Born in France and now based in New York City, dancer and choreographer Manu Rodriguez (and frequent So.Gay collaborator and model) is making waves in the international performance scene with a style that blends fierce precision, theatricality, and unapologetic presence. Known for his heels and commercial work, Rodriguez’s choreography is rooted in powerful feminine energy and sharp musicality, pulling inspiration from jazz technique and the glossy polish of pop visuals.
A Rising Force in Performance
Rodriguez’s artistry is already turning heads. He recently choreographed for rising pop artist Impress, was a featured dancer in Kimmi Moore’s latest music video CONTROL, and lit up the stage during Broadway Bares 2025, the iconic benefit performance. This fall, he will join the much-anticipated Drag Race France: All Stars live tour, cementing his presence on the international stage.
For Rodriguez, dance is more than steps—it’s storytelling through energy. “My work blends technique and theatricality with unapologetic presence,” he explains. “As a French artist building a creative career in the U.S., I want my performances to carry both my roots and my vision for what dance can be.”
Early Recognition in an Unexpected Arena
Before his career in dance took center stage, Rodriguez first found national recognition in a very different spotlight: e-sports. As a champion of the video game Just Dance, he was featured in French media throughout the mid-2010s. His titles and appearances—including segments on the national TV program 66 Minutes and features in La Provence newspaper—helped shine light on the legitimacy of competitive dance gaming at a time when e-sports was just beginning its boom in France.
- La Provence profiled him in 2015 with the headline: “Manu, futur champion du monde ?”
- 66 Minutes aired two segments (2014 and 2016), one of which showcased his training regimen leading up to major competitions.
At the time, these features helped spread awareness about the e-sports community and educated mainstream audiences about new forms of digital competition. 66 Minutes, which reaches over 1.5 million weekly viewers, and La Provence, one of France’s most enduring newspapers, gave Rodriguez a platform that hinted at his future in front of audiences.
Building a Career in the U.S. Dance Scene
Now, Rodriguez is channeling that early spotlight into a flourishing career as a dancer and choreographer in New York. His journey is defined by a cross-continental perspective: growing up in France, breaking ground in e-sports, and now carving a path in the U.S. dance industry.
With each performance, Rodriguez fuses discipline with glamour, sharp lines with fluid storytelling. It’s this balance that has made him one of the most exciting emerging choreographers to watch.
Quick Highlights
- Choreography: Impress (2024)
- Performance: Kimmi Moore CONTROL music video, Broadway Bares 2025
- Upcoming: Drag Race France All Stars Tour (Fall 2025)
- Instagram: @manurodrigvez
From championing e-sports to embodying movement artistry on stage, Manu Rodriguez continues to expand what it means to perform. His story is one of reinvention, resilience, and relentless creativity—and it’s only just beginning.
