Manuel GARRIDO
Dancer

Manuel received a grant to finance his participation in the prestigious Varna dance competition in Bulgaria. 

What is your artistic background ?
I started classical ballet in Spain when I was 11. Then I had the opportunity to study at some of the best ballet schools around the world: the School of American Ballet in New York, Canada’s National Ballet School in Toronto and The Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg. After my studies, I auditioned and worked as a professional ballet dancer at The Czech National Ballet in Prague, Teatro Alla Scala in Milan and currently I am working at the Opéra National de Paris.  

How do you see your profession today ?
I am very proud of my whole artistic career. I have made lots of progress and I’ve learned many things, all around the world. These wonderful and not so wonderful experiences have made me grow as an artist and definitely as a person. I think this is what is most important.  

How do you see yourself in five years ? In 10 years ?
Well, I see myself living my dream, which will be to be fully part of the Paris Opera company and dance for the whole world. I will just do what makes me happy. 

This interview was conducted in 2017
Photo credit: Céline Anaya Gautier