Manwé Sauls-Addison, born to be an entertainer, his mother’s water broke while teaching a dance class in New York City.  Manwe spent a part of his childhood traveling with his parents throughout the country.  Leaving his theatrical footprint in each city they visited.  Returning to New York only to spread his wings and move west to attend The San Francisco School of The Arts.  During his time in San Fran, Manwe studied dance under the direction of Elvia Martha.

Manwe returned to New York after high school to continue his training at the Alvin Ailey Conservatory.  In 2000 he landed his first professional gig dancing at the Essence Awards, working with choreographer Otis Salid.  This was the point-of-no-return for Manwe.  He became a highly sought after dancer in New York City. 

Manwe’s dance and entertainment career spans over fifteen years.  He’s worked with everyone from the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson to Beyonce.  In addition to virtually having danced for everyone, Manwe also was a regularly featured dancer on six seasons of Saturday Night Live.

Eventually Manwe’s career led him to the moment he’d been waiting on, a chance to work with legendary choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson as her choreographer assistant.  Working with Ms. Gibson brought Manwe back to basics, but also allowed him to take everything he’d learned over the years and push himself to a new level.

In 2008 Manwe was approached to collaborate with playwright Tarell McCraney and director Dominic Cooke to bring the world Wig Out.  The reviews all slated that great things would come from the trio.  After the show closed, Manwe returned to the theatre, this time with his own show, 5,6,7,8.  A dance story about five dancer-friends who are given the chance of a lifetime.  The show was sold-out for its entire run.

Currently Manwe can be seen on the hit show Lip Sync Battle. he just finished his run as part of the original cast of Magic Mike Live in Las Vegas. He is also currently the Creative Director of the Suicide Girls Blackheart Burlesque world tour.

  And when you think it can’t get any better Manwe still pushes the line. finding time to motivate others as a public speaker and teacher. Teaching all over the world Manwe believes that the best way for future artist and generations to become better is for us as adults to share our experience and stories with our youth and people of other communities. Sharing his story of overcoming, struggle and discipline and believing in yourself and never giving up is one of the ways Manwe gives back. Manwe also teaches dance classes. He has taught in Japan, Israeli, Italy, London, and New York continuing to share his knowledge of dance with future generations.

While Manwe may mean peacemaker he has certainly be touted as a joy-maker through his creativity and quest to continue to be a leader and innovator, with his almost 20 plus years of experience in the theatre and dance world. When he isn’t bringing and creating joy on stage and in front of the camera, you can find him DJing at your favorite NYC hot spots.