We recently connected with Manuela Oliveira and have shared our conversation below.

Manuela , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

“It really started back in 2004 when I walked into a dance studio in Sydney, Australia, felt something shift inside me from that moment, everything changed. I met dancers who were traveling to New York and Los Angeles to train, and it sparked something in me—a lightbulb moment where I realized, ‘I want that too.’ It wasn’t too late, but I knew I had to start right then. So I dropped everything I was doing, packed my bags, and flew to New York to see if this was truly the path I wanted to pursue professionally. And from the moment I got there, I knew. Nothing else compared. That was it. I never looked back.”

Manuela , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“For readers who may not know my story, my journey began back in 2004 when I finally understood the direction I wanted my career to take. I knew that if I wanted to work with the best artists, I had to train to be my greatest. So I dropped everything and committed myself to intensive training. Starting in New York I was dancing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., recording every class, studying my footage, and then heading to the gym at 11 p.m. or even midnight to strengthen my body. That discipline helped me progress at a rapid pace. I was back and forth from Australia to New York and LA twice a year for 7years, it definitely was an investment. Throughout those years I began teaching in Australia, signed with an agent, and soon started booking professional dance jobs.

Along the way, I had to overcome major barriers—securing a U.S. work visa, then a green card, and eventually earning my American citizenship. Achieving each of those milestones was a dream come true, and something I built entirely through my craft. That dedication evolved into my identity—my brand. It’s where ‘ManuelaWorld’ was born. I never wanted to be confined to one city; I wanted to build a global presence and reach artists everywhere. And soon began achieving that goal and continue to!!

I’ve always set no limits on what I want to create. I want to work on films, stage shows, Award shows, television, music videos, and continue developing upcoming artists with my coaching program. My mission is to be someone who can guide the next generation—helping them navigate their path, their dreams, and their goals in an industry that can be as challenging as it is rewarding.”

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

“A defining moment of resilience for me was when I left everything behind in Australia and flew to New York with nothing but a dream and a suitcase. I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t have a Plan B, and I definitely didn’t have certainty. What I did have was the belief that if I wanted to stand next to the world’s best, I had to put myself in the rooms where they trained. Those first months were tough—new country, new standards, new expectations—but every challenge only reinforced that I was exactly where I needed to be. That leap of faith became the beginning of my entire career.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving force behind my creative journey is my commitment to ending the suppression that exists within the arts. I want to help dismantle the barriers that hold artists back—whether it’s access, opportunity, guidance, or belief. My mission is to create a world where every artist can thrive, flourish, and prosper, no matter where they start or where they stand. Suppression should be a thing of the past. It’s time for us, as artists and dreamers, to envision the future boldly, to create without limits, and to build an industry where everyone has the chance to rise.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Manuelaworld.com
• Instagram: @manuelaworld
• Facebook: Manuela Oliveira
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Manuelaworldproductions
• Twitter: @manuelaworld
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/manueladanceworld

Image Credits

Mike Quain Photographer
Manuela Oliveira