for the community as a foundation, all Manny needed was a career or occupation that would allow him to fulfill his purpose of serving it. As it turns out, it would be dance.

It goes without saying that Many did not have the typical journey of a dancer. He was not classically trained at a young age like others in the profession.

While growing up, Manny would tune into episodes of “America’s Next Dance Crew” and “So You Think You Can Dance”. Thus, dancing was on the radar for Manny. However, his dance journey didn’t start until he pledged into his college fraternity Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Incorporated.

Soon after he pledged into his fraternity, he would meet a man that he considers his “dance dad”, Jay Romeo. Jay allowed Manny to observe and assist on projects. As a result, Manny would learn from Jay how one can turn dancing into a career.