Ana Lollipop Sanchez

Biography:

World renowned dancer and star of the groundbreaking iconic, hip-hop culture films Breakin’ and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, and Locking & Punking/Posing/Whacking pioneer, Ana “Lollipop” Sanchez is a specialty choreographer, a proven dance educator, a true pioneer in urban dance culture, and an unrivaled source of inspiration for dancers all over the world. A natural born performer, this hot-blooded Puerto Rican-Italian possesses an unparalleled love for dance and music. Love, passion and emotional spirit are three elements that define Ana “Lollipop Sanchez.

Her parents were a constant inspiration being Salsa dancers this was Ana’s first style she encountered then soul dance moves from the mid 60’s also swing and two step from American Bandstand following with Soul Train in the 1970’s. Ana was not only passionate about learning the latest dance moves; she was determined to be one of the best that ever rocked the dance floor.

In the 1970’s Ana had the privilege of witnessing The Lockers for the first time and learned first-hand from the original members of The Lockers, other dance pioneers from Orange County like Deputy & Alpha and a plethora of Punking/Posing/Whacking originators for her were Tinker, Andrew, Arthur, Billy Starr, Viktor Manoel, and Billy Goodson, Michael Angelo with his music. A string of high profiled television appearances soon followed, culminating in a co-series regular role featured Principle Lead dancer on NBC’s “The Big Show” as well as opening acts for many artists like the legendary Tina Turner.

All Ana's hard worked paid off when she began her career as a specialty choreographer. She was given the honor of choreographing Toni Basil, whom she still works with today. Ana has also did specialty choreography for such stars as Bette Midler, Linda Ronstadt, Manhattan Transfer, Tina Turner, The Beach Boys, David Bowie, Lionel Ritchie, fashion diva Norma Kamali, and soul songstress Chaka Khan. She was featured in Chaka Khan’s critically acclaimed video “I Feel for You”, and was featured in the musical "Goosebumps" directed, produced, and written by David Winters, one of the original West side story cast members. Featured in numerous national commercial roles followed including other movies and was a feature dancer in a string of videos. Recently Ana had a feature role in the popular Disney series “Zeke and Luther.”

With over 35 years of experience as a professional dancer & teacher she loves sharing her knowledge and history to help upcoming dancers.

Victor Manoel
Viktor Manoel, aka Manoel, has been hailed as one of the pioneering luminaries of the street dance world, leading innovator of the jazz dance world, and revered athlete/fitness expert for nearly four decades. With his bold dynamism, daring, cutting edge style, and charismatic androgyny, Manoel has sought to push the boundaries as a highly acclaimed artist, performer, and dancer/choreographer, redefining and capturing the imaginations of audiences worldwide.

His influence and involvement within the whackin/punking movement would permeate throughout his transition into the dance world in the early 80's, evolving into a highly unique style of Jazz dance. His daring performances and dramatic, eye catching presence immediately grabbed the attention of such icons as Grace Jones, David Bowie, and Gloria Estefan to name a few, while launching Viktor's rise to becoming a heavily sought after dancer, choreographer, teacher, and mentor, influencing some of the leading dancers and choreographers of today.

In 1994, at the height of a buzzing career as an entertainer and choreographer, Viktor made the bold decision to walk away from his career as a performer to devote his life to his passion for health and fitness and to humanitarian efforts in honor of those fellow friends and artists whose lives were sacrificed to the rampant emergence of AIDS. Viktor would move on to launch a successful Pilates/fitness dance studio offering his one of a kind brand of fitness instruction.

"Spirituality through dance is an expression of internal passion for life. A fullness of the heart, a gift from God" - Viktor Manoel